A Moving Experience

A checklist to reduce your stress. By Jan Leaf, Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty

Moving is often a stressful experience even when all goes as planned. There is no magic formula for making moving fun, but there are things to do to make the process as smooth as possible.

Here are a few tips from styleathome.com that can help save time and reduce stress when moving:

Picking the right transportation: You will want to make sure that whatever transportation you choose has enough room for all of your things, especially if the move is far enough that you only want to make one trip. Generally, the contents of a one-bedroom apartment will fit in a 16- foot truck, while two or three bedrooms usually fit in a 24 or 26-foot truck. Research and hire a mover 6 weeks before the big day.

Get the little stuff out of the way:

1. Fill out a “change of address” form at your post office 2 to 3 weeks before you move.

2. Notify utility services two weeks prior to you move.

3. Schedule them to turn off at your old home the day after you leave and turn on the power at your new home a couple of days before you get there.

4. Call a locksmith and arrange to have the locks changed on moving day.

5. Schedule a cleaning company to clean the new home and steam clean the carpets a day or two before move in.

6. Change addresses with creditors and financial services.

7.Research cable, Internet and phone providers in new area and set up appointments for service installation.

8. Preorder new checks with your change of address.

9. Fill and transfer prescriptions a week before.

10. Withdraw cash for unexpected expenses during the move.

11.Properly dispose of flammable items that can’t be transported.

12.Set up account with new bank, if necessary.

13.Unplug and defrost refrigerator 1-2 days before move.

14. Empty gas out of lawn mower and weed eater.

15. Back up all computers.

Communicate: Once you have a plan, make sure your movers are aware of your requirements. The more information they have about the situation, the less time they will require and the more prepared they will be.

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