Relocating to a new place is not a one-day matter. It involves long term planning and well-thought decisions. You need to do proper planning before you decide to move. This guide discusses important issues about moving and assures you a smooth move. Once you go through this smooth move guide, you would be able to ensure a hassle-free move.

For the sake of your benefit, we have divided the planning process into three phases. First phase begins a month before the move. Second phase is all about necessary official arrangements and the third phase includes important moving day tasks. Before we delve into the three phases of the move planning, I would like to discuss another important factor – date and time of move.

People often plan to move during vacations in schools and colleges so that kids do not need to suffer a lot. However, this may not be the right decision. Children often cope with new environment if they can interact with same age kids in schools. So moving during mid-season can be helpful for them. And if you decide to go with a moving company, don’t fix the moving date during the end of the month as that is the busiest time for the movers. To ensure a smooth move select a date before 20th of the month.

Now, decide if you can manage the whole process by yourself or you need a moving company to assist you. I would always recommend hiring a moving company as it helps in easy moving. Get a moving company for you and carry this moving guide to stay relaxed while you move. Let’s jump into the phases of planning now:

Smooth move: Phase I

It starts from a month before you move. Start performing following tasks one by one. Inform your post office about the address change; fill out the change of address forms there. You may also like to notify IRS and any other institutions about your address change. Consult your physician and inquire if your kids need any precautions to adjust the weather change. Call your insurance agent to inform the change of address. You may also like to make suitable arrangements with your bank and other financial institutions to have a smooth move.

Smooth move: Phase II

The second phase of easy moving guide discusses about how to initiate the moving process by packing up small things prior to the moving day. Make a list of all your belongings that are going to be packed by you or by the moving company. If possible take some snaps of your things so that if any accidental damage occurs, you can use these photographs during your insurance claim. Now do some arrangements for jewelries. It’s wiser to carry these things with you. Pack them properly and put inside a bag that you will be carrying in hand. Check if the gas cans, paint containers have anything flammable or not. Take out flammable fluids as carrying combustible materials by truck could go against a smooth move.

Do you have pets? You can take them in your car. Also, don’t forget to carry food, water and leash for them. It is suggested to have a bunch of paper with you if you are carrying pets in car because pets often suffer from carsickness. You can easily take the cage of your pet birds inside the car; however, take special care for the aquarium as water may spread over when the car bumps.

Now think about your plants. Will you take them to the new place or it will be good to leave them back with a neighbor or a friend? If you decide to carry them, start trimming them at least few days before the moving day. Then on the eave of your moving, place them inside cardboard container and don’t forget to make air holes on the walls of the container. Once you reach the new place, unpack your plants as early as possible.

Just one day before the moving, empty your refrigerator and put lots of paper inside it so that it does not smell. You may also like to place baking soda inside the empty refrigerator.

Now start packing your personal things. Some of these items may be used on the moving day even, like towels, slippers etc. Make a list of priority and start putting your clothes accordingly in the bags and packing boxes; the clothe that you will not be wearing in next few days should be kept at the bottom and the slipper that you may need in the moving day morning should be placed at the top.

 
Smooth move: Phase III

The third phase is all about the last minute suggestions. If you are doing it all alone, take your packing boxes and other luggage to the truck safely. Tag them properly and run a last minute check if anything is being left behind. Once everything is loaded on the truck, check it again and look if everything has been placed properly. If you have hired a moving company, be present when the tag your boxes. Do a last minute check. Pack other essential things that you have been using till the moving day morning. Recheck if the mover has your new address correctly. And now you are ready to kick start for the new place. With this move guide you have already ensured a smooth move.