10 Steps for a Successful Move and Relocation
By Doug Davis
Publisher: RelocationGuide.com
Step 3: Preparing for the Move
Take Inventory.
Take inventory. Starting months in advance, make a list of your belongings starting one room at a time, listing the largest items down to the smallest, grouping very small and similar things. As you go through these items, decide whether to keep it or not. And be honest, will you ever fit into those pants again? Do you really need those 8 track tapes? The more you get rid of, the less you have to move and find a place for on the other end.
Collect boxes.
If you're not getting cardboard boxes from a moving company, go around to grocery or liquor stores and ask if they have any boxes you can have, or if they'll set some aside for you. Many times they're just broken apart and taken to the dumpster anyway. While you're at it, ask if you can have any bubble wrap that may have come with the shipment. Another alternative is to buy used boxes online that are in great shape and it eliminates the need to run around looking for boxes.
Shredding.
Take that stack of old papers or statements and shred them. Save in a box or bag to use as extra packing material for when you start packing breakables.
Make Piles.
Make Piles called; Pack, Donate, Sell or Toss. For the items you'll be packing, add a notation of its condition and value for insurance purposes. For donated items, be sure to accept the receipts they give you, this will be helpful for a tax write-off. You can even go online and key in the items to find out their worth in deduction. You'll be surprise how they add up.
Keep Records.
Invest in a 3-ring binder for notes, forms and receipts so they're all in one place, and easily accessible.
Plan.
Arrange for help, and do things in advance. It inevitably takes longer than you think so don't wait for the last minute. There's nothing worse than the movers showing up and you're not packed.
The Kids.
Prepare your child(ren) for the move. They will likely be sad about all they're going to miss. Create incentives for the move, such as a new item or two for their new room, like a comforter for their bed, or a reading lamp. Leaving them boxed up until moving day keeps them fresh and exciting to the child. Have your child start an address book, and collect contact information from their friends, so they can keep in touch.