Moving can be a sometimes demanding, stressful, or downright frustrating experience. However, proper planning can make your move a smoother process. A move can also be costly. Expenses incurred during a move can add up quite quickly and unexpectedly. Just as proper planning can make a move easier, using your head can also mean saving money during your move.

When looking for packing supplies, first ask any friends who have recently moved if they have any they can give or sell to you. If not, then look online or at bargain outlet centers, as you may be able to find the same products for much cheaper than department stores. Also, use old newspapers or tissue paper for packing material, as this will save you from having to purchase packing material.

If using a moving truck, then a common option made available is the use of a trailer for the vehicle. If deciding to use a trailer, the type of trailer you choose will impact the method and level of ease of your transport, as well as determine the amount of exposure your vehicle will face during transport. Be sure to spend sufficient time and effort when choosing what type of trailer will be best for your vehicle. Sometimes, the mover will have too many vehicles to transport, or will not be comfortable enough driving the trailer, so this option will again not do.

Another option available to you is to hire a vehicle moving company. Most auto transport companies provide door-to-door service, meaning that they will pick up and deliver your vehicle as close to your specified address as possible. This does not necessarily mean that they can deliver your vehicle to your front door, as many trucks and trailers cannot travel down narrow residential streets. Most likely, your transporter will request that you meet them at a nearby parking lot to load and unload your car. You will need to be able to be somewhat flexible with your timeframe and ensure that either you or an authorized representative are available to release your car to the driver.

Children can have a difficult time with moving due to certain attachments they have made such as friends, routines and surroundings. Preparing them well in advance for the move and discussing the positive reasons for the move can make the process easier for you and them. If it is possible, show the children the new neighborhood and home to familiarize them with the new location. Get them involved with the process such as organizing and packing.

Depending upon the age of the children it is best to have relatives or a friend take care of them on moving day. If this is not possible make sure you design a plan to have their favorite toys or games at your disposal to keep them entertained on that day. Keep the children in one room so they are out of the way and nothing could be dropped on them and to prevent them or others from getting hurt. Older children can help with the move by carrying items that are light and non-breakable.

Once all of the items are moved into the home it is best to organize the children’s rooms first. Let them help with the decorating and organization of the room. Try to maintain all routines with the children to help with the adjustment period. Encourage them to make new friends. Having a house warming party will help you as well as the children get to know your neighbors and the neighborhood.

Remember, this time is an adjustment period for you as well as the children. Stay involved with your children and let them get involved in activities they enjoy. Make sure above all else you are talking with your children and they feel they can come to you to talk.

6-8 Weeks Before Moving Day

• Clean out all of the typical storage areas, garage, storage shed, basement and attic.
• Create a file for all moving documentation to keep in one location.
• Make arrangements to have your children’s school records sent to the new school.
• Contact your insurance company to notify them of the move.
• If you are currently renting verify with the landlord when he/she needs notice of your move to make sure you have enough time to give notice.
• Start comparison shopping for a moving company or moving truck. Check their pricing as well as availability for the date you are planning the move.
• Start organizing and removing all items you do not intend to keep or use. You can organize a garage sale, donate items to charity, give items to friends or throw things away.
• Get copies of all records you will need from you attorney, doctor, school, veterinarian, etc.
• Cancel any clubs or memberships you will no loner need at the new home that cannot be transferred.

There are a few simple things you can do to make moving a far smoother process. One of the most important things to do is to manage your time wisely. This is where packing ahead of time becomes important.

Create a time frame as to when you will be able to pack certain groups of items in your home. For the most part, almost everything can be packed away as long as enough is left out for what you will need, such as clothes, food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, etc.

There may be entire rooms in your home that can be packed up days before you move. Alternatively, you may need access to most of your things right up until moving day, perhaps for business purposes. If so, go through closets, storage areas, and cabinets. Get all that stuff that you don’t use daily.

Going through your things in advance also gives you a good opportunity to clear out the things you will not want to bring with you. It gives you a better idea of how much stuff you need to get rid of. You may decide to have a garage sale before you move due to the amount of things you want to divest yourself of.

Pack up all your decorations ahead of time, as well. Pictures, vases, statuettes, and other such items can all be packed away with no problem.

Pack up any movies you will not want to watch, books you are not reading, and music you will not need until after the move.

Remember, the more you pack prior to moving day, the easier your moving day will be!

Here is some more helpful advice to make sure your moving day doesn’t become a nightmare:

Say goodbye to whatever you don’t really use. Give it away, sell it, throw it away, or leave it behind, but don’t waste time and space with the things you don’t need anymore.

Have all the utilities turned on a couple days before the move. Something may happen and they may be a day late, so this helps ensure you will have electricity and water in your new home when you get there.

Clearly label all the boxes you have packed. Label by room and contents.

Pack a few boxes with essentials that you may need upon arrival, such as food, drinks, toiletries, and cleaning supplies.

Keep your valuables and personal documents in a safe place at all times throughout your move.

Clean any furniture before it is taken inside the new house. You don’t want to bring dirt and dust into your home with your furniture.

Have a plan as to where your furniture should go in the new house. When moving your furniture into your new home, place it exactly where you want it the first time.

Good luck in your new home!