As soon as you decide it's time THINK about a move, begin to go through your closets, garage and attic. Throw away or donate things you've been holding onto for years and you know you won't miss having. The stress of making those decisions during the move can be emotional and tiring. It was for us!

Moved almost 30 times in 48 years of marriage -- My tip is to start making a list of everything you will need the minute you arrive at the new house, i.e., toilet paper, soap, towels, dish towels, etc., and pack that into your #1 box. Yes, I even label it #1 because that's going to be the first box I unpack for all of those things you need first. Good luck!

Use it as an opportunity to PURGE!

When I moved (1) year ago, before I started packing, I took inventory of my items and I created a spreadsheet for items to be sold, donated or moved to my new residence. This made it much easier when I began the process of packing. Since I was moving to a smaller home, I narrowed down which items would go into my new space and which items would be placed in storage in the garage since I like to rotate my decorative accessories.

If you are packing and moving yourself and renting a truck, be sure to wedge the boxes into the truck very tightly and strap them in place like the professional movers do. That way, when your rental truck breaks down two hours away from your destination and needs to be towed, all your possessions won't slide to the the back, crash into each other and break by the time you arrive. ;-)

Love the idea of starting to purge just when you start THINKING about moving. Super smart. I really have to get on that. ;)

I have found just selling off the furnishings makes it so much easier. After the house has been sold, I let the buyers know that any and all furnishing are for sale. I don't mention it before or they would use it as a part of the offer. Usually, the next house has it's own identity. I just pack my suitcase and on to the next adventure;)

My last house I sold most of the furniture and wall art to the buyer .It is true most furniture is meant to stay where it was intended to be. When they moved in the house was almost turn key..

One thing to remember: this too shall pass...

Relocating (I won't use the "M" word *wink*) needs a multi-tiered approach. I've done several, well more than a few dozen, cross-country relos and local transfers of abode. Here's a few of my take always:

Veterinarian records for all animals.
Vital records & school transcripts for all children.
Vital records for all adults.
Financial records and documents.
Secure all documents in a lockable rolling weekender style case. Responsible adults know the lock combo.

Pre-arrange utility disconnects and/or transfers.

Pre-arrange USPS, APO, FPO mail routing for recurring subscriptions, desired vendor catalogs, etc.

Authorise change of address with Credit Union, Bank, Credit Card companies, Insurance companies, etc.

Take vehicle(s) in for servicing whether toodling 'round the corner or across the continent. And "gas up".

Conduct a "Key Audit".
Locate & retrieve all keys for doors & post box including duplicates with relatives & friends.

Final Walk Through *WooHoo Happy Dance*
Take a few extra minutes to check all closets & cupboards and behind room doors for any "hidden treasures".

I always like to leave on one bathroom light, one kitchen light, one hall light plus porch lights. Even if vacating during daylight hours. It is optional.

Hope this helps someone remember a few of the "minor details" :-)

And for those on PCS Orders: Keep that packet close to your heart!

If you are using a moving company be sure to designate one place that everyone knows is not to be touched. Pro movers will move everything including trash cans and their contents
Bathtub is a good place to stash your coat papers phone chargers etc. Othrwise put the important items in your car

I agree with above, good time to purge. Donate to goodwill, salvation army
" " " " , make a #1 box

We love our new house. I plan on living here forever, but if i had to move again, could someone just _______ me...please

Get all your keys and documents and keep them safe. Extract all records from schools, doctors, etc well ahead of time.
Inventory. Keep the inventory on a computer so for the next move, you just update it.
Label all boxes with where they are going, otherwise your cookbooks, kids books and coffee table books will all be labeled "books" and the movers will put them on random bookshelves.
Have a kit for the first day in the new house. Food and drinks so you can have lunch when the movers are still there. TP, toiletries, etc.
Designate a place for stuff the movers aren't supposed to touch. Make it clear.
Number one rule, on the day of the move, empty the trash bins.

I broke all the rules in m first move. My toddler grabbed the keys to my luggage and ran off with them, dropped them somewhere. We found them in a ski boot a year later (moved to a country with no snow). We had to buy a hack saw and saw off the lock of my trunk so it could be packed with the toddler toys that were going to get us through the hotel stay.

After the movers had packed up and shipped our stuff to storage, we found out that we needed birth and marriage certificates for the visas. Our stuff was in Germany, we were in the US and the documents were needed in the UK. It was Christmas and getting new copies Fed Exed was tricky.

Thanks to my mother telling me about trash cans, I rescued the full diaper pail that the movers had packed and put in the truck. We didn't move into our new house for 4 months (int'l move, new department hadn't decided in what city my husband's permanent office would be). Can you imagine how all of our household goods would have smelled after 4 months?

International moves: Start several months in advance

Know what you can move and what you can't. Get the movers to tell you this, as most will happily move stuff which is officially forbidden (alcohol is usually on this list, even if both move to and move from countries produce, import and consume lots of it). If they won't move the booze, throw a party.

Give away your plants.

Find out and plan for the international health certificates for the pets, transporting them.

Get the movers to assess what import/expert permits are needed several months in advance. You'd be surprised at what some countries call "art" or "heritage."

Sell your car.

Make sure you can get enough cash in your new country for big expenses, like your house rental payment. It helps to have an international bank.

Get on waiting lists for schools as soon as possible. At least 6 months in advance, for an embassy-run Anglo-American school.

Start learning the language.

I don't often ask friends for assistance, but on moving day I do. I set aside our picnic basket which has plates/cutlery/cups/napkins etc and ask a friend to grab some chicken, salads and bread rolls and drop it off at lunch time. Makes things super easy.

Also, be specific when marking your boxes. 'Kitchen' could be plates or appliances or platters or Tupperware or cutlery etc.

When we moved from our apt to house our girls were 1 & 3. We packed each a box clothes & pj's (we did 2 days worth) favorite stuffed animal, blanket, toothbrush, diapers & wipes for the youngest and a toy. That way we knew everything they needed was in that spot. I'm not a very organized person so this help us a lot. We know have 4 kids and I will do this again, hopefully soon!

I moved after having been in my house for 13 years. The thing that astonished me in the moving process was just how much of the stuff in our basement and garage was actually trash. Take a close look at everything that hasn't been used in a year and ask yourself "is this worth the price, time, & trouble to move?".

We now have a strict one in, one out rule. If we're replacing something the old one goes. If it's not being replaced but going into the back of a closet, the garage, or the basement we now ask ourselves if a consignment shop or the dump is a more appropriate destination.

If you are not moving via corporate transfers, it is very wise to totally check out your van company. Setting aside all the wise suggestions above, the mover is primary in my book. I have moved numerous times due to my husband's job and had the pleasure of not even packing.....BUT...this last move was when he retired..no more perks. I still contacted moving van companies to see their process of packing, storage - if necessary, and INSURANCE. This time around I packed all items that were not considered precious. I had the moving van company pack the rest of our belongings. WHY? You really want insurance that replaces the item damaged or lost...not replacement value. Attack your house with a vengeance and get rid of all things of no personal or intrinsic value. Keep a manifest of your own!!!!!!!!!! I actually used shredded paper from our home office....and was allowed to use "used" boxes from the company I chose to move us. It is tedious and tiring but take your time...keep track of EVERY THING...and give yourself a break once in awhile.

If you are putting stuff in storage be VERY careful of packing it up on a damp, rainy day. The professional moving company moved our things into storage when we moved up to the Arctic for 2 1/2 years. It was a drizzly day and we didn't think twice about that.
After 2 1/2 years we had our contents shipped to British Columbia for our next venture; unpacked, and set up house. And got very, very sick from a strange smell in the house.
It turned out that every "soft" surface we had packed away had grown a mold colony- unfinished backs of furniture, the mattresses, couches, camping supplies- EVERYTHING that could grow mold, did. Thankfully we had paid to insure our goods while we were gone, as we had to replace almost everything we had stored.
With regards to company packed moves, as this was- stay with the movers to closely supervise the packing- things can get stolen :)

hlmarion: how sad about your experience. When we made our final move as stated in a blog above....I chose a moving company with a major insurance policy for replacement not present value...I hope that was your experience. Also, we had to also go into storage so I inspected the facility and it was totally temperature controlled and had periodic inspections of our belongings. We were fortunate. Totally agree that you NEVER leave the house when the packers are there!!!!!!!!!!! I went as far as to have an agreement signed that every one must speak English...a bit over the top I realize...but I did the moving as my husband was still traveling. Every one in any of my homes were in this country legally or citizens and had to speak English so I was on top of EVERYTHING. Moving, especially inter-state or internationally, is taunting so be very careful and get what you demand.

Group everything by item type or room, and box using the pre-labeled tape that comes in different colors (you can find it at UHaul or Office Depot) to keep this organized during the move and while you unpack.

i love the "purge" idea too. I have WAY too much "stuff" . My realtor told me in order to get ready to show my house I would have to touch everything. So I did. Then when I got ready to move the same realtor said I would have to touch it again. Boy did I purge. Now that I am in my new home I will purge again as I see what works and what does not.

Good ideas for box sources: Eggland egg boxes, or any egg boxes. For your art work: call a bicycle shop and ask them to save you some of the boxes that the bikes come in. They are long and tall and you can put cardboard between the pictures.

After moving inter state a couple of years ago and having my belongings widely dispersed around the country and / or lost between warehouzz : ) Too many items just disappeared. I roundly chastised the moving company C.E.O. ( Only ever talk to the boss) My recommendations to them were apparently adopted, but they won't get another opportunity from moi. Best you D.I.Y. if its a small job, but generally I' d say; Get a recommended professional Mover to do it, keep a written inventory and and have adequate comprehensive insurance.

Don't let hubby turn all your new furniture upside down to move it because it slides more easily, and don't let him do it to the wash machine because the knobs break off, and have the phone in your hand ready and willing to dial your lawyer when the removalists announce they are going to leave all your furniture on your new front lawn. Oh and don't let them throw boxes to each other.

Wrap all your fragile items with paper towels, not newspaper. As you are unpacking, the paper towels can be used to clean where newspapers just get tossed or recycled. Also, go to the local liquor store and ask for boxes that have dividers, like the ones used for bottles. Each compartment can hold a glass or two, a vase, anything that can fit into the slots without being wrapped at all.

Make sure the people moving you have an established, reputable company. I didn't know who to hire the first time I moved and I picked a company out of the yellow pages. I took the greatest care wrapping all my cream colored furniture in plastic so the movers would not get it dirty and when I arrived at my new home all the plastic was off. Much to my horror was they way they removed it. Believe it or not they took a knife for cutting open boxes and ripped off the plastic that way. In doing so they slashed the material on my brand new sofa and chairs. Everything they touched had dirty fingerprints all over it. Be careful who you choose to move you.

Treat your movers well and most of them will take good care of you. There are stinkers in every business, but the ones I know always comment about how nice some clients are. Clean all the jewelry and coins from your dresser drawers...all the movers I know have stories about knowing someone who lifted items from a job.

Tipping at the end is always nice, but does nothing for starting the day off with everyone in a good frame of mind. Spending a few bucks on a case of water, a couple 12 packs of soda and a bag of ice is an excellent investment.

Figure out who the head honcho is (the driver on a long haul) and talk with him about your concerns. If you have special items you want treated with extra care, discuss that at the beginning of the job. If you have items you don't worry about, pack them yourself as the packers will pack everything very carefully...do you really need plastic cups wrapped in packing paper? You'll save on buying boxes but the items won't be covered under the same insurance. Put books and cds in small boxes...they get heavy fast!

Everything needs to be in a closed container, not open top boxes. Don't overload boxes, the tops should close easily. Tape the lids down on any plastic storage bins. If you are doing the move yourself, buy a few rolls of shrinkwrap and wrap any dressers, cabinets, appliances etc so no doors or drawers will open accidentally. Place small parts in a bag and tape to the item and shrink wrap awkward items like bed rails.

Make sure you have tools for taking apart and reassembling items as necessary. Tape the IKEA allen key to the bed frame with the parts. Have a hammer. screwdrivers and pliers available as you might end up taking a door off its hinges.

Great suggestions above. Having just moved, here are a couple additional ideas: (1) use your cell phone and take a picture of box contents before you seal the box and after you seal the box (take a pic of the label); (2) don't just label the box where it's going TO, label where it came FROM in your old home, (3) take a picture of the big, awkward items before they're loaded into the truck as an inventory (e.g. rugs, bikes, exercise equipment, lawn furniture) and make sure all those items come off the truck (in a prior move, my stair climber disappeared and we didn't realize it until days after the movers were gone--it was recovered months later when a local fencing operation was busted); (4) if you have a series of boxes containing the same type items (e.g. wine glasses, fancy china, books), mark the boxes 1ofX item, 2ofX item and so on...this will help keep the boxes together upon arrival and ensure none are missing at the other end; (5) never, EVER allow the movers to touch your irreplaceable items ... expensive jewelry, your computers and back-up drives, china, crystal & silver, important files, tax/business records, sentimental family items, etc. Pack and move those items yourself - never let them out of your sight. Label them carefully, but don't put "Mom's silver service" on the box - devise a labeling code scheme if you need to.

Relocating is a hectic and stressful time, when confusion seems to rule. However, there is no need to panic. I have a solution for you. You can get it all done by choosing the expert packers and movers. There are many companies out there who can help you out. But, choose a right and cheap company is an important task. Though this seems to be little bit daunting but if you make an effort then surely you will come across some well known name like http://www.fairpricemovers.com/moving-services/ etc. that are specialist in this field. After hiring them, be relaxed as they will pack your entire valuable, label them, so that you have a hassle free packing and unpacking.

Old thread.

thanks for sharing such a nice information. Great share keep it updating. Click here for packers and movers http://www.findmovers.in/top-packers-and-movers-in-thane

Nice information.
Thanks for sharing this.

http://www.packersmoversdirectory.in/packers-movers-chandigarh.html

- Start decluttering every time you open a cabinet/closet from the moment you know you will leave. Have some boxes for donations and soon you will have them full. Declutter again when packing. Declutter again when unpacking.
- When packing, label each box/bag with the destination room and the main content and assign a number. Make an inventory list where you can add more details about the contents. Use this list to prioritize unpacking and to find specific items before finishing unpacking.
- Pack one bag with clothes for one week, that way you will have a week to unpack your clothes.
- Pack one box with ingredients for easy meals and plastic dishes so you can prepare some meals before finishing unpacking. This is important if your new kitchen is not cooking-ready by the time you move.
- Pack in advance an important records/items box and have it in your car instead of the moving truck.
- Declutter again some weeks after moving whenever you find yourself rearranging stuff.

Sell EVERYTHING . . . except you favorite fly rod.

If you are moving yourself, invest in proper packing materials and boxes. You will save your sanity. If movers are doing it, get rid of the junk before they come to give you an estimate and make sure they have good insurance.

Love Mark Bischak's remark. But seriously, do get rid of stuff you haven't used for quite some time. I tried but in vain......useless things moved with me with every move and often stayed in the original packing box. adivra is right on the money!

Also, if you are hiring a reputable movie van company, they will supply your moving supplies. Keep an eye on them. And have proper insurance. We always fed our crew lunch...so they did not leave the house till it was the end of the work day.

If you are moving yourself....you can ask a moving van company for used boxes. It used to be that they could only be used twice. I have done this with every move even when the company was packing me. I used the boxed for things I was taking with me.

Also, shredding papers you need to get rid of can be used for packing material. There are all sorts of tricks. Good luck if you are moving.

I echo joyfulgramma on one thing....the first box. I put a big sticker on it, and it is the last box in, and the first box out.
It generally contains the following:
Toolbox, two coffee cups for me and hubby, small coffee pot, bottle opener/corkscrew, toilet paper, a few dishcloths/cleaning rags, and a roll of paper towels.
Other than that, as someone who has moved a lot, the best moving preparation is also the best preparation from an insurance situation. I have a spreadsheet with everything of value in my house, itemized and its replacement value listed. (Clothes, ordinary books and the like are just listed as line items with approximate replacement value for the lots.) I periodically revise the list as needed. I also keep a file folder with papers related to my property.
My other best friend is my shredder. I have found the biggest roadblock when moving, is unnecessary paperwork and other junk that I put off dealing with. I got into the habit of being ruthless about what stays and what goes, and I shred frequently...

I was serious.

If you are moving a relatively short distance or just to another part of town, I would advise moving one room at a time. Otherwise, it is so frustrating to look for kitchen items, clothing, and important items that someone packed away and "hid" from you, and that is why I changed to the method of setting up one room at a time. When I moved as a single person, I would load up my car the previous night, work the next day, drive to my new apartment after work, and place the items in their "new home." Then, I would return to the original place, load the car again, and repeat the process if I had time in the evening. Otherwise, I would pack items that would remain in the car overnight, and I would repeat the process the next day. It was so much less confusing to move this way.

buy the right sized boxes. biggest mistake I see, people pack these huge boxes that no one can lift.. buy wardrobe boxes for your closets, and put comforters and pillows in the bottom. dont buy boxes with the silly glass dividers, or bubble wraps. get white and brown paper. purchase moving pads, they are great. include an unpack in your moving bid. contact a debris removal place pre move, and they will come get your boxes. dont move stuff you havent used since the last time you took it out of a box. have a yard sale. And most of all BE READY when the movers show up. So many people are not, and "still have things to pack" the day of, end up running around all day. If you are moving yourself. book your truck as soon as possible. Hire people you trust.

I wrap a strip of colored tape around boxes that contain breakable items. Last move, I used orange duct tape--easy to see. Tell the movers whatever system you use so they know it too. Make sure the content is wrapped well, but if they know it is breakable, the movers are often more mindful of the items.

And while duct tape is a marvelous thing, don't use it to tape the bottom of a box; it just does not stick to cardboard very well. (Hubby learned that years ago!)

Sheilaskb, I, too, have used that method to move, since we weren't moving very far. Within a week or less, we had everything put away, boxes taken to recycling, curtains were hung, and we felt settled and comfortable, and I only missed part of a day at work to get this all done! (No kids or pets!) I suggest making some meals for the freezer, for those busy days surrounding your move.

There are so many good recommendations here. I have a few to add. Make sure rolled oriental rugs are wrapped in paper or bubble wrap before taping. Taping directly on the rug can tear the fringe. My second tip: Zip bags. I use tons of 1 gallon, 2 gallon, and XXL Bags to corral things from drawers. Use them for small items that can get lost in packing paper. Use old shoe boxes for your flatware so that you don't lose any pieces. Lock your purse, jewelry, and important documents in the car and wear a lanyard around your neck with your keys. Happy moving!

Don't try taking on this move yourself. Fortunately, I relocated with my employer so they picked up the tab. From Milwaukee to Houston, including 1 vehicle transport, $25k. If you're able to find this angle all the best to you!

I haven't read all of the other comments, so forgive me if these suggestions have already been made.

1. Get the 2' rolls of self-adhesive plastic like a contractor uses to not trek dirt on your floor. Cover all main traffic areas and central areas of all rooms. It's worth $30 in protection to not be yelling at the movers about their wet shoes when it's raining.

2. Start packing out of season items & things you can just do without as soon you know you're moving. You don't have to do it all in a week, just as you have time. As you pack a box, number it and make a list in a notebook what is in that numbered box.

3. If you're having friends help you-be organized timewise the day of your move. If you have enough people, have some bringing the boxes in and others unpacking as you go.

Last time we moved, my super-wife had been packing for the previous 8 months(while we were renting & looking for a house to buy) as she had time with 3 little kids. 90% of what we had was moved by me and my work's box truck with about 10 other guys in one day. We started loading about 8am, got the bulk of it to the other house by 10am, started unloading while her friends unpacked boxes and put stuff away in cabinets & dressers we brought in & set up. By noon we were nearly done & took a nice long social break to eat with all the nice people helping, and by 3pm we were 99% unpacked(except for the small incidentals we forgot about getting out earlier. The most relaxing moving experience I've had.

I have helped many many friends move because of the truck & other equipment I have, and I have to agree with one comment I saw early on in the thread-I'm not there to pack up your stuff. I will load it on the truck and unload it at the other house, even help you unpack in an organized way-but you have to have a vision already in your head. I don't want to be in charge of your move. I'm just the muscle if it's not my house. ;) Oh-and if you think I'm going to spend an 8am-8pm day moving your stuff...I really would rather be home by at least 5pm with my kids!

One more thing-have one 'lazy' logistics person that isn't doing much manual labor at all to stand by the door and direct operations of the move. Yes, we will give them a hard time for "not doing anything", but that is an incredible help to the muscle. In our case, it was my wife and one of her friends directing traffic...

Smooth Move has over 17
years’ experience in moving and packing. We offer affordable professional
moving and packing. Local and long distance moving available. We have hourly
rates and we also offer free in home estimates. You will be quoted a flat rate.
The price quoted is the total cost of your move. This way you can budget for
your moving cost and you don't have to worry about any hidden cost other moving
companies have. Call 513 481-1316 and ask for your free estimate.
A Smooth Move

My advice is that when you move from one house to another, throw away all the crap. We, the people are very sentimental when it comes to leaving something or someone behind. I remember me when I moved before, I packed all the crap that I thought will be useful someday but it ends up with taking space. I was packing even a few screws that I found in the garage. This all changed when I had to move fast from my former apartment. I couldn't make it to pack all my things in one day so I called a moving company. I told them to pack only the necessary and they did that. I noticed how easy it was to unpack and to arrange them in the new house. And I never really needed the things left in the old house although I remember them. If you'll need to move, under every possible circumstance, contact Eagles State to State Moving ( https://eaglestatetostatemoving.com/last-minute-movers/ ).

When you get to the new place, early on in the unpacking, set up and make all the beds. When you’re exhausted at the end of the day and ready to call it quits, you’ll be very grateful to have a bed all ready to fall into!