Finding the home of your dreams is fun and exciting. Preparing to leave the old one can be a bigger task then expected. Starting weeks ahead of the move and being organized is the key. Here are some ideas to help you prepare and simplify the process.

Items you may need:

• Boxes
• Bubble Wrap
• Packaging Tape
• Markers
• Moving Company (or friends and family)

Purge – Packing items you don’t need is a big waste of time, box space, and moving manpower. Take the time to go through drawers, cabinets, closets and be honest with yourself about what you need and no longer use. If it is something you haven’t worn in the past 12 months it should go! Some items could be sold, some trashed, and others donated to your local Goodwill or shelter.

Clean – Once you have eliminated the items you no longer need, give everything in the house a good dusting. You will be very grateful to have clean items to unpack after a long day of moving. This is one step that is better to do now, rather than later!

Create a system – Devise a packing plan and schedule. If time allows, plan on packing one room every 2-3 days. If you are in a time crunch, order some pizza and host a packing party for your friends. Start by packing the items you use most infrequently. Be sure that each box is sealed tight with packaging tape and clearly labeled. Always label the box on more than one side so finding its new location will be easy!

Packing pointers – Even if you’re not moving far, wrap delicate items in bubble wrap and label as fragile. Fill each box to the top to avoid having it smashed during transit, but don’t over-pack. Over-packing a box can put your items at risk of being damaged. If it is an option, you may want to keep valuable, irreplaceable items with you rather than the movers. Also create a plan on how to move un-packable items, such as pets, plants, etc.

Use it or lose it – Start using the items you can’t or won’t want to pack, like frozen and perishable foods.

Not to be forgotten – Aside from the physical work involved in preparing for a move, there are other important tasks that require your attention prior to moving day. File a change of address form with the postal service, forward medical records and children’s school records, arrange time off work to move, clean out safe deposit box, refill necessary prescriptions and consider a tune up on your car, especially if you will be driving a long distance for the move. The last thing you need is a roadside break-down!

On your way out the door – Keep a box or two for the very last day. As you go through your home one more time, you are bound to find a few missed items and items that you used up to moving day. Pack these remaining things to take along with you or ship to your new home.

A little planning will help you and your family to navigate the thrills and frustrations of moving and get you well on your way to having fun and making memories in your new home!

Relocating to Maryland or Pennsylvania? Take a look at our relocation services to help you with all your needs in the search of a new home.