4 Must-Include Items for Your Moving To Do List

There are few things in life as stressful as a move. In addition to possibly switching jobs, schools and/or states, you have the physically exhausting job of packing up your things, getting them to your new place and then putting everything in its new space.

If you felt tired just reading that, it is totally understandable. But fortunately, the following strategies and including these important items on your to-do list will help:

Create a Detailed Task and Time Schedule

It’s totally understandable that after a long day at work you would rather binge watch that new show on Netflix than pack up your guest room—especially since you are not moving for a couple of months. While it is easy to put things off, avoid any last-minute panic by determining how much time you have to devote to sorting and packing, and then start as early as you can. Generously estimate how long you think it will take to pack up each room and then create a schedule with some added time built in. Ideally, you should start this process at least a month before moving day. Make sure to write down a moving checklist so that you can have everything sorted out nicely.

Plan for Transferring Utilities

Don’t wait until you pack up your laptop, television and appliances before thinking about transferring utilities to your new home. To switch utilities in the most efficient way possible, make a list of everything you will need to transfer and then call each company at least two weeks before moving. Transferring cable and transferring your electric service well ahead of time will not only knock this important to-do item off your list early, but it will help ensure that everything is up and running when you arrive at your new place.

Pack Important Papers in a Clear Tote

Most people are amazed at how much “stuff” they have acquired, and will be astonished at the large pile of cardboard boxes that are waiting to go into the moving van. As you pack, place all important papers in a clear bin or one that is very distinctive in color—this way, your tax documents, insurance information, passport and other crucial paperwork will not be lost in a mountain of brown cardboard boxes. The good news? You can start setting aside these papers now, and then when moving day comes along, take this clear bin in your car so everything stays safe and secure.

Color Code Your Boxes

As you pack up each room, use a different colored marker and/or packing tape to label and seal up the boxes. This way, you can easily spot the blue “master bedroom” boxes in the pile that is unloaded in your new home without having to read through the sides of dozens of boxes. If you have a large number of boxes from a certain room, you can even skip writing “kitchen” or “family room” over and over by drawing a large colored dot or scribbling the assigned color on the sides of the boxes. Just be sure to jot down your color code in your phone or on a piece of paper so you can easily reference it when you arrive at your new home.

Proactive Planning is Key to a Peaceful Move

Some parts of moving cannot really be avoided—like putting your dishes and mugs into boxes and carefully wrapping up photos and other keepsakes. But by being proactive and creating and sticking to a schedule, tackling as much as you can ahead of time, putting key documents into a special box and color-coding your boxes, the packing process will go as smoothly as possible.