1) Set up a two pocket folder where you can keep information such as business cards, quotes, important numbers, etc.   You can also keep a digital folder of move-related items on your computer. Or, better yet, store them in the cloud so you can access them at any time from anywhere.

2) Create a floor plan of the new space (complete with measurements).  Measure your furniture, rugs and appliances (if you plan on taking any with you).  This helps ensure your items will fit in the new place, identify what you need to sell or give away, what you may need to buy and where to instruct the movers to put items at the new place.  There are floor plan programs on the Internet to download to your computer. I prefer the old pen and paper method.  How to Draw a Floor Plan to Scale on wikiHow is a helpful website.

3) Start using your stock-piled  items-like household staples, dry pantry goods and personal care products,  versus purchasing more.

4) If you couldn’t bear to do it before, NOW is the time to PURGE.   Go through every room and every closet in your house.  In other words, pare down before you pack! (See our How To Pack Smart Guide below.)

5) If you are renting take a picture of your old home after it’s been emptied and cleaned. Also take a picture of the new rental before items are moved in.

6) Change your address and set-up mail forwarding with the USPS two weeks prior to your move. Remember to also notify Amazon, PayPal, your bank, magazines you subscribe to, etc.. Schedule disconnect appointments with the cable company and other utilities. Don’t forget the lawn and pool guys!

7) If you have children or pets and are moving within the same city, hire a sitter and pack an overnight bag for each member of the family containing all their essential items.

8) Turn appliances off one day ahead of the move and clean out any liquids (such as in the bottom of the refrigerator or the tub in the washing machine).  Empty the dryer’s lint screen and secure all hoses and electrical cords. Also check the owner’s manual for any special moving instructions.

2. If you are packing your own boxes, find free or inexpensive moving boxes online. Then pack items you use the least first, e.g. knick-knacks, paintings, books, out of season clothing, etc. Use boxes with handles on the side, such as beer boxes, for books and other heavy items. Cut down on boxes by using baskets, laundry bins, hamper and suitcases to pack things in.

 3. Use a clear plastic bin instead of a cardboard box for the most frequently used items and the ones you’ll need immediately when you arrive.

 4. Wrap breakables in towels, sheets or clothing to save on bubble wrap. Pack your stemware in clean socks. Pack plates vertically, like vinyl records, with a sheet of wrapping paper in between to reduce the risk of breakages.

 5. Label boxes with the name of the room they’re going in and a list of the major items inside. When the movers arrive, give them a copy of the new floor plan and let them know each box is labeled according to the room on the plan.  Better yet, use different colored stickers for different rooms.

 A Note About the Movers: – schedule them two to four weeks before your move day. For reliable, professional, and care in handling your property, I recommend 3 Men Movers. They will make recommendations if you are moving across country. Read the fine print on the moving contracts, especially notes about additional charges and liability for breakages.

 6. Personal items such as cosmetics and toiletries need careful attention. If possible, place a cotton pad on your cosmetics to keep compacts and loose powder from either breaking or being spilled. Tightly cap, or place saran wrap or a piece of tape over the top of, liquid items. Place containers inside Ziploc bags.

 7. Don’t unpack your dresser drawers. Instead, cover them with Press ‘N Seal or the like.  Drawers can then be removed by the movers, and replaced into the unit at your destination. (Check with your movers in advance that their moving guidelines allow this time saver.)You can also use the Press ‘N Seal technique for other items, such as jewelry.

 8. Have plenty of sealable sandwich bags on hand for small items, such as mounting hardware. Use a permanent marker to label each bag.

 9. Before you disconnect any electrical item, take a picture of the back so you know where all the wires go.  Better yet, use a label maker and place a label on the cord as well as on the back of the unit at the location of the connection.

 10. Keep your clothes on their hangers and use your stretch wrap or a large garbage bag to protect them during the move.  Wardrobe boxes are extremely nice these days, and can be sealed and temporarily placed in the new attic or basement if they hold off-season or infrequently worn articles of clothing. You can also vacuum seal your out-of-season clothes.