Did you ever notice that when it rains it pours? The more we try to do the more crazy life gets.  A great example of mayhem and chaos is during a move.  Somehow even the most organized of us get bogged down in all the packing and craziness.

Boxing stuff leads to cleaning which leads to trash and donations and the insanity of getting everything where it needs to be. Calling donation trucks, taking items to donation centers, and cleaning the mess you never knew you had until you moved things around.  

Stagnancy in life permits us to make piles, clusters and really get inundated when it is time to make a move.  Spring is moving along and so are many people. Are you one of the millions of people who will be moving this year or are in the midst of it right now? 

Clean, organize, donate, and then make sure that you remember your new address.  It’s time to lavishly living life out loud and figuring out 5 items to do before you move!

The Daunting Task Of Moving

Would you believe that some people LOVE moving because it keeps them on their toes, living with less and truly organized? I personally would like to adopt a lifestyle of living with less and have been cleaning out just to get to that point. If I don’t use it, I donate it or rid it whatever way I can!

5 Things To Do Before You Move

Moving isn’t exactly the most enjoyable of tasks, but it’s a necessary evil that sees you finding your way to greener pastures. As you box up your belongings, deal with the moving company.

Then make sure the dog and cat have a trusted sitter for moving day, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Don’t let the hustle and bustle make you forget any of the important essentials, and keep the following on your to-do list as moving day draws closer.

Change Your Address

Don’t wait to change your address until after you move because even in this world of ‘instant online’ things still take the time to catch up. You don’t want the new person moving in to have your mail right? While the USPS has made it easier to change your address with an online form, it can still take some time to process. To ensure your mail

While the USPS has made it easier to change your address with an online form, it can still take some time to process. To ensure your mail arrives at your new home with limited interruption, make sure to complete the new form at least two weeks before you make the move. That way your mail will be forwarded and the important pieces will be waiting for you come move-in day.

Cancel Recurring Payments

There’s plenty to concern yourself with when preparing for a move, but don’t let recurring charges fall to the wayside. Whether it’s your monthly food subscription or a gym membership for it’s important to take cancel them.

Some of the cancellations may require proof of move too! Be sure to cancel these in advance of your move; many subscriptions require 30-day notice or longer before services are suspended. Remember too, fitness centers often require proof of move as well as a notary signature (been there, done this)

Sell Your Car

Before your eyes bulge out of your head, please note that this isn’t applicable to everyone, but if you’re moving to a big city where parking is a nightmare, gas is costly, and public transportation is the main mode of getting around, you may want to sell your car before making the move.

I have known plenty of people who have moved and lightened up, and it has made a world of difference. Highly concentrated areas, like New York City, or transatlantic moves are a few to which I am referring.

Simplify the process is all I am suggesting.  Want to make this fast and easy and totally do not want to deal with private buyers on Craigslist?  Try selling to car buyers online. Professional car buying companies can send qualified buyers to your home to inspect your vehicle.

Since moving is so complicated on its own, finding ways to streamline the endless tasks that build up is essential to keeping your head. The age of digital, in this case, springs you ahead of the game!

Organize and Store Important Documents

As you move all of your belongings, you’ll find things go missing only to turn up in the most random of places once you’re finally in your new home. Don’t let this happen to important documentation. From wills to important bank documents containing sensitive personal information, make sure you organize and store vital documentation in a safe place.

I would suggest a little portable document safe to keep with you during the move.  Did you know that even the most trusted of moving companies have been known to misplace or lose belongings? We are all human so things happen, just don’t let it happen to you.

Collect Boxes 

This might seem like a minor task, but for many movers, it becomes a point of contention. Finding enough boxes to hold the entirety of your life (or what feels like it) can be harder than expected.  I can not tell you how many trips I made to the liquor store, only to be ‘beat out’ by someone else seeking them.

Really, aside from scouring the back alleys of department stores, you have a few other options, and you should get started collecting months before your move happens. Instead of wasting cardboard, reduce your carbon footprint and rent reusable moving boxes from a company that delivers boxes to your current address and then picks them up from your new address when you move is complete.

Move On 

Remember, you are moving on, and you need to clean up, pack up and get out of there as time is ticking.  Keep this list of 5 things to do before you move to make the whole process easier.   It’ll make the entire process smoother and save you a headache or two; moving can be an exciting life event, and reducing the stress is sure to make it more enjoyable.

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