Schools are almost out and this makes the best time for moving. But, the logistics of moving can be crazy, in order to help keep things straight it is good to have a “Plan”. Having a plan in place can assist in preventing unexpected problems from arising and to reduce the overall stress of moving.

Here are some tips that could save you headaches at the time of moving:

One month before moving date:
- Obtain an IRS Change of Address form. Call 1-800-829-1040. 
- Gather moving supplies, boxes, tape, and rope. 
- If moving long distance, make any necessary travel arrangements like airline, hotel, and rental car reservations, or, if driving, plan your travel route.
- Get quotes in writing from multiple moving companies, ask a lot of questions and get information about options available. If moving yourself, make truck rental reservations. 
- Finalize real estate or apartment rental needs. 
- Place Important documents such as legal, medical, school records, and insurance in a safe and accessible place. 
- Inform necessary parties of your new address (using Address Change Notification Cards) 

3 weeks from move date:
- Start taking inventory of your belongings and their worth and decide what will be coming with you to your next home.
- Start cleaning out closets, drawers and storage areas of your home and divide things into categories: “pack,” “recycle” and “give to friend.”
- Organize a moving sale or donate old items to charity. This will make packing a lot easier and you will reduce the total weight you’ll be paying for to move.
- Take pictures of rooms and areas inside the home or apartment you’ll be moving into so you can start thinking about placement of items. This will help save time, headaches…and money…on moving day.

2 weeks from move date:
- Start packing things into boxes. Figure out the logistics of the move and travel plans.
- Clearly mark fragile items and label each box with the room in the new home to which it should be delivered. 
- If you are using a professional mover find out what items are on their “non-allowable” list.
- Inform gas, electric, water, cable, local telephone and trash removal services of your move.
- Sign up for these services at your new address. 
- Recruit moving day help. 
- Confirm travel reservations and remember to make travel arrangements for your pets if you have any. 
- Arrange to close or transfer your bank account, if appropriate. 
- If you have young children, you may want to make childcare arrangements so you can be focused on moving day.
- Schedule a cleaning service, carpet cleaners and heavy items disposal if necessary for once you’ll be out of the home you’re vacating.

1 week from move date:
- Set aside valuable items and keep those with you.
- Make sure the details for paying the moving company are taken care of. Some will require money orders or cashier’s checks upon delivery; know their policy in advance to avoid stress on moving day.
- Start eating all the frozen foods you have, or give them to a neighbor or friend.
- Place necessities such as toiletries, toilet paper, rags, “must-have” cooking supplies and organize them in boxes marked “open first” so it’s easy to find the initial items you’ll want handy on those first few days of being in your new home.
- Keep a medical kit accessible.

Moving day:
- Set aside moving materials like a tape measure, pocket knife, packing boxes, tape and markers. 
- Check oil and gas in your car, if driving.
- If you have children, pack a bag of games and activities for the trip.
- If traveling, make sure you have tickets, charge cards, and other essentials. Take one last walk through and make sure nothing has been forgotten or overlooked. Also, make sure all doors and windows are locked and switches turned off, then you are on your way to your new place.
- Go back to the photos you took when you began to pack up. Now you can show the movers or those helping you unpack exactly where everything goes with photos.
-Unpack one room at a time according to basic needs starting with the kitchen and at least one bathroom…and don’t forget to make a bed as early in the day as possible.

After you’ve settled in a bit, introduce yourself to some neighbors. This way you will feel like part of the community and can get some local tips. And remember, you don’t have to unpack everything in one day, or even in one week! 
If you need more moving advice Contact Adrian or check out my moving advice page.

Welcome to your new Pembroke Pines Home!