Moving to most people is a hideous and tedious chore — or at least it is to me. In the past fourteen years, I’ve moved to and from five different states; sometimes with the luxury of a moving van, sometimes with whatever I can cram into my two-door, and once with a pickup truck. It never gets easy, but with a few tips you can at least make it easier.
The key, I believe, is to plan as far in advance as possible and to start packing as far in advance as possible. Make a list of the things you need to do, including calling the phone, cable, and electric company, and going to the post office to fill out a “change of address” form. These are simple and free, and you can drop them off right there in the post office before you leave.
Who will need your new address? everyone who sends mail to you, of course. I know that sounds obvious, but really think about all the places your bills come from: the place you send your car payment will need to know, as will your insurance companies (this includes your health insurance), the cable or satellite company (don’t forgot to either cancel the service, or have it switched over to your new place), your doctor’s office(s), internet service provider, student loans, your bank, and so on. Before you move and when you sit down to pay your bills it is a good idea to call the same place you are writing a check to that month. That way you know it is taken care of in advance and it will be one less thing to worry about.
If you are renting a truck (you lucky duck!) reserve the truck at least a month in advance. You can either purchase boxes or go searching for them on your own. The grocery store and mass merchandising stores (Wal-Mart, Target, K-Mart, etc.) are your best bet, though most of these places will break their boxes down so ask a staff member when the best time to show up for boxes is, and be prepared to get up early in the morning. Or ask if they can save boxes for you at a designated location within the store. Most people are happy to fill a shopping cart with boxes and leave them at the front desk for you, so don’t be shy.
Invest in a big black marker and label every single box. Don’t assume you’ll remember what you put in each box, because, to be frank, you won’t. Label the boxes with what is inside (“cookware”) and what room it should go in (“kitchen”), and start packing as soon as you know you will be moving. By doing a little at a time you will save yourself a lot of stress!
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