How to Prepare for the Big Move

Moving into a new home is such an exciting time, even more so when it’s one of the custom new tradition homes developed to meet your every need. However, it can also be very stressful.

You might be trying to sell your old home at the same time your new home is under construction. You may be in a short-term rental between the transitions. You may even have kids you have to consider, some whom may be switching schools once the move in finalized. A lot is shifting, so how do you keep it all together? How do you ensure all your T’s are crossed in the haze of the crazy? Here are some ways to prepare for the big move.

It’s inevitable that you will need boxes to pack up your belongs in, probably a lot of them.

While boxes are not a considerable expense, why are you paying for something you can get for free? As the move to your new tradition home draws closer, start telling family, friends, and co-workers that you are in need of boxes. It’s likely some people will gladly hand over boxes they are not using. It helps them and you clean up.

Similarly, when you stop by your local grocery store, ask if they have empty boxes on hand you can have. If none are available that day, tell an associate or manager you are moving and would like to pick up their excess supply of boxes on days the store receives shipments. More often than not, they will be willing to assist.

If you are moving across state lines, there are even more loose ends to tie up and tasks to complete. You may need to acquire new car insurance, license plates, and a driver’s license. Do not assume the insurance company you are with now, though lowest cost in your state, will offer you the best deal in your new town. Instead, take the time to do some early research and determine who your new carrier might be. Also, find out how long you have to switch over your license plate and driver’s license. You don’t want to deal with unnecessary fines. Additionally, while some states allow you to take off and trash or save your license plates, others, like New York, require you to mail back your plates to the state of origin.

Do not forget to notify the most important people, your family and those who send you bills, of your change of address. In the chaos, it is easy to skip over this step, but once you are able to access mail at your new address you can start updating your contact information. Oftentimes, this can be done online. Some companies you want to update first include banks, credit card companies, student loan lenders, health insurance providers, and utility companies. If you already receive paperless bills, you can update these companies as soon as your new address is finalized.

Speaking of utilities, ensure you contact each service (water, electric, internet, cable, waste management, etc.) and let them know both when to turn off your current service, as well as when to turn on your new service. Similar to car insurance, this would be a great time to look for the best deals or switch to more reliable providers.

Packing can be a total pain and a disorganized mess. Start early. No matter how on top of things you think you are, you will not be as ready as you expect. That is one of the only guarantees when it comes to moving. In addition to starting early, here are some packing tips:

• First, ask yourself if you need and want the item you are about to pack. Maybe, instead of packing it, you should sell or donate the item.
• If clothes are already on hangers, leave them that way. Instead of placing these clothes in boxes, take a large durable garbage bag, break a hole in the very bottom, and place the hangers through that hole and cover the clothes with the bag. Tie the bag at the bottom and use a rubber band to secure the hangers together at the top. This will save you on boxes and make it easier to put your clothes away once you move into your new tradition home.
• When deciding which box items should be placed in, organize each item not by which room it lives in your current home, but by which room you want it in when you move into your new home. Books that line the shelves in your living room now may be moved into the office you are gaining in your custom home. While this may take slightly more time and consideration when packing, if you start early, this extra step will make unpacking easier as the boxes will end up in the correct rooms.
• Moving can be both fun and dramatic for children. Allow them to assist in the packing process. Their involvement will up their enthusiasm for the change that is soon to occur making the process more enjoyable and an easier transition for all parties.
• Do not forget to label boxes. In a rush, it is easy to throw things in box, tape it up, move on to the next, and forget what was in the last. Not only do you want to label it properly so you know what’s inside, but it is also important to notate if the box needs to remain upright or is fragile.

In the haze of closing costs, packing up your entire lives, and staying in contact with your new tradition home contractors, it is easy to bypass or put off things when preparing for your big move. However, make sure you take your time to share your move and exchange contact information with people you want to stay in touch with.

Once you move, it may be difficult to get in touch with you kid’s friends, former neighbors, or even previous co-workers if your move takes you to a new job. Ask for an email address and make dates, if possible, to get together once you settle down. The move to your new tradition home is an exciting new adventure, but life is nothing without the people you share it with.