10 Tips to Make Moving Easier

Want to reduce the headache of moving into a new home? Follow these tips:

Before You Pack

1. Plan your move well in advance. This will help you avoid a last-minute frenzy. For a free timeline and checklist, visit upack.com/sites/default/files/pdf/MovingChecklist.pdf

2. Back up your computers. Protect critical files and photos by storing copies on a portable hard drive you carry with you, or uploading the files to a free cloud server such as Google Drive or Dropbox.

3. Photograph your cords. Shoot images of the cords and connections on your television, sound system, modem and computer so itÕs easier to reconnect everything in your new home. 

4. Make plans for pets. Reduce your petsÕ moving stress by boarding them at a kennel or leaving them with friends.  

5. Get a Movers Guide from the U.S. Post Office. The guide will help you notify friends and service providers of your new address. It also includes $750 in coupons for businesses and services you might need.  Get a printed guide at your local post office or complete the digital version at https://moversguide.usps.com

While You Pack

6. Color-code your packing boxes. This will make it easy to match them to the right rooms in your new home. 

7. Mark essential boxes separately. Anything youÕll need immediately after move-in should be marked with a red color code. And make sure the important boxes get loaded last so they come off the truck first. 

8. Create a first-night box of essentials. Include medications, toothbrushes, changes of clothing and anything else youÕll need immediately. 

During the Move

9. DonÕt box valuables or important documents Put jewelry, passports, birth certificates etc. in a special Move File and hand-carry them in your own car. 

10. Pack a first-day cleaning kit. Include a vacuum cleaner and cleaning supplies so can clean cabinets, closets and counters before you move your possessions in. 

11. Make a furniture map. Plot where all the large furniture pieces will go to simplify set-up in the new home.ÊYou can use graph paper or a free layout tool like homediary.com.

After the Move

12. Save all receipts. If your move is associated with a new job or a transfer, you may be able to deduct some of the costs. 

Sources: IRS.gov, U-Pack Moving, U.S. Post Office