Moving Help: The Checklist

By Dan Williams

The literal concept of moving might send prickles down our spinal column and may make us breakout into a cold sweat. Experts say that any sort of change produces stress in our lives. Moving, (and particularly if we are relocating to a new city or state), is a magnanimous change and naturally adds a great amount of stress along with it. This can be a double curse, because tension can lead to a lack of energy and motivation. Many of us have a tendency to procrastinate during stressful periods of our lives.

When bracing oneself for a move we want to put the pedal to the metal and get a bunch of things finished. This checklist comprises several suggestions that could appear like no-brainers. All the same, the real act of printing out these easy suggestions and reminders can become an important security blanket as the frightening time nears. Moving and relocating demands being proactive, seizing the bull by the horns and really completing certain jobs well ahead of their deadlines. Hopefully this little article will assist you in accomplishing that. In this particular article we are leaving off the big matters such as finding the best moving company, exploring your new neighborhood's transportation, parking, employment, etc. Those are for other articles on a different day. Today we are focusing on the basics of preparation and planning.

Throw away what you do not need.

Lots of us are packrats. One affair that we can execute at once is working through all of our material possessions and eliminating what we do not need anymore. Moving unwanted clothing and knickknacks from one place of residency to another is a magnanimous waste of time and effort. It is astonishing how much more in control we feel when we commence narrowing our inventory to what we actually need to keep. Eliminating the unwanted items can be addressed by having a garage sale long before it is time to move and then giving what is left over to the Salvation Army or other charitable organizations.

Secure all your important papers.

Since moving is hectic, to say the least, we need to be aware of the exact location of all of our important items. Things that we absolutely must not lose or misplace should certainly be hand carried, not put in a box for the movers: Address Books, Birth Certificates, Bank Statements, Checks, Credit Cards and Statements, Home Movies, Irreplaceable Memorabilia, Insurance Policies, Marriage Records, Medical and Dental Records, Military Records, Passports, Photos and Photo Albums, Resumes, School Records, Stock Certificates, Tax Returns, Telephone Numbers, Valuables, Vehicle Documents, Wills.

Prepare for your new location in advance.

On that point there are a number of things that we can take care of at our new location well ahead of our move that will help smooth out the bangs and pokes of our relocation process when the actual event takes place. Open new bank accounts. Open a new deposit box. Call the new area utility companies and arrange your new services to be turned on at a certain date. This can include cable, gas, electric, oil, phone, water and Internet access. Arrange for new medical providers. If you are moving to a new state, contact the DMV and get forms essential to re-register your vehicles. Contact your insurance companies and check if your automobile insurance, homeowner's insurance, and so on. can be changed. If not, find an insurance agent in your new area and talk about your needs and necessities for new policies. Go to the United States Post Office and get a moving kit. Fill out change of address forms for all of your correspondents; credit card companies, other credit accounts, banks, insurance companies, current utility companies for final statements, magazines and other subscriptions, family, friends, and any other persons or businesses that you correspond with regularly.

With proper planning and preparation the moving process, though never fun, can at least be sane. With proper planning and preparation the utilities at your present address can be disconnected the day after you move and the utilities at your new address can be connected the day prior to your arrival. With proper planning and preparation you will not be frantically searching for a new doctor or pharmacy, if that unfortunate need arises. With proper planning and preparation you will have all of your important documents at the tip of your fingers at all times. With proper planning and preparation your mail will start arriving the day after you move in to your new abode and your life will endure a minimum of chaos and clutter. - 30331

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