How to Prepare for Packing and Moving

Preparing for packing and moving can help relieve some of the stress that comes with making a move. Whether you are moving yourself or using a professional mover, there are things that can be done to prepare for both types of moves. Flammables and combustibles should not be packed for safety reasons and should be stored with other items that are not packed.

• Donate any articles that you no longer use or need or have a garage sale. Getting rid of things that you no longer use or need and clothing that you don't or can't wear lessens the amount you need to pack. Stop shopping weeks prior to your move and eat all of your stocked items and parishables.


• Find empty boxes from grocery, drug and discount stores. Pack non-essential items first that you don't use everyday. Start with books, CDs and DVDs. Label every box with what is in it and what room it came from.


• Decide whether you are moving yourself or using a professional mover. If you are moving yourself, you need to reserve the truck for the date of your move. If you are hiring a mover, you need to get quotes form different movers to determine which mover to hire and reserve them for the date you need to move.


• Gather essential items such as toiletries, jewelry, personal records and clothes that you are going to be using into a closet or room. Separate the things that you use daily so that they do not get mixed up with what needs to be packed. Keep important documents together and safe.


• Inform your insurance agent of your move date and your new address. Let all of your utility companies know the disconnect date of services and accounts. Fill out a change of address form at the post office at least 10 days before the move.