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Moving requires a lot more than packing and unpacking boxes. It normally requires a series of dozens of tasks. Developing a strategy and creating to-do lists will help you get it all done. Below are lists of common tasks involved with moving:

Common Moving Tasks

• Buy all packing materials
• Cancel and/or transfer newspaper subscriptions
• Empty refrigerator – plan use of foods
• Find new doctors and dentists
• Find new veterinarians
• Get new driver’s license
• Obtain and transfer medical records
• Obtain and transfer school records
• Plan for special care of children and pets before and after move
• Register automobiles
• Shut off old utilities and sign up for new utilities - gas, electric, water
• Sign up for new insurance – medical, home, dental, auto, etc.
• Take time off from work for move, as needed
• Turn off and sign up for new telecommunications services – phone, Internet, cable, satellite, etc.

Before you start talking to movers, you’ll want to have an idea of how much of the moving process you want to do on your own and how much you want the movers to do.

Good packing starts with thinking about all the things that can go wrong or break in a move. Having the right packing materials up-front is half the battle. Below are some important materials to have on hand:

• Containers: It’s important to have a wide variety of cardboard boxes and large plastic bins. All containers should be sturdy, so that they won’t collapse in the moving process. You can buy containers from your mover or a local moving company. You may also want to buy some special boxes for garments, mirrors and picture frames.
• Wrapping paper: You are going to need a lot of wrapping paper to pack dishes, decorations and other breakable items. Again, you can buy paper from your mover or a local moving company.
• Bubble wrap: Certain items- such as appliances or lamps - are going to require bubble wrap, so be sure to have some on hand.
• Magic marker: You’ll want to have a magic marker to mark items as “fragile” and so on. You may also want to write in which room a box will be placed upon arrival at your new residence.
• Tape: Be sure to buy some good plastic tape that includes a cutting device and roller, so that you can tape up containers quickly.