TWO MONTHS
• Take a deep breath. Moving is a big step with a bigger transition to follow.
• Decide how you’ll manage the move. If you’re hiring a moving company, get quotes from at least three places, and check them out. If you’re moving far, arrange for transporting your car. If you’re going to do it yourself, figure out where you will get a truck and how much advance notice will be needed.
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• Start pruning. What will stay? What will go? Start as far ahead as you can so that you will sort through the stuff instead of throwing it into a box and taking care of it at your new space. If you’re hiring someone to do the packing, ask them how they would prefer things to be sorted, if at all. This will give you an idea of what you will be trying to sell, too.
• Get packing materials. You can buy boxes, Bubble Wrap and packing tape, but keep an eye on your local Freecycle Network and the free section of Craigslist for people who have recently moved and are giving away boxes.
• If you’re selling a home, attack the inspection repair list. If you don’t have a regular plumber, contractor and/or electrician, it will take time to hire professionals. Closing day comes quickly. Keep all receipts for work in case the buyer asks for them at the closing.
ONE MONTH
• Change magazine subscriptions.
• Keep packing. There is more stuff than you will expect.
• If you’re moving into an apartment building, find out where the truck can park and if you need to make arrangements or reserve an elevator.
• If you’re selling furniture, make a plan for when and where to list the items for sale. You can probably live without that hutch if it sells on Craigslist in a flash, but not your bed.
TWO WEEKS
• Schedule your change of address at the post office or at moversguide.usps.com.
• Change the address for whatever paper bills you get in the mail.
• Arrange to stop or transfer utilities. Whether you’re selling or buying, ask your broker what the title company will handle and what you should do yourself.
