Congratulations! You have purchased your new home. But the work isn't over yet. Before you can start enjoying your new residence you still have to move in. From packing up your things to unpacking, and everything in between, here are some helpful tips to make the process a little easier.

Packing

• Don't procrastinate. Start packing as soon as you know you will be moving.



• Get ahead of the game. Pack seldom used items ahead of time.



• Stay organized. Pack one room at a time and label the box accordingly, being as specific as possible. It will make unloading and unpacking so much easier.



• Avoid straining yourself. Don't pack any boxes heavier than you can comfortably carry.



• Pack breakable items lossely and in plenty of bubble wrap, making sure to label the box "FRAGILE".



• Don't pack important paperwork or items of monetary or sentimental value such as jewelry, photos, securities, cash, etc.



• Pack an "essentials" box containing everyting you will need for the first few hours/days in your new home. Ideas for your "essentials" box: Important records, medications, a change of clothes, a few tools, snacks, pet food, soap, etc. Keep your "essentials" box handy, either in your car with you or the cab of the moving truck.

Moving

• Keep it simple. Get rid of things you don't need before you move. Hold a garage sale and get some extra cash or donate to a local charity and get the tax write-off. Either way you'll have less to move.



• Determine if you should hire a moving company or not. Factors that should go into your decision should include time, money, difficulty and complexity of the move.



• Count the cost. Get estimates for your move and prepare a moving budget so you know how much you should be spending.



• If you are moving yourself make sure you compare prices on moving trucks from multiple companies to make sure you are getting the best deal. Having someone else move you? Again, shop around and compare prices. Either way make sure you know all of the costs involved, so that no "hidden" costs surprise you after the move.



• Overestimate. It's best to rent a truck 10 - 15% larger that you think you need. This will make sure you actually have enough room for all of your items. Too much room is better than too little.



• Save your back. You should always lift with your knees and not your back. Also, rent a furniture dolly. It's cheaper than injuring yourself.



• Moving yourself? Load the truck with the largest items first and fit smaller items and boxes around them. Place fragile or awkward items in last, ensuring that they are placed securely and will not move during transport.

Changing your utilities

• Contact your utilities customer service departments at least two weeks prior to your move.



• Make sure that your utilities stay connected through your last day and make sure to start service with your new utilities at least one day before your move in date to ensure you have service when you need it.



• Have your utility companies perform a final reading on your gas, electric and water meters and make sure that you receive and keep a copy of your final bill or report.



• Supply your current utility companies with your new address so they can send you final bills so you don't end up with late fees or negative credit impact.



• Pay any overdue bills before you disconnect service and also collect any refunds or deposits that are due you.



• Make a list of your new utility companies phone numbers and keep it with your during your move just in case there are any issues with your service.

Unpacking

• Unpack your "essentials" box first, so you have easy access to the items you will need the most.



• Plan your rooms before you unpack too many boxes.



• One of the first rooms to unpack should be your kitchen. All this work is going to make you hungry. Line the cupboards and drawers first to keep things clean and sanitary. If you have labeled your boxes properly it should be quick and easy to get your kitchen up and running.



• Now you can worry about where you are going to sleep. Put the beds together and unpack the linens for each bed.



• The next priority will be the bathrooms. Shower curtains, towels, toilet paper; anything essential for the use of the bathroom.



• Before unpacking the living room, dining room, family room, or bedrooms make sure you have all of the furniture where it goes in each room. You don't want to have to try and rearrange furniture once you have already unpacked into it.



• The last areas to unpack into are the garage and patio. For the most part these items are not essential. You may want to take some time and get settled and enjoy your new space before you tackle unpacking in these areas.