Odds are that even the most organized may not remember every detail when packing for the move into your first home. Whether you are heading across country, overseas or across town, here are some important tips to keep in mind:

Get Organized!

Getting organized will take less time than you think and will make things go smoother on move day. Start with the following:
Purchase a special notebook to record information about your move. Put all your listing and info in writing. In order to remember what comes first, what stays for later.

Purchase moving supplies: tape, markers, scissors, pocketknife, newspaper, blankets, moving pads, plastic storage bins, rope and a hand truck. Free boxes can usually be obtained at a local supermarket, but consider purchasing wardrobe boxes for moving clothes. This option will apply if your move is covered under FULL PACK service by your mover.
Have a garage sale to clear out unwanted items and plan accordingly. Consider donating unwanted items.
Keep a detailed record of all moving expenses. Your costs may be tax deductible depending on the reasons for your move.

Packing tips

There are many ways to organize yourself when you pack.  The best method really depends on how far you are moving, how long would you stay with out your goods, and how many belongings you have.  Here are a few tips and ways to organize yourself when you pack.

Strategize wardrobe box use

Moving companies will be happy to deliver boxes ahead of your moving day. Or if you're doing the move yourself, get things organized as early as possible. Use the remaining space in the box to fill it up with drawer items.

Color coordinate

Designate a color for each room in the new home, such as yellow for kitchen, orange for dining room, etc. Apply colored stickers on the box near the box number. In your new home, put a matching sticker on the door to each room. Other options; number your boxes and have them listed on your note book you purchased as advised above.

Keep things together

Insist on keeping things together when you or the movers are packing boxes. Keep bookends with books, light bulbs with lamps, and extension cords with appliances.

Pack ahead

Anything you can pack ahead will save you time on moving day, and make you more organized.

Use your luggage

Fill luggage and duffle bags with clothing, sheets, towels, and paper goods. They will be easy to spot and find your essentials

Safeguard valued items

It's a good idea to keep valuable possessions, such as silverware, collections, or antiques, with you.

Keep important papers with you

Your list of "important" papers might include: birth certificates, school records, mover estimates, new job contacts, utility company numbers, recent bank records, current bills, phone lists, passports, closing papers, realtor info, maps, and more. Don't leave these with the mover. Keep them with you!

Using a Mover/ Van Line

If you are using a mover, these tips might safeguard your possessions as well as your wallet by following these tips:

• Inquire about their on-time record and other complaints with the local Better Business Bureau or consumer complaints department.
• Movers are limited by law regarding what they can give you for lost or damaged goods. To cover potential damage, check existing homeowner's or renter's policy.
• Ask about expected gratuities and write into contract.
• Have the contract include a guarantee of how many hours the job will take, allowing an overrun of no more than 10 percent.
• Be sure all charges are listed on contract.
• Inform the moving company of how many stairs are at your new home. And if there is any difficulty is accessing your new home.
• Watch loading and unloading and examine all items carefully before signing a receipt.
• Document an inventory of your belongings before you load the truck.

Moving into your new Home

After your boxes have arrived, take a deep breath and make sure you have the following:
• Check the condition of items on the movers' inventory list, as they are unloaded. Ask the movers to advise you the number or sticker listed on the box while of loading.
• Resume delivery of newspapers and other publications.
• Let the local post office know that you have arrived.
• Consider changing the house locks.
• Have tools handy for setting up beds and appliances.

 

Employer Reimbursements

If your employer gave you a moving allowance, such as $3,000, it is fully taxable as income. Of course, your direct moving expenses are deductible, perhaps eliminating any tax on the reimbursement. However, if you reported deductible moving costs to your employer who then reimbursed you for actual expenses, the reimbursement is not taxable income to you. But employer reimbursements for nondeductible expenses, such as loss on the sale of your home, are taxable income for to you. Armed Forces members qualify for special moving cost reimbursements.

Refrigerators and pantries are magnets for leftovers. Check the expiration dates on items like prescriptions, vitamins, and toiletries and throw out everything that's past the date. Donate if you can, everything perishable in the kitchen and if you have to throw it out – it will probably expire by the time you move anyway

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Thank you My Moving Guide team