Moving, and all its attendant chores, may be inevitable. But the accompanying sense of chaos, while common, is avoidable. The following schedule outlines the essential tasks and leaves ample time to tend to the details.
Six weeks before
Ask friends what movers they recommend and get quotes from three licensed companies. On-site estimates tend to be more accurate, whether pricing is by weight and distance or a flat or hourly rate. Decide if the movers or you will pack (regardless, you may want to wrap fragile or costly items yourself). Ask if the quote is binding or nonbinding, what charges could arise and what insurance is included. If necessary, contact your insurance company for additional coverage. Request a copy of the signed contract.
Dedicate a three-ring binder to move-related paperwork, such as to-do lists, contracts, receipts, checklists and phone numbers.
Five weeks before
Conduct a room-by-room survey to determine what belongings you plan to keep, sell or donate.
Have valuable items such as artwork and antiques appraised in case they get damaged. Photograph or videotape them, and upload the images to your computer. Also save them to a compact disc or memory stick, and store it with your small valuables.
Four weeks before
Stock up on moving supplies, including boxes, box cutters, tape (packing, masking and blue painters tape), tape dispensers, wrapping material and labels. If in doubt, purchase extra; you can return unused products. Wardrobe boxes, with built-in bars for hangers, can transport clothing as well as light fixtures. Used boxes from bookstores, which are built to carry compact but heavy loads, are excellent for most other items.
Three weeks before
Pack infrequently used items, such as out-of-season clothing, holiday decorations, books and special-occasion dishware. Number the boxes and keep track of the contents on a master inventory list. Try to limit each box’s weight to enable easy lifting. Fill large boxes with pillows and other light things, and reserve smaller boxes for your heavier possessions. Always reinforce the bottoms with packing tape. Secure fragile objects with cushioned packaging material and painters tape, which releases easily. Pack electronics and small appliances in their original packaging or in snugly fitting boxes.
Color-code each room, and mark boxes and furniture (be mindful of delicate surfaces) with coordinating stickers to ensure the movers will know at a glance where everything should go.
Request that your utilities, including phone and Internet service, be disconnected the day after you leave and installed in your new home the day before you arrive.
Have the locks in your new home changed on moving day, or earlier if convenient.
Consider hiring a cleaning company to scrub both of the spaces — preparing the new house in the morning before you arrive and tidying up the old one after you have left.
Two weeks before
Before you pack the bulk of your belongings, think about whether you’d like to do so by room, by category (such as sports equipment and formal dinnerware) or by another system that works for you.
Complete a change-of- address form online (in the U.S., www.usps.com) or at the post office. Update newspaper and magazine subscriptions, and notify banks and credit card companies.
One week before
Print an information sheet for the movers with the old and new addresses, directions and your cell phone number. Have a cashier’s check or a credit card (if accepted) on hand, plus cash for a tip.
Box your remaining items, setting aside sufficient clothing for the week ahead, as well as a suitcase or two to transport it.
Pack your day-to-day necessities together, including bedding, towels, toiletries, toilet paper, basic tools, cleaning supplies, medications, a camera (to document anything broken in transit), snacks, a few dishes and utensils and a coffeepot — plus coffee and mugs. Take the box with you in your car.
Pare down your possessions to ease the moving process.
Keep jewelry and important paperwork together. Have a friend hold on to them until you get settled.
Moving day
Walk through your home before movers arrive to verify everything is packed and afterward to make sure nothing was left behind. Give your keys to the real estate agent or landlord.
Arrange for someone to be at your new home when the movers arrive to oversee them and answer questions. Have them check items off the inventory list as they’re unloaded.
Inspect for damages, photographing relevant objects before signing the release — also known as the bill of lading.
Start to settle in. Test faucets, toilets, utilities, phones, smoke detectors and security systems. Turn on the water heater if necessary. Begin to unpack, discarding anything that no longer serves you. Flatten boxes to recycle, or store them for next time.
Questions should be addressed to Ask Martha, care of Letters Department, Martha Stewart Living, 11 W. 42nd St., New York, NY 10036. E-mail to mslletters@marthastewart.com.
&Copy; 2009 Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc.
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