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| Photo: http://tinyurl.com/movingdayyay |
Start as soon as possible. There are plenty of things you have in your home that can be packed ahead of time. For example, if you are moving in the summer, all of your winter gear can be boxed up.
De-Clutter as you go. Moving is a great opportunity to evaluate everything you own. Do you really need 10 pairs of black boots? Or is 1 or 2 enough? Have you ever done anything but store the weird lamp you got as a wedding gift? The examples go on and on.
Boxes & Tape. Get twice as many boxes as you think you will need. You can often find FREE boxes at your local grocery stores. Don't skimp on tape! Keep those boxes securely shut and all your valuable safe inside.
Color Code, Number, and Label. This may seem a little OCD, but it is worth it! Take the few extra minutes to color code and label each box and pieces of furniture. You can get colored tape and stickers at the dollar stores or you can use colored markers (on the boxes). For example, boxing up your kitchen you assign it the color red. Once everything is boxed up, count all the boxes and start numbering 1 of 10, 2 of 10... this way when you get to your new kitchen, if you don't have 10 boxes, you know you are missing something (hopefully it was just put in the wrong room). Place a sticker/piece of tape on each piece of furniture - all of the boxes and furniture with pink tape goes to "Sarah's Room". Make sure when using tape/stickers on furniture you get the kind that is removable.
Make a First-Night Box. Let's face it, you aren't going to unpack everything in one night. Plan ahead and make a box just for the first night. You will need basics like toilet paper, cleaning supplies (if you haven't had a chance to deep clean ahead of time), first-aid kit, medications, hygiene items, towels, a change of clothes, snacks and something for breakfast, pet food, pillows, blankets, etc. Think of this as an overnight box for "camping" in your new home.
Call in the Troops. On the day of the move, be prepared with family and friends to help you quickly get the boxes and furniture out of your old house and into your new house. Don't forget to have lunch and drinks to thank your helpers!
Turn on Utilities. Moving in the dark and without running water doesn't sound like fun. Make sure all of your utilities are turned on before you move in.
Deep Clean Your New House. With nothing in your new home, take the opportunity to deep clean. Wipe down insides/outsides of cupboards, clean carpets, scrub bathrooms, etc. If you decide to clean the carpets before you move-in, invest in some carpet tape or good drop cloths to keep pathways from getting grimy from the move.
Make a Plan for New House. Draw up the floor plan of your new house and color code/label each room so everyone helping knows where to put everything. If you have time, you can also use sticky notes to label each room door. Make it as easy as possible for everyone helping!
Update Utilities & Contact Info. Contact all of your current utilities & services and take them out of your name or stop service. While you are on the phone, don't forget to connect all your new home's utilities & services.
o
Questar
Gas
§ Customer
Service: 1-800-323-5517
o
Rocky
Mountain Power
§ Customer
Service: 1-800-221-7070
o
City
Utilities (culinary water, sewer, garbage)
o
Secondary/Irrigation
o
TV
/ Internet
- Contact your Insurance companies to update policies & information
- Update Your:
- Driver’s license: http://tinyurl.com/driverlicense
- Car registration: https://mvp.tax.utah.gov/_/#2
- Voter registration: https://secure.utah.gov/voterreg/index.html
- Forward your mail: http://tinyurl.com/mailboxforward OR visit local Post Office in person
