Planning on moving? Whether planning a move far away due to a job relocation or to be nearer to family, selecting a new home can be dauntiing. You’ll need to include all sorts of family or personal needs from playgrounds, dog parks, pools, and where to practice favorite sports to wanting neighbors or preferring privacy with quite a distance between you and anyone else. Whichever amenities you prioritize, they will undoubtedly come at a cost in how much you pay for the value of the real estate and perhaps in HomeOwners Association expenses.

Security and privacy will also be considerations. You may want to opt for a gated community with access control, video security cameras and security round the clock to prevent unauthorized visits to the neighborhood. If you have children, you’ll also want to consider specific aspects of the schools they will attend such as school surveillance protocols, curricula, and afterschool activities.

While moving to a new home can be exciting, the preparation and the actual moving can be stressful and at times, even overwhelming. The further away you move, the more stress can grow. Packing, loading a moving van, traveling to your new home, unloading your possessions, and unpacking are tedious, tiring, and troublesome.

One of the best things that you can do for yourself is to create a checklist and check off every task as you do it. A checklist not only will permit you to see how much you are accomplishing, but you have a bit more control over the entire process.

Create your checklist and integrate the list into your calendar so that every day you have several tasks to complete. Here are some easy steps to assist you in creating your pre-moving checklist and get you out the door and into your new home on time and with as little hassle as possible.

Begin with the move-out date and the move-in date for your new home.

It would be great if these two dates happened to be the same. If they are not, it would be nice if your new home was at least ready to receive you and your belongings when you arrive. Often with longer distances, same date moves may not be possible so you will need a place to sleep in the meantime. Whatever your situation, start your calendar checklist with these two dates.

List the utilities you need to terminate.

List all the utility companies (water, electric, gas, cable, telephone, internet, newspaper, trash, etc.) you need to contact to terminate their services. Research what you need to do to cut off the service and decide the date when it needs to happen.

List the new utilities you need to request service from.

Now create a list of the utilities you need for your new home and research what you are required to do to activate these services. List on your calendar the days when you need these services to begin, especially for electricity and running water.

Determine if you will be moving your possessions or if you will use a professional moving company.

Depending on the distance and the number of possessions you have, you may or may not need a pro. Even if moving your possessions seems doable, consider how much physical work is involved and the stress factor. Professional movers will make your life much easier, but they can be costly. If the move is one town over, consider calling friends and family to help you get the job done. Mark the date and time on your calendar when your stuff will be leaving your current residence.

Make sure you have moving insurance in place to protect your property.

If you are moving, plan on procuring all the packing materials you need. Select a day on your calendar for collecting boxes, bubble wrap, tape, and whatever else you require, so you can begin your gradual packing.

If you are using professionals, determine your budget. Ask for estimates from several companies and stick with your budget.

Toss what you do not need

This is one of the first tasks you should put on your calendar, perhaps doing one room at a time. Rid yourself of what you no longer need or want. If items are in good shape, donate them, or offer some items to friends and family. You might also plan a garage sale if it is feasible. Start early!

Begin packing early and do a little every day

To decrease stress, do not wait until the last minute. Do a little packing every day right up to moving day. Begin with the things you are not currently using and leave the things you do use daily until the end.

Contact your children’s schools and prepare family pets

If you have school-aged children, contact the school they attend. Select and contact the school they will be transferring to.

Arrange for all documentation to be transferred before your children arrive at their new school.

If you are moving family pets, make sure you have proper transport cages. Talk to your veterinarian if you need to update vaccines, need transport documents, and how to make your cat, dog, bird, bunny, or other creature as comfortable as possible during the move.

Prepare the transfer of your bank accounts

If you are moving to another state, you may need to switch banks. Set an appointment with your current bank to make sure things are in place for a smooth transition.

Measure your furniture and your new home

The moving-in day will be much easier if you already have an idea of where your furniture is going to go. This way you’ll know if it fits, or if you need to replace something or leave a piece behind.

Contact the postal service

Arrange for your change of address.

Prepare any appliances and electronics for removal

Leave this until the day before you move. Unplug appliances and prepare them. Defrost your refrigerator.

On Moving Day

Make sure everything is packed and ready to go. Check all rooms for anything left behind. Prepare the keys to your new home if you have them and observe when possessions are loaded onto a truck or vehicle for transport. Make sure you have a copy of the inventory if using professional movers and keep a copy for yourself when you unpack.

Inform your family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues that you will be moving so there are no surprises and talk especially with neighbors so they will be aware of why all the commotion is taking place. Breathe deeply and go for it!