Moving

• To avoid surprises, get coordinated in advance: Use the checklist to monitor your progress
• Make agreements with sellers (ideally at the time of the contract, but definitely long before the closing date) regarding possession of the home and moving date. Having sellers and buyers meet on the front walk--each with a house full of furniture--is not a happy situation.
• Start planning early. Once you are reasonably confident that you will be proceeding with the purchase, start weeding out your current possessions. Toss (or give away, or sell at a yard sale) things that you don't want to move. This goes a long way toward organizing your life, too!
• If you are using a professional mover, check their references to make certain you will be using someone reputable.
• Make a list on any important items you will need to buy for the new house. Examples: draperies, blinds, shower curtains, etc. Having these things with you on the day you move in prevents unnecessary surprises.
• Start packing early. Anything that you are sure you will not be using before moving day should get boxed.
• Determine a "staging area" where any items that are ready to be moved are placed. This saves a lot of the aggravation associated with having boxes scattered throughout your present living quarters and gives you a place to look should you need an item that is already packed.
• Mark every box and carton. Again, it makes it much easier if you need an item before you move, and makes it much simpler after you move. Unpacking will probably be somewhat of a gradual process--this way you know where the most necessary items are located.