If you are thinking about moving this year, there are probably a hundred ideas about how best to prepare for the relocation. Yet as soon as the first idea pops into your mind, another pushes the first out of the way to make room for the second. With so much mental chaos, it is a wonder you can remember anything as you try to organize your moving plans. To assit you in getting ready for your big move, here are some helpful ideas.

  1. Decide

The first decision you need to make is whether to hire a moving company. If not, will you move with the help of family and friends? You also need to establish a date for the move – most people choose a weekend.

  1. Organize

Take time to organize your home before you begin packing up the boxes. If you see items you haven’t used in years, consider tossing or selling the objects. Remember, the less you have to pack, the quicker the move will go.

  1. Budget

Create a budget for your move. Include meals out, babysitters, and the moving truck rental, if you are using one. Don’t forget to add the cost of boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and closet containers.

  1. Notify

Notify everyone you can think of that you are moving. Include your take-out delivery, phone service, and internet companies. When you change your address with the mail system, contact your insurance company and the IRS, as well.

  1. Realtor

Before you move, make sure you send a thank you card to the Burlingame realtor that helped you find your new home, condo, or apartment. As your mother probably told you, being kind never hurts and can brighten someone’s day.

Moving doesn’t have to cause you to tear your hair out. If you make some simple decisions, create a budget, and notify the people you do business with, you will be halfway through the process. Now all you have to do is all the heavy lifting – hopefully, you will have lots of help.