provided by: 
Moving is a pain. Between packing the boxes, taking care of all the details, saying your good-byes, there’s not much that makes moving fun. But, by getting a head start and tackling the problem head-on, painless moving can be a possibility for your next relocation.
1. Declutter
Still have clothes that fit three sizes ago hanging in your closet? Or, is there a drawer in your house that is so full of junk that it frightens you to even contemplate opening it? Why move stuff you don’t want or need? Go through your house and throw away or donate whatever you can. Not only can this help make your move painless, but it also saves you money. Less to move means less you have to pay the movers, or if you are moving yourself, less boxes to buy. And, less to move also means less of your valuable time wasted.
2. Cancel services
Don’t make the mistake of paying for the electric bill of your old residence after you’ve left. An easy way to make moving painless is to make a checklist of all the services that you need to cancel or transfer. Also, be sure to get confirmation numbers. If someone at the electric company forgets to turn off your account, it’s your word against theirs and guess who would lose that battle.
3. Set up new services
While you are canceling your old services, go ahead and set up all the services at your new residence. Keep in mind that you’ll probably have to be there for some services to be set up – cable, Internet, etc. Schedule these when you’ll actually be moved into your new home and able to take some time off work.
4. Pack
Unless you are lucky enough to hire movers who are going to pack for you, this is a task that you’ll want to get a head start on to ensure a painless moving day. Start packing with the rooms in your house that you use the least – guest room, formal living room, formal dining room, etc. Get a room packed as much as possible before moving to the next room. For rooms that you’ll use right up to the end, go ahead and pack as much as you can. Be sure to label very well. Clearly note if the contents are fragile as well as where the box should go in the new house.
5. Prepare children
If you have young children, it might be difficult for a move to be painless for them. They may not understand why you are boxing up all of their toys. Keep a dialogue going to ease any apprehensions they may have. If possible, show them pictures of the new home. Try to get them excited. Let them pick out the color of their new room. Also, reassure your kids that all of their toys and furniture will meet them in the new house.
6. Lock up pets on moving day
The last thing that you want when you move is to lose a beloved pet in the process. Be sure to lock up any pets so that they can’t get loose while loading the moving truck. If you’ve hired movers, keep the pets in an empty room that is clearly labeled “Do not enter: pets inside.”
7. Pack a bag
Keep an overnight bag with you that holds a few essentials to keep you going for a couple of days. Move out and move in dates don’t necessarily sync up – you’ll be glad you have a couple of days of clothes and even an air mattress if you get stuck in your new house waiting for the movers to bring your furniture.
8. Keep valuables with you
Pack one box with your valuables – jewelry, wills, important papers, passports, birth certificates, sentimental items, coin collections, etc. If something happens to your belongings in transit, you’ll feel better having these with you.
9. Put boxes in appropriate rooms
A trick to keeping your move painless once you arrive at your new home is to put boxes where they go. Don’t just unload as fast as you can, piling boxes into the family room or garage. Instead, take them straight to their final destination. That makes unpacking so much easier.
10. Set up beds first
Also, while you are unloading, set up the beds as soon as you can, complete with sheets, pillows, etc. You’ll be very glad that night when you’re completely exhausted and can crash in a ready-made bed.
11. Keep a close record of damage and follow up
If you have hired professional movers, document any damage to your belongings. This part continues as you unpack your boxes. Most moving companies give you a timeframe in which to file damage reports. Make sure all boxes are unpacked to give you enough time to evaluate any damage and report it.
12. Focus on finishing one room first
One last trick to painless moving is set up one room completely as soon as you can. Make one room box free, pictures on the wall, furniture placed just right. That way, in the weeks ahead of unpacking, you have one room where you can relax with a cup of coffee and just get away from all the cardboard boxes and chaos.
Published on July 20, 2007Read full article at realestate.com