No one enjoys moving, but it’s a fact of life. The average person will move almost 6 times. Furthermore, moving is considered one of the most stressful events any of us will have to deal with in our lifetime. So why make it more difficult than it needs to be? Fortunately we have lots of options for how we actually go about our big move. We can hire an expensive moving company, rent a self-storage unit, buy our friends some beer and convince them that yes, everything will fit in this tiny car, or use many of the portable moving container companies.

Although the below tips have to do with preparing your move using portable moving containers, these moving tips can be applied to whatever method you choose.

One Month Prior To Moving

• Make your reservation with your moving and storage company. If you are moving in the busy summer months, call ahead of time to ensure availability and delivery of your portable storage containers on your desired date.
• Get copies of any essential legal or financial records.
• Start centralizing medical, dental and school records, including prescriptions and immunization records. Ask your doctor to refer you to a new medical provider in the location you are moving to.
• Look for opportunities to donate items you don’t want to move.
• Begin packing, clearly labeling boxes with name, contents, and new locations.

Two Weeks Prior To Moving

• File a change of address form with the US Postal Service.
• Notify and schedule disconnection of all utility services at your old home and connection of them at your new home.

One Week Prior To The Big Move

• Confirm moving date and time with your moving company.
• Finish packing and assemble an “essentials” box. This will contain all of the necessary personal and medical items, legal documents, and moving-related contracts.
• Confirm that you have ordered locks, dollies, and any other necessary supplies to be delivered with your containers.

One Day Prior To The Move

• Consolidate clearly-labeled, fragile boxes in one area. These should be loaded into the containers last.
• Separate and clearly label items not intended for transport within your containers.

The Big Day

• Be present when your container(s) arrive in order to instruct the driver as to where place them.
• See the list of packing tips located on the inside door of each container.
• Have your locks readily available to secure the doors when you are done loading.

Regardless of the method used, plan ahead and your move will be much easier. These moving tips will help prepare you for a much smoother move, whether you are using moving pods, filling up a rental truck, or waiting for the moving guys to show up.