Let’s face it: Moving can be incredibly stressful. Selecting the right moving company to partner with is a great start, but there are many steps you can take before the movers get involved that will help make your relocation less stressful and keep your belongings safe during the process. Below are some simple tips that may help you prepare for your move:

• Clear out unwanted goods – hold a garage sale.
• Get rid of flammables – paint, petrol, gas cylinders.
• Empty fuel from mowers, clippers, trimmers and so on.
• Clothes – do you need them all? Charity shops may want them.
• Separate books – disposable, family reading, valuable.
• Check all electrical goods – will they work in the new home?
• Start making up your change of address list.
• Arrange to have mail forwarded.
• Agree termination date for electricity, gas, oil, telephone and other main suppliers.
• If you are taking electrical goods such as a stereo, see if you still have their original boxes.
• Have rugs cleaned.
• If you have children, separate cherished toys to travel with you.
• Round up personal documentation – marriage/birth certificates, driving licenses and so on.
• Keep passports separate so they are not packed.
• Want to take the car? Check on import regulations and the duty payable.
• To say nothing of family pets – make sure vaccinations and documentation are up to date.
• Will your new home be ready? If not, you need to arrange temporary storage.
• Shops, schools, theaters, lifestyles – it’s never too early to find out about your new home.
• Start running down freezer stocks.
• Arrange your finances – close or transfer bank accounts, savings accounts and so on, if necessary.