If you’re knee deep in boxes, you probably won’t believe us, but there are some moving tasks that don’t involve boxes. Here are six moving tasks that don’t go in a box.
Open and Close Bank Accounts: If you’re moving far away, you’ll need to switch financial institutions when you move – unless you’re with a national bank. If you can, open the account at your new bank or credit union before you close your old account.
Transfer Records: Medical and school records will need to be transferred to the new community. If you’re not taking physical records with you, find out before you move how your new doctor and school can get the records and other information they need electronically.
Empty the Freezer: You can move most things in your home, including what’s cold in the fridge. Moving frozen items, however, is tricky (unless you’re just going across town). Start using up the food in your freezer several weeks before your move. Defrost the freezer so you can clean it out.
Clean as You Go: There will be a lot of cleaning to be done on moving day, but you can ease the workload by cleaning a little at a time in the week before moving day. Big tasks, like cleaning the fridge or the oven, should be done before moving day. Other rooms, like bathrooms, can be cleaned but kept tidy in the days before you move.
Return Borrowed Items: If it doesn’t belong to you, give it back! That includes library books, video rentals, and items you’ve borrowed from friends and neighbors. You want to lighten your load as much as possible, and you don’t want to risk losing something that isn’t yours.
Plan for Kids and Pets: If they’re not old enough to help, where will the kids spend moving day? Line up child care in advance so you don’t have to worry about the kids. The same goes for pets. Moving day is confusing and scary for pets, and you don’t want to risk your cat or dog getting loose the day you move out. Board your pets that day or ask a friend to take them.
