You have officially purchased a brand-new home! Your excitement level is at an all-time high as you think of the new space you will have and new the memories you will create. However, moving can be a hassle, especially if you are juggling kids, school changes and general packing. Here are several moving tips to help your transition into your new home a bit easier.

1. Know what to throw away, sell or give away

Having to pack all of your things is the perfect time to declutter. Found some items in your wardrobe you have not worn in years? If so, this is the perfect time to through those items into a donation pile. Maybe you have old furniture or decorations you do not want to bring. This presents the perfect opportunity to have a garage sale or to donate to charity. The general rule is, if you have not used an item for over a year then you should let it go!

2.  Make sure to have packing supplies

It is important to have a variety of containers for your stuff. You may need a more protective container for breakables, whereas you may just need cardboard boxes for your kitchen gadgets. General items you may need to pack include:

Boxes 

Foam peanuts/bubble wrap, tissue paper or newspaper

            Scissors

            Marker to label your boxes

            Packing tape

3.  Safely pack fragile items

No one wants to open a box and find a bunch of broken dishes. Properly pack your breakables by using foam, bubble wrap or newspaper.

4. Label correctly

Many people rush to pack, resulting in mislabeled boxes. If you do this, it will make your unpacking process a headache and can even create problems such as broken or lost items. If you have antiques or collectables that need to be handled with care, label them as fragile. Be sure not to bury them by loading them first or leave them unsecure by loading them last. Make sure similar items are packed together and specifically labeled on the outside of the box.

5.  Moving the big things

Make sure you have a professional or someone knowledgeable disconnect your major appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, washers and dryers. If you are moving a freezer or refrigerator, you should remove all food, defrost, clean and dry the appliance.

Make sure to have the little pieces (wires, screws, remote controls, etc.) that go with your bigger items stored in a plastic bag and packed in a designated parts box. It is also a good idea to take a picture or draw a diagram that makes hooking up your electronics in your home easier.

6.  Think about your pets

Make sure your pets are happy and safe during your move. Remember, they have feelings of anxiety too, especially when they are taken out of their comfort zone. They need a little time to adjust to their new surroundings and you can help by placing your pet in a secure and quiet space to calm their nerves. Surround them with their favorite toys and objects to entertain them throughout the day. Make sure your dog’s collar reflects your new address and phone number, just in case your pet gets out during the chaos and starts to wander. Once in your new home, let them wander around, with your supervision, to get used to their new home.

7.  Stretch your budget

Keeping your move within your budget is important. Especially when you are thinking about your kids and things you may need to buy for your new home. If you are planning on selling your unwanted items through a garage sale or a website like Craigslist, it can be a way to make money in the process. If you are giving to charity, make sure you obtain a receipt for a tax reduction.

8.  Prepare your kids for the move

If you have kids, you need to make sure they are completely comfortable with the new house and the neighborhood. Scope out the neighborhood beforehand, surveying the amenities, parks, schools and community organizations that will be available to your family once you move. All Home Creations communities are located in good school districts. Most communities also have amenities for your family to enjoy. Before school starts, it would be a good idea to map out their route to the building and even get familiar with the new town. You can get your kids excited for the move by allowing them to take part in mapping out the plan for their new room. Including them in small projects like these can also boost their expectations and get them to become creatively involved, making your moving process smoother.

10. Hire Professionals

If your budget allows, it is much easier to hire moving professionals instead of doing it all yourself. When looking for a moving professional, make sure to find out if they offer full value protection of your belongings. If so, the moving company will assume liability and you will be properly compensated for any repairs or replacement of your belongings. Moving companies can help make your experience less of a headache by providing the proper supplies, helping you pack and safely transport your valuables. Some even provide pre-move counseling, where they will sit down with you to provide you the best tips for your upcoming move.