Moving can be a very crazy time in a person's life.  Most people only move a few times during a lifetime, so they are not always aware of all the things they need to do when moving from one place to another. 

To help lower the amount of stress, here is a brief checklist of items to do one month before closing on your property.  In the next few weeks there will be follow up articles with checklists of items to do at 2 weeks before moving, day before the move, day of move-out, day of move-in, & after you are settled.

• Clean out closets, attic, basement, etc... Take this time to start going through things and discarding things you don't want anymore or have no need for. 
• Consider having a garage sale.  What to do with all that unwanted stuff?  Have a garage sale and sell the things you dont need anymore.  Even better, you will put a little money in your pocket!
• Donate unwanted items.  Some things maye not sell at a yard sale.  Those items that are of any worth you can donate to the local goodwill, library, or thrift shops.  You can get a receipt for tax purposes.
• Register children for school.  If you are moving to another school district, take this time to get children registered for their new school.  As moving day approaches, you won't have time available and may forget this.
• Start opening new bank accounts.  If you are moving to an area where your bank does not service, you will need to find a new bank.  Most banks now have the option to apply online and can be done from your current residence.
• Contact your veterinarian.  Check with your vet for travel preparation for your pets.
• Notify post office.  Contact the post office along with any other publications of your change of address and the date it will become effective.
• Contact lawn service, security company, & other regular services.  Let these services know in advance of your vacating date so that they can discontinue service at that time and not charge you extra.
• Use your frozen foods.  It is very difficult to travel with frozen foods.  There is not really any safe way of traveling with them.  Also, even once you arrive at your new home, if you are bringing the refrigerator with, it will take up to 24 hours until it is cold enough to freeze items.

So these are just a few great tips to help you prepare for the move day.  Be on the lookout for future articles!