Whether you’re doing the move yourself, hiring professionals to do both the packing and moving, or you’re doing a DIY move and only paying for the professional part of the service, it’s always a good idea to create a list of things that need to be done and set corresponding deadlines. This way, when the big day comes, you’ll know exactly what needs to be done and won’t have to worry about forgetting something important.
Ideally, you should start your plan your move several months in advance of your actual move date. That will give you plenty of time to sort through the piles of stuff in your home and decide what you want to keep, what to donate to friends or family, and what you’d simply like to get rid of. It’s also a good opportunity to go through your closets and get rid of items that no longer fit or you no longer use.
Once you’ve sorted through your belongings, you can start the actual packing process. The best place to begin is with items that aren’t used frequently, such as seasonal clothing or items stored in the attic or basement. You can also start by packing up your books and other similar items that won’t be needed once you’ve moved.
Next, you’ll need to make a plan for any items that need to be packed plan your move to Costa Rica here and shipped or otherwise transported, such as valuables, fragile items, and sentimental objects. Make sure that these items are properly insured and that you’re making arrangements to have them delivered to your new location in a timely manner.
Finally, you’ll need to change your address and update it with all the businesses and services you deal with. You’ll also need to schedule time off work for the days leading up to your move and, if necessary, find a babysitter or pet sitter for the big day.
On the day of your move, it’s a good idea to pack a suitcase of essentials that you’ll need for your first week in your new home. It should include pajamas, toiletries, a few changes of clothes and shoes, medications, cleaning supplies, tools, scissors, flashlights, and so forth. You can also pack a box of “miscellaneous” items to include in your move, such as trash bags, light bulbs, cleaning spray and other similar items you might need.
It’s also a good idea to pack your kids a special backpack or duffle bag that they can carry throughout the move with them. This will allow them to have something that feels like their own and will help them feel more comfortable during the transition period. You can also include a list of the emergency contact numbers for your new home, such as local hospitals and medical centers, police and fire departments, and any other important information. This way, you’ll be able to quickly locate these numbers when the need arises. This is especially useful if you’re moving to a different state.
