Save yourself the hassle of packing and unpacking things you no longer use or need. Simplify your move by donating or selling gently used items. Recycle or discard the rest, being careful to properly dispose of hazardous materials such as paint and chemicals.

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Household items such as paint, paint thinner, pesticides, motor oil, batteries, and electronics can become harmful if not discarded properly. In some states it’s even illegal to throw these items out with the regular trash. Check with your city or area recycling facility for disposal guidelines and community collection information.

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Free up your living space by moving extra furniture and items off-site to a storage unit. Decluttering gives you more room to move about as you pack. It also makes your home appear larger (and more valuable) to potential renters or buyers.

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You don’t need to make major renovations to revitalize your home. Simple improvements such as a fresh coat of neutral paint or clean carpets will quickly restore your home to good as new. Set a budget and prioritize improvements to determine if you can achieve a similar look for less.

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Paint swatches may look perfect in the store, but when you get paint home and roll a coat, it can be a completely different story. Buy paint by the quart, not the gallon, if you’re testing a new color. When using latex paint, seal brushes in plastic bags and place them in the refrigerator to avoid cleaning between coats.

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Caulking seems simple enough, but can be majorly frustrating. Create clean, sharp lines by masking both surfaces with painter’s tape. Apply caulk, then wet your finger with alcohol (if using silicone caulk) or water (for latex caulk) and smooth carefully with your finger.

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Make a great first impression by freshening up outdoor spaces. Pressure wash your home’s exterior, driveway, and patio to remove tough stains. Add inviting flowers or a colorful coat of paint to your front door to welcome guests upon arrival.

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Document your belongings to help organize and insure your move. Photograph or video your possessions, then add detailed descriptions, appraisals, and receipts as needed. This information will help protect, restore or replace any items that are damaged or lost during your move.

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Whether you’re handling your move yourself or hiring a moving company to help, it’s important to plan carefully to make the experience more enjoyable and affordable. For DIY moves, calculate rental and supply costs. If you’re screening moving companies, consider costs, insurance, and references.

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Allow plenty of packing time, but don’t start too early or you’ll be unpacking and repacking boxes unnecessarily. Pack away less-needed items first and save the regularly used ones for last. Label boxes clearly in case you need to retrieve a packed-away item.

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For long distance moves, be sure to obtain doctor, dentist, school, and vet records well in advance. Ask service providers if there are professionals near your new home that they would recommend. Trusted referrals and readily available documents will make it much easier to settle into your new community.

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Children and animals may be confused or frightened by the hustle and bustle of a move. Arrange for baby- and/or pet-sitters to look after little ones on moving day. Treats and small breaks during the move can make the experience a more positive one.

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Contact utilities providers approximately two weeks before you move to ensure lights, water, and A/C or heat are available upon your arrival. Arrange to turn the utilities at your new home on one day prior to moving in. Disconnect the utilities at your old home one day after you move.

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Updating organizations via the web can save you a ton of time. File a change of address form with the post office to ensure your mail reaches your new home. Be sure to notify your bank, insurance and credit card companies, magazine publishers, etc. Change or cancel newspaper subscriptions.

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Moving flammable substances such as gasoline is dangerous. Many moving companies prohibit you from doing so. Ready your lawn mower and other power equipment by draining gasoline and oil several days in advance.

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If you’re traveling a significant distance, make sure your car can make the trip. Schedule a maintenance inspection and check your tires and spare to see if they need to be replaced. Plan your route beforehand and have directions and maps on hand.

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Visit your new home to get an idea of how much space is available in each room. Measure your furniture and determine where you would like each piece placed on moving day. Reduce the chances of moving furniture more than once by having a clear plan in mind.

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Perishable foods don’t travel well, so eat up! Plan meals to use ingredients and frozen items you already have on hand. Purchase only small amounts of groceries in the weeks leading up to your move. If you’re moving your fridge, defrost it two days before you leave.

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If your move is work- or business-related, you may be able to deduct certain moving expenses come tax time. Check IRS guidelines for qualifying criteria, then keep records and receipts as required.

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The right supplies can make or break your move – literally! Invest in quality materials to protect your belongings and ensure they arrive at your new home intact. Make sure you have enough boxes, bubble wrap, paper, tape, etc. to carefully wrap and pack away all of your things.

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You never know who may have a spare key or the code to your security system. Change the locks and make extra keys for yourself and your family members. Reprogram garage and alarm codes.

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It’s better to be safe than sorry. Don’t wait until you have water gushing from a broken pipe to take the time to locate emergency shutoffs. Identify main and individual electrical, gas, and water shutoffs to reduce damage in the event of an emergency.

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It’s never too early to fireproof your home. Test smoke detectors and have fire extinguishers placed throughout. Determine a family meeting place and use window decals to alert emergency personnel to pets inside.

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Going green can help both the environment and your pocketbook. Energy-efficient lighting, heating and cooling systems, and appliances can reduce utility bills significantly. Many energy home improvements may qualify for a tax credit.

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Introduce yourself and your family to your new neighbors. Your neighbors may be able to answer any questions you have about your new community or city. If you live in a neighborhood with homeowner guidelines be sure to secure a copy of the rules for reference.

Kids can have a difficult time getting used to a new home or school. Pay special attention to your child and listen for any signs of unhappiness. Teach kids your new address and phone number so they’ll have it in case of an emergency.

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Map routes to work and school. Test-drive commutes to familiarize yourself with area streets, gauge travel time and locate parking. Have directions and contact information on hand in case you get lost.

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Take a stroll or drive in your new community. Visit your local grocer, coffee shop, or restaurant for a well-deserved break. Talk with neighbors and locals to get an idea of the most popular eateries or favorite things to do.

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Many neighborhoods offer amenities such as community pools, golf courses, tennis courts and exercise facilities. Take advantage of local perks such as parks, nature trails, docks, and more.

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Pull back blinds and let the sunshine in! Add cheerful touches such as fragrant flowers or fruit to make your home feel more inviting. Plant vegetables outside or hang a bird feeder to attract colorful butterflies and birds.

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Use scented candles or baked goodies to add comforting aromas such as vanilla or cinnamon to the air. Delight in plush carpet, cool tile, or stylish accessories. Enjoy scented laundry detergent or cleaning supplies or upgrade ordinary soap to a more luxurious brand.

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After moving and unpacking, it’s time to relax and settle in. While away a pleasant afternoon with a book or movie. Plan an evening around a special feature of your new home - a fantastic view, cozy fireplace, oversized tub, or upscale kitchen appliance.

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