Preparing to move can be overwhelming, especially in the last few weeks leading up to the big day. Many people with Minneapolis homes for sale make a checklist for what to do in that last month before a move. There are plenty of things you can do well in advance to make your life easier, but things like shutting off or transferring utilities typically need to be done closer to your moving date. Whether you've found the home of your dreams or you're still looking at St. Paul homes for sale, these tips can help make any move run smoothly.

• Pack Non-Essentials
  About a month before your moving date, begin packing items you don't use frequently. Starting with closets, cabinets, the basement, and the garage is a good way to get going. Non-essentials include clothing that's out of season, family photos, heirlooms, art, books, and anything else you won't use until you arrive at your new home. If you have a guest room or other areas you don't frequent too often, pack up everything that's in them. You can also pack up non-essentials from your office or art studio. After all, you're not going to have much time to do any extra work or create a masterpiece – you'll be too busy getting ready to head to your new home.
  
  
• Label Boxes
  Whether you're packing unused items or things you'll need immediately, it's a good idea to label boxes in detail. Simply writing the room they'll go in can leave you frustrated, especially if you arrive at your destination and your child desperately needs that one special stuffed animal you packed away. Instead of writing something like "kitchen stuff" on a box, list the specific items that are in it. Mark boxes that need to be unpacked right away with a different marker or brightly-colored tags.
  
  
• Stack Boxes in Loading Order
  Developing a loading and unloading strategy for a move can help you save tons of time and avoid headaches, whether you're using movers or not. Make sure the tagged boxes are loaded last so you can have immediate access to them. Important items like medications should go into a bag you take with you, not loaded onto the truck. You may also want to pack an essentials box or two that contains pet food, a few of your children's favorite toys, clothes, and art supplies, and any other items that will keep them occupied during moving and unpacking.
  
  
• Notify Service Providers of Your Move
  Contact your local utility companies to let them know when you'd like to shut them off or transfer them, if applicable. You'll also want to make sure you have the utilities at your new home turned on before you get there to avoid showing up at a dark house. If you use a lawn service, house cleaner, pool maintenance service, or babysitter, make sure to notify them too.
  
  
• Change Your Address
  Go to the USPS website and change your address to ensure any mail that arrives after you're gone is forwarded. Notify banks, credit card companies, and other financial institutions of your new address. Update magazine subscriptions as well. It's also important to contact your child's school and your family's health care providers to collect any records you may need and change your address.
  
  
• Call Your Insurance Company
  Call your homeowners or renters insurance company to find out what's covered during your move. While you're at it, you can ask them if your insurance can be transferred to your new home or if you'll have to purchase a new policy. Don't forget to let your auto insurance company know that you're moving as well.  

These are just a few things that can ease your stress in the 30 days leading up to a move. Our seasoned real estate professionals can provide more moving tips and help you find a home you'll love. Call today to find out about the Twin Cities and all that our beautiful region has to offer.