Depending on how you view moving or the circumstances of your move, moving can be an overwhelming process or an exciting adventure. This checklist will give you some insight into your feeling about moving and provide some ideas on how to make the moving experience more manageable. To better grasp your preparation for moving, print out the following test, compare and contemplate your answers.
Using the scale below, rate your attitudes about the following aspects of moving:
4- Really hard for me to do
3- Not fun for me
2- Enjoyable, but not something I want to do everyday
1- Exciting
Finding a new place to live
· Feeling connected to the University of Maryland while living off-campus
· Working with landlords and companies to sign leases and arrange services
· Informing others of my new address
· Packing my stuff
· Loading my stuff and moving it
· Making a new place feel like home
· Changing my routine
· Discovering a new neighborhood
REMEMBER:
· All of us experience some level of anxiety when faced with a new situation. What are some of your concerns with this new situation? What can you do to anticipate these feelings of anxiety or stress in order to cope and/or overcome fears associated with your move?
· There are many steps involved in moving, which include finding a suitable new home, packing your belongings, and getting settled into your new residence. What do you need to feel comfortable and relaxed in your living environment?
Preparing for your change of address includes letting the following people/companies know your new contact information:
· Present and future post offices (www.usps.gov)
· Internal Revenue Service (www.irs.gov or call 1-800-829-3676)
· State and federal tax authorities and any other government agencies as needed
· Telephone, electric, gas, and water companies
· Banks and credit unions
· Insurance companies and credit card companies
· Magazine, journal, and catalog subscriptions
· Doctors, dentists, and other service providers
· University of Maryland Records and Registration (www.testudo.umd.edu/apps/saddr/)
· Don't forget to tell friends, employers, and relatives!
** The United Postal Service recommends that you complete your change of address form 30 days prior to your move date
Before packing, it is helpful to take stock of your belongings. Are there ways you can reduce the amount of belongings so that packing and moving is made easier? Make some lists of things you can give away, replace once you move, sell, or recycle...
Be sure to label boxes. It will be less overwhelming to have clearly marked items and room locations for them.
Timeline for Completing Details of the Move
· Sort through and get rid of unwanted belongings. The Office of Community Service Learning has information on local organizations and agencies which take donations (http://www.csl.umd.edu)
· Contact old utility companies to disconnect and begin service at a new place
· Send out change of address information
· Obtain boxes and packing supplies from grocery stores and convenience shops that have leftovers from shipped merchandise.
· Pick up additional moving supplies including tape, rope, and labels.
· Choose a truck rental or moving service. Make your reservations in a timely and expedient manner based on the time of year you plan to move.
· Start packing! Pack a separate bag with hammer, screwdriver, flashlight, batteries, trash bags, light bulbs and a telephone. Also be sure to have toilet paper, soap, a towel and first aid supplies. You will want to keep track of keys, wallet, checkbook, prescription medications, address book and computer discs.
· Before you leave for your new home, be sure to clean up!
· If you choose a truck rental company, pick up the rental truck. If you plan to drive your car to your new home, be sure to check the oil and gas in your vehicle. Having your vehicle properly serviced prior to the move will also be helpful.
Stop by ANY U.S. Post Office to pick up a copy of the Movers Guide. This publication has tips for organizing, packing, getting settled, and more. Changes of address forms are also included. Also check out the U.S. Post Office Movers Guide on the web at (www.usps.com/moversguide/) or pick up a "Moving Guide" at your local U-Haul location. Visit Off-Campus Student Involvement (0110 Stamp Student Union) for any additional assistance.
Change of Address:
http://www.usps.com/moversguide/welcome.htm?from=home&page=changeaddress
Postal Service Movers Guide:
https://MoversGuide.usps.com/mgservice/Home?esGroupId=8
Prince George's County Moving Guide:
http://www.goprincegeorgescounty.com/Residents/MovingGuide/
index.asp?h=30&s=&n=70
Local Moving and Shipping Resources
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This article was reprinted with permission of the Commuter Connection. Sharon Grimm wrote the original article. Revisions written by Leslie Perkins. Further revisions by Jennifer Bonnet.
(Revised 07/08/06)
