Top 3 tips for millennials on the move

You did it. You landed your first big job in a new city. Maybe you’re right out of college or you’re venturing out of your hometown for the first time. (We’re not talking a dorm-to-dorm move or that rickety off-campus apartment you trundled into with three roommates. You’re in the big leagues now. Welcome to adulthood.)

Looking at the piles of stuff you’ve accumulated over the years can be intimidating. Here’s a game plan to help you ace your first big move.

1. Clear out the clutter

This is a golden opportunity to get rid of the items that colored your teenage and college years. Be ruthless and evaluate every item. Ask yourself, “Is this something that will add value to my new life?” “Is this item truly meaningful to me?” Be brutal and remember: Just because you bought an item on the cheap, doesn’t mean that you’re required to keep it. The $4 hanging mirror with the plastic, neon frame that you got at Target? Trash it. That gaudy, printed duvet your parents bought you when you moved into your dorm? Let it go. You can replace these items with higher-quality pieces that will make you feel like the successful young adult that you are. You don’t have to use your entire first paycheck to replace these items, either. Look for affordable options at discount stores like T.J. Maxx and HomeGoods.

2. Get organized

Now that you’ve whittled down the amount of junk, you can start boxing up. There are a few ways to go about getting organized, and not every technique will work for every mover. One strategy we recommend is to label your boxes by destined room or use colored electrical tape to categorize. Make sure you place any valuable items you might have to the side, and point them out to the movers during your walkthrough so they don’t get damaged in the move.

3. Document changes

Go online to usps.gov and fill out a change-of-address form, noting when you want to start forwarding your mail. Make sure to also update your address with your bank, your employer’s human resources department, your car insurance agent, credit card companies and any subscriptions that are delivered to your home. Make a binder with important documents, like your social security card, passport and birth certificate, to ensure they don’t get lost on move day.

And don’t forget, if you’re hiring professional movers, make sure to call as far in advance as possible. Give us a call today — we’d love to help you during this exciting time in your life!