1. Look through your belongings and get rid of anything you have not used or worn in the past two years, because chances are you will not need it in the future. This is a great time to donate your items to a local shelter or second-hand store. This is also a great time to go through your cupboards and throw out any old spices and canned/packaged food that have expired. Get rid of any furniture that may not fit in your new place.

2. Pack a box of essential items that you will need immediately when you move into your new place (important paperwork, phone numbers to local utility companies, a few cooking utensils, and dishes). Pack one room at a time and clearly mark these boxes. Pack the kitchen and bathroom last as these are the rooms and items you will be utilizing until the day you move.

3. Change your address at the post office, doctors’ offices, utility companies, schools, places of employment, the bank, pharmacy, and any other companies you do business with.

4. Meet with your new landlord to walk through the apartment. Take measurements and have a plan of where you want furniture to go. Look over your lease carefully and take your time to review it with the landlord. Have the landlord do a pre-inspection of the apartment with you and write down anything that needs to be fixed or changed before you start moving in.

5. Have movers or friends and family lined up to help you the day you move. Assign people jobs (last minute packing, carrying heavy items, driving the vehicles, someone to entertain the kids etc.). Have someone picking up food/coffee for your volunteers! It’s a great way to repay them and keep them motivated.

Lastly remember to take your time unpacking and decorating. This is your new home and you want to feel comfortable and relaxed when you walk through the door. Welcome home!

Krissie Bodkin-Rubino is a Property Manager at Avesta Housing. She has a degree in social work with a focus on human services and mental health.