So, you are going to move house, but where, and when, do you start? What do you need to do first? How do you bring the whole move together?

Here is a list of the first things you need to attend to as soon as you know you are moving house.

Decide on a moving date: you need to know when before you can book a moving van. If you can’t get an accurate date from the realtor yet, try and get an approximate timeframe.

Find a moving company: ask friends and workmates for referrals and recommendations, both good and bad, for moving companies. Personal recommendation, by someone you know and trust, is a great way to find services you haven’t used before. On the MovinGood.com, you can compare quotes from different moving companies.

Seek quotes from several moving companies. Ask specific questions about the size of the truck you will need; the time they estimate it will take to load, travel and unload your goods; what insurances they carry and what is covered and whether they have experience in moving any special objects you might, have such as piano or antique furniture.

If you want to move house yourself, you will need to locate a reliable company that rents out moving trucks and vans. Choose a reputable company and ask to see their vehicles so you can be sure that you will be getting a truck in good condition. Make sure you book a van that is the right size for the amount of goods you need to move.

Find moving boxes and moving supplies: some moving companies sell moving boxes and there are also websites online that specialize in selling boxes. Have a look at MovingBoxeSmart.com for quality inexpensive moving boxes in a variety of sizes; you might even find some pre-used moving boxes that are free.

Make enquiries about services at your new address: if you are moving to a new district, start making enquiries about having utilities connected in your name, check out local schools for your kids and registering vehicles etc.

Gather information about moving: if you have never moved house before, it is a good idea to get some tips and tricks for packing your possessions for safe and secure moving.

Start to sort out your belongings: moving house is a great opportunity to clean out the clutter from your house! 

Start early to sort what you want to move and what is no longer needed. There is no point paying someone to move things that are going to go in the trash when you unpack them.

Sort each room in turn and take out anything you won’t be keeping. You can then organize a garage sale or donate items to a local charity.

Make a checklist: make a list of all the things that need to be done between now and moving day. Put them into a timeline so that nothing is forgotten. Plan on getting lots of the packing of moving boxes out of the way early; just keep out the basic items that are used every day.

This list of the first things you need to do when you know you will be moving will help you get organized right from the beginning. Luckily, MovinGood.com offers many of the moving services and information you will need.