Saying that moving is hectic and stressful is an understatement. Moving can be chaotic, and this is the reason why a lot of people postpone the planning process for so long. However, a checklist and a reasonable timeline can help to make it easier on you. Whether you are moving within your city, or to another country and state, this moving checklist will give you peace of mind as you will take care of everything that you need while moving.
8 weeks before you move
___ Create a moving binder or folder that will hold all of the documents and records that you need when moving
___ Go through your house and sort out the things that you will need as well as the things that you will get rid off. Take note of anything that will need special packaging or insurance during the move.
___ Start looking for moving and storage companies. Do not accept an over-the-phone quote. Ask them to visit your home in order to give you the correct price estimates.
___ If you have school-going kids, you should arrange for their records to be transferred from their old school to their new school district.
___ If you have several cars, you may need a car mover to help you move them to the new home.
___ Get copies of your medical and dental records.
6 weeks before the move
___ Order moving supplies such as boxes, tape, bubble wraps, permanent markers and specialty containers.
___ Return items that you had previously borrowed or rented.
___ Request for items that you had lent out to be returned.
___ Start using up items in the home such as cleaning supplies and perishable foods so that they are finished by the time you move.
___ Have a garage sale and sell things that you will not be moving it. Donate the things that you are unable to sell.
4 weeks before the move
___ Finalize the moving details with the moving and storage company of your choice.
___ Start packing the things that you do not use frequently around your house.
___Label all your boxes, as well as the contents that will be stored in them. Create an inventory of all the items that you own. Label a box that contains the essential items that you will need immediately after you move into the new home.
___ Separate valuables such as important documents and jewelry that you will personally carry to your new home.
___ Go to your local post office and complete the change-of-address form. You can also do this online at the usps.gov website. However, ask a neighbor or a close friend to check out for your mail about two weeks after you have moved. This way, you will still get mail that is sent to your previous address after you have relocated.
___ Alert the various important parties about your move. You can notify banks, magazine and newspapers that you have subscribed to, your credit card company, and your insurance company. You should also call all your utility companies to inform them about your move. You should call the utility companies in your new town to inform notify them of the ‘start date’. This is the date when you will start using their services. Some of the utilities that you may need include phone, cable, water, garbage, gas, electric, and internet.
___ Forward all of your medical records to your new service providers in the town or city that you are relocating to.
___ Provide your friends, family, accountant, attorney, and employers with your new address.
___ Cancel any automated payment plans in your current home.
Two weeks before the move
___ Arrange to be away from work on the day of the move.
___ Take your car to the mechanic for a tune up. This will be especially important if you are traveling for long distances or to a new climate.
___ Clean out your safe deposit box and store the money in a safe box that you will carry on the day of the move.
___ Call your moving company and reconfirm the moving arrangements.
___ Schedule the cancellation of services at your current place such as lawn-mowing, housekeeping, and pool cleaning services.
___ Start cleaning and slowly packing your suitcases.
___ Get rid of any flammables in your home such as gasoline or paint.
___ Make sure that all the paper work on your current home and your new home are completed.
___ Inspect your furniture for damages and record them in the inventory.
___ Take furniture such as shelves and desks apart.
1 week before the move
___ Refill any prescriptions that you will need during the coming weeks.
___ Pack the suitcases of everyone in the family, and only leave out clothes that your family will wear during the next few days.
2-4 days before the move
___ Finalize the cleaning and packing.
___ If you plan on carry your refrigerator, empty it, defrost it, and clean it.
___ Finalize the moving details and make payment plans. Plan for any other moving costs such as lodging and food.
___ Have essential tools such as pliers, screwdrivers and wrenches nearby.
___ Pack a bag of snacks, water bottles and other essentials for your move.
Moving day
___ Remove bedding and take the bed apart.
___ Take the movers around the house and instruct them what to do.
___ Go around the empty house to ensure that nothing has been left behind. Check everywhere, including behind the doors.
___ Take an inventory of all the items and sign the bill of lading.
___ Ensure that the movers have the correct address of your new home before they leave.
Conclusion
This moving checklist will make the process of moving out significantly easier. It will also make it easier for you to settle into your new home or apartment. After you relocate to the new home, you can start unpacking your belongings and arranging the home. In case anything was damaged during the move, you can claim insurance immediately. You should also schedule a time to get your new vehicle registration and driving license.