Do you need a checklist for moving? Picture this. You’ve just spent weeks gearing up to move to a brand-new home. Everything’s loaded on the truck, and you feel good about things.
Then you arrive at the new place and start to unload. The first thing out of the truck is a large sectional you plan on putting in your new basement. The problem is, it’s too big to get down the stairs!
This kind of nightmare scenario happens far too often when people move, but it can be avoided if you’re prepared with a complete and comprehensive checklist. Here’s what that should include.
Clearout unwanted items
Even major neat freaks have a few things they could live without in their home. There’s no better time to clear out all the unwanted items than just before a big move.
If you declutter before moving, the transition will be easier, and there’ll be less you have to pack to take with you.
The best approach is to identify anything you no longer want and then organize it into 4 categories:
- What you want to give to family and friends
- What you want to donate
- What you want to sell
- What you want to junk
If you have lots in the junk pile at the end of this exercise, consider renting a dumpster for disposal.
Get organized
Being organized will make your move go a lot smoother. This might include a physical moving binder for keeping all your essential paperwork in one place. Or, if you’re more digitally inclined, you can store everything you need in a folder on your laptop.
Either way is acceptable; the important thing is to ensure you have a solid and reliable structure to keep everything organized for your move.
Decide who’s doing the moving
You’ll want to consider many factors before hiring a professional moving company or handling the satisfying duties yourself.
Budget is important, but you’ll also want to consider your health and helpers’ availability if you consider a self-move.
Moving is physically demanding, even if you’re young and healthy. With all the other stress that comes with a move, you should lean towards hiring movers if you can find it in your budget.
Plan ahead for the new place
You’ll want to plan if you don’t want to be frustrated because your couch won’t fit down the stairs at your new home.
If you can get inside the new place and measure, great, or at least ask the old owners for measurements. Most people will be more than happy to help.
It is more than obstacles inside the home that can cause you problems. You’ll also want to think about external factors.
Are there any one-way streets? If you’re moving into an apartment, do you need to pre-book the elevator? The more you can plan ahead, the easier your move will go.
Reach out to utilities and services
The best moves are the ones where everything is disconnected or transferred to the new owners on moving day at your old home and set up to go to the new place when you get there.
If that’s going to happen, you’ll want to reach out to your utilities and service providers ahead of time. After all, who wants to arrive at a new home only to find out it will be a week before your internet connection is?
Final pre-move preparations
As you head into the last month before your move, it’s time to prepare your final pre-move preparations. Make sure you have all the boxes you need. If you need help finding enough through nearby local stores, you can buy boxes from moving companies.
Boxes are just one of the things you’ll need. You’ll also need packing tape, labels, old newspapers, or similar material to protect your valuables from damage.
With everything in hand, you’ll need to box everything up safely; it’s time to start packing anything you can so you’re not dealing with a last-minute rush to be ready. Take care of seasonal and less frequently used items as soon as it’s feasible to do so.
Finalizing moving details
Now that you’re into the last month before the big day ensure all essential moving details are taken care of. You should have enough time booked off work; the movers should be confirmed, and remember to provide proper moving insurance is in place before you start the move.
The final week before moving day
As the moving day closes in, it’s time to pack up everything else you can. Only leave out the daily essentials. Everything else should be packed and ready to go at this point.
Ensure you’ve updated friends, family members, and other essential contacts about your address change. Cancel memberships you no longer need and look into new ones closer to your new address.
You’ll also want to make sure you’ve notified your health provider of the address change and start the process of requesting updated IDs.
Remember to pack meals if needed before you hit the road on the way to enjoy your new home!
