Create and stick to a comprehensive moving to-do list so as to keep track of your moving activities
Ideally, a household move should be planned weeks, if not months in advance. With so many moving-related duties and responsibilities, it’s easy to lose your focus. Instead of leaving everything until the last minute, you may actually benefit from breaking down arduous moving tasks into weekly to-do lists. If you only have a vague idea of what you should be doing before, during and after the move, stick to our checklist that will guide you successfully through the moving activities.
It’s really hard to keep track of moving duties and responsibilities without a proper plan in place. Starting preparations well in advance will not only make your relocation manageable, but also keep stress and tension at bay all along.
It’s no secret that relocating your earthly possessions to a new place is a tough and overwhelming job. Especially if you are facing an unexpected move due to some unforeseen circumstances. If you are moving for the first time you may easily get confused while trying to figure out which relocation tasks to prioritize.
A detailed moving checklist will give you the possibility to make the most of your time while achieving moving goals and tackling relocation activities one by one. This strategy reduces the chance of overlooking some important details as well.
8 weeks before moving day
As it turns out, a residential move is less of a hassle if you start with preparations at least two months in advance. Here are some activities that are typically performed immediately after you decide to move:
– Start researching housing options in the area you want to move to. Whether you are relocating locally or long distance, you may consider hiring reputable real estate agent to speed up the process.
– If you are renting a property, let you landlord know that you are moving out. You are obliged according to your tenancy agreement to notify your landlord usually 2-4 weeks before the move-out day.
– Decide whether to move on your own or to hire professional and affordable movers.
– If you decide to have professionals do all the hard work for you, start researching your moving options. There are so many different businesses and it’s in your best interest to research them thoroughly.
7 weeks before the move
– Inspect your target area. Try to learn as much as possible about the new neighborhood, lifestyle, cost of living, crime rate, health and child care institutions, cultural and entertainment options, schools,…
– Get several quotes based on an in-home inspection. By now you should’ve realized that there are suspicious moving companies and moving quote can be one of the indicators. No matter how attractive, unusually low moving estimate is a sign that something’s wrong.
High traffic is one of the prerequisites of a stressful moving day
-Decide on a favorable move-out date so as to avoid rush hour, heavy traffic and parking issues. You will set the date according to the movers’ availability, so book them well in advance so as to ensure your peace of mind. Also, if you need to move during the peak season, chances are that some of the most dependable movers won’t be at your disposal.
6 weeks before the move
– Notify your friends, relatives and co-workers that you are moving. Also, change your address with all businesses, third-party services – post office, banks, utility companies, insurance providers, government agencies, magazine subscriptions,…
– Get your family’s medical and school records transferred. Start researching your new area in order to identify suitable housing options, childcare and healthcare institutions, schools. Keep moving documents together and have them on hand all along.
– Go through your items and make an inventory. Not everything you own will fit into your new home, so purge your home of items you don’t want to move. Spread the word about the garage sale that you are about to organize and try to attract as many visitors as possible. Not only will you put some extra cash in your pocket, but also you will be able to save on packing supplies and transportation services.
5 weeks before the big day
– Know what your movers won’t move. They will provide you with the list of non-allowable items: canned food, aerosols, cleaning supplies, fuel, oil, pesticides, household batteries,… Try not to stock up on groceries during this period and use up food from the refrigerator and pantry.
– Get packing supplies. Check with the local grocery stores, restaurants, liquor stores when you can pick up free cardboard boxes. If you start your quest well in advance you are likely to save some money on your moving supplies. Furthermore, check with your movers if they are providing wardrobe boxes, dish boxes, mattress bags and other specialty supplies.
4 weeks before the move
Preparing a pet for the upcoming move is critical for their adaptation and well-being during the moving process
– Have the utilities up and running at your new location and arrange cancellation at your current home.
– Prepare your pet for the upcoming move. Have your animal friend checked up by a vet and collect all medical records and health certificates.
3 weeks ahead
– Let’s get packing! Create an efficient packing schedule and tackle one room at a time. By letting go of unnecessary items you will be able to coordinate your packing activities much easier. First pack rarely used items, out-of-season clothing, specialty items and other things you won’t be using before moving day.
– If you’ve decided to hit the road with your own car and drive to your new home, get your car serviced in advance. Also, shipping your car requires some advance arrangements with the auto transport company, so get to your research as soon as possible.
2 weeks ahead
– Arrange a babysitter for the big day.
– Get in touch with your movers and confirm the moving schedule. Give them exact contact details and destination address.
– Hire a cleaning company to perform a thorough cleaning after you leave.
– Pay all utility bills.
1 week before moving
– Pack an overnight bag for moving day and take care of all valuables that you are not going to entrust to your movers.
– Arrange for a parking place at both locations and reserve the elevator for the time of your relocation.
– Have some cash on hand to tip your movers once the move is completed.
-Keep checking weather forecast regularly and have a plan B in place in case you are moving in inclement weather.
