Moving Checklist

For many people, there are perhaps few situations as stressful as moving. However, moving does not have to be an overwhelming process. The key to an effective move is lots of planning and organization. Our handy moving checklist will assist you in the creation of your own moving to do list, making your transition as easy as possible.

So whether you’re moving out to live in one of the best places to retire or simply picking up and moving to a house down the street, this complete moving to do list has you covered!

Moving Out Checklist

2 Months Pre-Move

Begin the Purge. Moving is a great opportunity to get rid of excess belongings you no longer need. Sort through possessions, determine what to sell and what to donate.

Time to Research. Researching moving companies will ensure that you get the best quality of service for the best price. Be sure to read reviews, ask about potential discounts, and ask friends for recommendations.

Moving House Checklist. Quite simply, create a checklist of everything that needs to be done. Consider using an app to make the list easily accessible (and impossible to lose).

6 Weeks Pre-Move

Gather Materials. You can’t move without boxes … and lots of them. Save money by asking friends for old boxes or buy new ones from moving supply or home improvement stores. Visit this website to estimate how many you’ll need.

Measure Carefully. Can you fit all of your belongings through the door? It’s time to measure large objects and make a list of anything that needs to be disassembled. Then, determine whether to do it yourself or hire assistance.

Obtain Records. Especially if traveling a long distance or moving to a new city like Las Vegas, you don’t want to leave important records behind. Make arrangements to obtain copies of medical records, veterinary records, school records, and other critical documents.

Book Travel. Are you traveling a long distance? It’s a good idea to plan your route and make the necessary reservations in order to avoid struggling to find a vacancy along the way.

1 Month Pre-Move

Packing Time. It can be easy to procrastinate on your moving list, particularly if you loathe the process. However, beginning packing a month ahead of time will ensure you have plenty of time to get belongings together while also minimizing stress. Start with seldom used items and work towards more frequently utilized ones.

Organization Time. There is perhaps no other item on your moving out checklist that will save your sanity as much as this. Ever moved and then struggled to find an important item in a field of boxes? Let’s not do that this time! Carefully label each box and note an overview of its contents on a separate list. Consider room-oriented numbering (i.e. “Bathroom #1,” “Master Bedroom #3”) to be able to easily verify that you have all your boxes when movers drop them off.

Backup Data. Typically, moving doesn’t bring to mind concerns about data; however, this is a time where unexpected things can happen to computers and phones. Consider backing up data to external storage drives or to the cloud.

Secure Storage. Will you be needing storage at your new location? This is the time to investigate storage units and make a reservation in advance. As with any major transaction, be sure to check reviews.

Notify Utilities. The last thing you need during a move is an unexpected bill or to arrive without power. Thus, give utility companies ample notice. Schedule all utilities to be disconnected the day after your move while making arrangements for new ones to be activated a day or two before your arrival.

Mail Forwarding. It is relatively easy to forget to change an address with a merchant. Thus, complete a change of address form with the U.S. Postal Service to ensure that your mail gets forwarded to your new address. As forwarded items arrive, contact the agencies, merchants, or subscription services to directly change your address. Mail forwarding will last 12 months; however, magazines will only be forwarded for two months.

Time for a Tune Up. One of the critical things that most people forget to add to their moving checklist is servicing their vehicles. Even the best-executed move will end in frustration if avoidable mechanical problems are experienced along the way.  Check your tires, oil, brakes, and fluid among other things and get any necessary service.

Double-check with Movers. Save the hassle of miscommunication and ensure everyone is on the same page. A quick phone call will confirm that the moving company has your date and location scheduled correctly will cross off another box on your moving list.

The Final Week Moving Checklist

1 Week Pre-Move

Complete Packing. Planning to finish the packing process a week before you move will relieve stress, improve organization, and provide critical flexibility in case delays occur. This is also the time to pack suitcases to come with you which should include important documents, a few changes of clothes, necessary electronics and chargers, medication, jewelry, cash, and other valuables.

Medication Check. Speaking of medication, be sure to refill any prescriptions that will run out before your move is complete.

A Few Days Pre-Move

Unplug. Most things have been completed, but your moving list still has a few items left. Start by disconnecting major appliances and give them a good cleaning. Be sure to defrost the freezer as well since this process takes roughly a day.

Pitch It All. By this point, everything you are bringing with you or sending with movers should be packed. Thus, anything remaining should be discarded – either tossed in the trash or donated.

Moving Day Arrives

Work with Movers. Greet the movers when they arrive. It is important to provide any necessary information and answer any questions they may have. You will also want to supervise the loading process and provide payment information. Be sure that the items you are bringing with you are set aside and noted so they don’t get accidentally loaded. You’ll later want to show the moving crew around the new home and provide any instructions for unloading.

Cleaning Time. With rooms cleared, it will be easy to go through and quickly tidy and vacuum.

The Grand Finale. The last steps in the process involve loading the car with the items you are bringing with you and taking one final walkthrough to ensure nothing has been overlooked. Moving can be a difficult process at times, but with careful organization and following this moving checklist, you can reduce stress and ensure that your moving experience is a positive one.

Moving To Do Checklist

There you have it, a complete moving out checklist to help enable an easy, hassle free move. Drop a comment below! ⤵️

Post a Comment