While moving can be stressful, you can eliminate many stresses if you put together a moving checklist. If you go through the steps on this checklist, you’ll be able to prepare for your move and take care of everything you need to.
What to Do a Few Months Before Your Move
Moves require a lot of work, which is why you should start planning your move sooner rather than later. In the months leading up to your move, you’ll want to:
- Set a moving budget: There are many costs you need to cover while moving, from gas to equipment rentals to hiring movers. Setting an account will make it easier for you to determine what you can and can’t afford.
- Look into moving companies: Now is the right time to start researching moving companies. Try to look at a range of options, including full-service moving companies and pod rentals.
- Interview movers: If you’re thinking about working with a moving company, take the time to ask them a few questions. Get a better sense of what it would be like to work with them.
- Prepare your household: It’s essential to make sure everyone in your family is on the same page regarding your move. If you have children, you’ll want to talk about the move with them to know what they should expect.
- Give notice if necessary: If you’re a renter, you’ll need to let your landlord know that you’re moving out. The amount of information required should be specified in your lease.
What to Do a Few Weeks Before Your Move
As your move draws nearer, you’ll need to take some concrete steps to make sure you’re prepared for what lies ahead. There are many things you’ll need to make sure are taken care of.
- Ask friends and family if they can help you move: Having an extra set of hands can make a move easier. You’ll want to talk to friends and family members and figure out who will be able to help before they fill up their schedules.
- Obtain estimates from moving companies: Even if you’re not sure you want to work with a moving company, it’s smart to seek estimates. Try to get information from three different companies you would be interested in working with.
- Book a truck: If you decide against hiring movers, or if you’re working with movers that will require you to supply your truck, you’ll want to reserve a vehicle for your move. Trucks are often rented out quickly on weekend move dates, so you’ll want to take care of this ahead of time.
- Hire movers: If you do decide to hire movers, you’ll want to make sure you book them in advance. Waiting to hire professionals may mean that you won’t book anyone on your desired date.
- Gather supplies: Make sure you have supplies like cardboard boxes and packing tape on hand.
- Get rid of things you no longer want or need: The less you bring with you, the better. Now is the time to sell or donate items you don’t use.
- Develop a plan for packing: Packing is one of the biggest challenges of moving, which is why you’ll want to put together a strategy. You may want to start packing non-essential items now. That way, you’ll have less to pack later on.
What to Do a Few Weeks Before Your Move:
There’s a lot you’ll need to take care of as your move draws closer! Ahead of your move date, you’ll want to make sure you:
- Take time off work: You may need to take some time off from work for your move. Make sure you request this time off in advance.
- Forward your mail: Set up mail forwarding so that you’ll continue to receive mail at your new address:
- Start packing: Now, it is time to start the packing process. You’ll want to pack items that belong in the same room together. You’ll also want to make sure that all of your boxes are clearly labeled.
- Have your car serviced: If you’re going to be driving to your new destination, you’ll want to have your vehicle serviced. This is especially important if you’re making a long-distance move.
What to Do the Day Before Your Move:
- Pack a suitcase: You probably won’t have time to unpack everything on the day you move in. That’s why everyone in your household should pack a suitcase that includes essentials like clothing for the next few days and toiletries. Children should also pack a few toys.
- Make Sure Your Home is Clean: Whether you live in a house or an apartment, you’ll want to make sure your property is clean before it’s time for you to move out.