Many people think of moving as one of the most stressful tasks there is. But what if we told you there was a way to make your move stress-free and manageable? It all starts with a comprehensive moving checklist!
Pre-Move Planning
Planning your move should start a couple of months before your actual moving date. Otherwise, you may end up missing key details that force you to postpone your move or make it more difficult than it needs to be. To get started, make sure you know the answer to these four questions.
- What is the distance of your move?
- Is your move interstate, intrastate, or international?
- What is the rough total amount of furniture and belongings you’ll be taking with you?
- Are you moving any items that require special moving services, like a piano or gun safe, or that need to be disassembled before you pack them?
Once you’ve figured out the answer to these questions, you can move on to the next stage of planning.
Research and Hire a Moving Company
Before picking a moving company, talk to several different companies and get a quote. You should also take a look at their ratings and reviews. Consider asking them the following questions:
- Are you giving a binding quote?
- Are there any fees that might increase the final price?
- Is the pickup and delivery date guaranteed?
- Can you explain your cancellation policy?
- Do you charge extra for heavy items?
- What’s the cost of your packing and unpacking services?
- What are your insurance options?
- Is your moving company USDOT (U.S. Department of Transportation) registered?
Once you’ve picked a moving company, it’s time to start organizing your belongings and set a budget.
Budgeting, Packing, and Decluttering
Once you’ve decided which company to go with, you can finalize your moving budget. Make sure you’ve gathered the following documents:
- A bill of lading (Note: This bill is a legal contract with your mover)
- Your moving insurance policy
Now, you can start decluttering your home. Sorting items into four categories, move, sell, donate, and discard, is a great first step. You can host a garage sale or post items online to get rid of anything you do not need to move to your new home. This can reduce the cost of your move and the time it takes to pack.
One Month Before Moving
When your move is a month away, it’s time to take care of some of the logistics. This will make your transition seamless.
Notify Utility and Service Providers
Make a list of every institution that needs to be notified of your move. Depending on your move, here are some organizations this list might include. Follow the right steps to change your address with each of these companies ahead of time to make sure that everything is in place when you get to your new home.
- Your office
- The post office
- Electric company
- Water/sewer department
- Cable and internet company
- Cell phone provider
- Garbage collector
- Banks and credit card companies
- I.R.S
- Social Security Administration
- Healthcare provider
- Insurance company
- Magazine/Newspaper Subscriptions
Schedule Time Off of Work
It’s time to schedule your time off from work or school for your moving day, as well as any time you’ll need to pack or unpack.
One Week Before Moving
Here are the steps you’ll need to take care of the week of your move.
Confirm Moving Details With the Moving Company
Confirm your moving details with the moving company. Make a plan for your moving day so that you know what to prioritize.
Pack Essential Items
Pack essential items, like clothes, medications, and toiletries, where they will be easily accessible on your first night in your new home. You should also refill any important medications before moving. Additionally, locate sensitive documents like passports, tax returns, and social security cards, and keep them with you during the move.
Prepare Your Appliances For the Move
Empty, defrost, and clean your refrigerator at least 24 hours before the move. If you are taking your freezer with you, it may need even longer.
Moving Day
On moving day, there are a few key details to remember that can make your move a success.
Clear a Path to the Truck
You need a clear path between your home and the moving truck in order to safely load the truck. Make sure to clear away any snow or outdoor furniture that’s in the way. Move any vehicles that are in the driveway or could make it difficult for the truck to back into your driveway.
When your moving truck arrives, confirm its USDOT number. Once the truck is loaded, walk through your home one more time. Check drawers, cabinets, and closets to ensure that nothing is getting left behind.
Arriving at Your New Home
Once you arrive at your new home, it’s important to stay organized while you unload and unpack.
- Check off items while the movers unload the truck.
- Supervise the placement of your items, such as boxes or furniture.
- Before signing any documents, check if any of your belongings are missing or damaged.
After the Move
Once everything has been moved into your new home, it’s time to settle in.
Unpack and Organize
After successfully moving your belongings to your new location, it’s time to unpack and organize. Some moving services include unpacking services and may even remove the packing materials for you when they’re done.
Update Your Address
If you’ve yet to update your address, make sure you update it as soon as you move.
Key Takeaways
Moving does not have to be complicated if you set yourself up for success. By preparing for your move ahead of time using this detailed checklist, you can keep your move organized and on schedule. At Serenity Moving Services, we help our clients transition seamlessly to their new homes. Contact us today if you’re ready to get your move started.
