[Please note that points marked by ° refer to an option of choosing a moving company over DIY for your relocation]
BRING THE BEST OUT OF YOUR MOVE
UNIVERSAL MOVING CHECKLIST
8 weeks before you move:
- Create a “cloud” (Google Drive, Dropbox) to keep track of quotes and receipts.
- Do your research on your preferred move method (DIY/moving company)
- Contact and schedule on-site visits/phone calls with moving companies.
- Come up with a realistic budget for your relocation expenses.
- Read over documents from your movers before signing anything.
- Double-check your availability during the moving day (getting off work, taking care of the kids etc.)
- Choose a new school for your kids. (Or let them choose 🙂
- Request transcripts from the old school before leaving.
- Plan a garage sale or a Craigslist posting getting rid of unwanted items.
- Plan on moving fragile or unusual items, such as fine art, large bulky items, antiques etc.
- Confirm that the moving company you hired is licensed and insured.
6 weeks before you move:
- Get free boxes from grocery stores nearby, friends or these portals (uboxes.com, usedcardboardboxes.com)
- Get advice and tips on packing.
- Create different labels or markings for your boxes depending on the room/origin.
- Create a list of all your belongings moved to keep track of everything.
- Pack all fragile items in separate heavy-duty boxes together. (don’t forget to specifically mark them)
- Put all your hardware and electronics in labeled bins or crates.
- Use towels, t-shirts and linens to use as packing supplies for fragile things.
- Find out all essential details for your move-in (obtaining a COI [certificate of insurance], reserving parking spot/loading dock etc.)
- Take care of needed repairs or cosmetic solutions before moving out (you want the full security deposit back, don’t you?)
- If moving across the state lines, take care of your vehicles’ maintenance.
- If you plan on shipping your car, make sure to take everything out of it beforehand.
- Note the doorways, stairways and elevators dimensions to make sure your furniture will fit through.
4 weeks before you move:
- Consider purchasing moving insurance to safeguard your move.
- Figure out parking options for your truck – you may need a permit and/or loading dock reserved for a specific time.
- Get rid of the remaining unwanted items (sell/donate).
- Have all legal paperwork kept in one place.
- Return your library books, etc. (any due rentals).
- Take care of medical (general, dental and optical) records for your family and you.
- If not moving locally, find suitable replacements (family doctor, dentist, vet, lawyer etc.
- If not moving locally, plan your route (car, plane, etc.) and book your lodging if applicable.
- Research best deals for cable, internet and phone.
- Request copies of vet records and take care of needed vaccinations, if any.
- Make a moving day playlist to enjoy while moving and/or packing/unpacking.
2 weeks before you move:
- Consider purchasing moving insurance to safeguard your move.
- Figure out parking options for your truck – you may need a permit and/or loading dock reserved for a specific time.
- Get rid of the remaining unwanted items (sell/donate).
- Have all legal paperwork kept in one place.
- Return your library books, etc. (any due rentals).
- Take care of medical (general, dental and optical) records for your family and you.
- If not moving locally, find suitable replacements (family doctor, dentist, vet, lawyer etc.
- If not moving locally, plan your route (car, plane, etc.) and book your lodging if applicable.
- Research best deals for cable, internet and phone.
- Request copies of vet records and take care of needed vaccinations, if any.
- Make a moving day playlist to enjoy while moving and/or packing/unpacking.
The week you move:
- Make sure to get rid of any extra food (opened/unopened).
- Double check the scheduled deliveries – cancel or redirect them to your new home.
- Clean up not to be in a rush during the move.
- Unplug your fridge and/or freezer to make sure they defrost before you leave.
- Drain water from your washing machine.
- Empty oil and gas tanks in your lawn mower, grill, heater, bike etc.
- Leave a small welcoming gift for new residents.
- Perform a final check for items in closets, basement or anywhere hidden.
- Fill nail holes in the wall with the solution (or bar soap if on low budget).
- Be prepared for any weather conditions the day before (double-check the forecasts).
- Pack a “first responder’s” kit (box with essential for first 48 hours at new home).
- Make needed arrangements for the worst-case scenario (movers running late, extra charges etc.)
- Take pictures of the empty place as a proof for your landlord.
- Have cash (other preferred methods like check, money order etc.) ready to pay and tip the movers.
MOVING DAY
- Set an alarm to get up early for any unfinished essentials before the move.
- Protect your floors during the move, if needed (blankets, masonite, etc.)
- Tip your movers (in case of a same-day delivery).
- Double-check the paperwork when finishing up with the movers and covering the bill.
- Unpack the essentials (bed sheets, window curtains, toiletries etc.)
- Shop for groceries.
- Get back to your moving company on the phone for the feedback.
- Finish the business with your real estate agent/broker.
- Have a shower and relax with a drink of your choosing 🙂
One week, post move:
- Leave a review for your moving company (Yelp/Facebook/Google etc.).
- Post your used boxes and any unwanted items on Craigslist.
- Clean up your new place (clean the dust, check the basement, break the curse 🙂
- Make sure you home address is visible from the street (for mailman, milkman, your aunt).
- Install/set up a security system in your home.
- Explore the neighborhood!
- Don’t forget to thank friends and family who helped you move.
Two weeks, post move:
- Unpack all your items within two weeks.
- Make new copies of the keys for your family and yourself.
- Done with the moving checklist? Good luck with your new home and best wishes from BestMoving!