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April 26, 2016 - The Perfect Moving Checklist

Just the idea of moving can be overwhelming, but packing up and actually doing it is a totally different beast. Between carefully storing your belongings, making sure boxes stay organized, and properly loading the moving truck, moving can be an incredibly stressful ordeal. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be.

With this week-by-week checklist, you can cross off to-do’s as you go and make this move as simple and stress-free as possible.

Eight Weeks Out

  • Research your moving options. Should you hire movers to reduce the stress of a long distance move? Do you have friends who could pitch in and help with the duties of a local  move?
  • Get organized by making a moving folder or binder. Use this to keep all of your move-related paperwork in order and be sure to include a notebook with all of your notes, reminders, ideas, etc.
  • Set a moving budget. Without knowing how much you can afford to spend on this venture, you’ll find yourself breaking the bank. Take note of everything you’ll need to consider for the move and set a budget to help keep that list in line.

Four Weeks Out

  • Change your address. Though the move might still be a month away, changing your address weeks in advance will let friends and family know about your move, and you can manage any important business correspondence or subscriptions you might have.
  • Start sorting. What are you going to keep? What can be donated? Are some things better off in the garbage? Remember the space you’ll have in your new home and try to manage your belongings accordingly.
  • Order moving supplies. Now is the perfect time to start purchasing, borrowing, or renting the moving essentials like boxes, colored labels, packaging tape, bubble wrap or newspaper, etc.
  • Take care of important family matters: Get copies of your family’s medical records and notify your children’s schools of the upcoming move. Remember to get copies of school records, too, and check into the enrollment process at your child’s future school.

Two Weeks Out

  • Start packing.  Box up everything you have left in your house and be vigilant about properly labeling such boxes.
  • Make arrangements for you to get your pets, plants, and automobiles to your new home.
  • Transfer your current homeowners insurance policy to your new home and formally change your address on the USPS website.
  • If needed, arrange for a cleaning service to clean your new home before you and your belongings begin to arrive.

One Week Out

  • Confirm with your moving company – or friends and family – the time and date of your move.
  • Pack an essential kit with items that you’ll need immediately at your new home. Be sure to include your important moving binder, and make sure this kit stays with you and is not put in the moving truck.

The Day Of

  • Work with your movers when packing the truck. Coordinate and answer questions, identify valuables or fragile items, and verify that everything is loaded properly.
  • Before the moving van pulls away, make sure you do one final sweep in your home to make sure you didn’t leave anything behind.

For peace of mind and professional assistance with your move, contact Redman Van, today.