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Moving Checklist: Don’t Forget the Essentials

Chris Swift • August 10, 2016

Moving to a new home is filled with challenges. You may feel that you’re pressed for time when it comes to getting all your belongings packed and ready for your new residence. Following a checklist can be very helpful when you’re moving, especially when you include important items on your list that will make the transition much smoother.

Here are a few essential things to include on your moving checklist, along with a timeline to keep you from being overwhelmed on moving day.

Two Months Before Your Move

  • Star sorting out all your belongings and throw out the things that are no longer useful. You can even donate clothing or items that you don’t use anymore to a local charity or thrift store. When it comes to the items that you’re keeping, determine whether you’ll need special insurance or packing to transport them.
  • Start researching moving companies in your area. Don’t simply ask for prices over the phone: request that a company representative come out and provide you with an on-site estimate. Get the estimate in writing, and make sure that the moving company is properly licensed and insured. The estimate should also have a Department of Transportation number on it to be considered valid, especially if you’re moving out of state.
  • Keep a binder to store all the documents related to your move. This includes receipts, estimates and lists that help you keep track of moving tasks.

 

Six Weeks Before Your Move

  • Visit your child’s school to make arrangements for school records to be transferred to your new district. Doing this ahead of time ensures that you’re not waiting for the records to arrive once you actually move.
  • Order the boxes and packing supplies you’ll need for your move. Remember special packing supplies for fragile items.
  • Measure the doors and openings of your new home to ensure that your larger furniture pieces will fit through the doors.
  • Now is also a good time to start using up items like cleaning supplies or perishable foods, so you won’t have as much to throw away as moving day approaches.

 

One Month Before Your Move

  • Choose your moving company. Confirm the date and time that the movers will arrive. Get a clear understanding of which items the movers will transport, and how they’ll pack your items.
  • Start packing your belongings as much as possible, and label all your boxes. Mark items that you’ll need as soon as you arrive at your new home as “essentials.”
  • Forward your medical records, fill out a change of address and notify your utilities, cable and credit card companies of your move so that you’ll still receive your mail on time.

 

Two Weeks Before Your Move

  • Arrange to take a day off on the day of your move.
  • Contact the moving company again to confirm details.
  • Take your car to the mechanic to see if a tuneup is needed if you’re moving to a different climate or a long distance.

 

One Week Before Your Move

  • Refill your prescriptions.
  • Pack suitcases for your family members. Make sure everyone has enough clothing for a few days so you won’t have to frantically sort through boxes.
  • Defrost your freezer.
  • On the day of your move, take inventory of your items while the movers are still at your home. Sign the inventory list, and keep a copy for your records.

These helpful tips can make moving day much less stressful, so you can focus on the excitement of enjoying your new home.

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