Without proper planning, the move to a new home can be cumbersome and overwhelming. The entire moving process is hard work, but you can make it easier on yourself by creating a checklist before the professional movers arrive. Most begin the moving process with packing. However, there are so many other tasks to complete before even placing a pillow in a box. The following is a checklist that can help guide you in a smooth moving journey to ensure nothing is missed.
Develop a Strategy
Between eight and ten weeks before moving day, you must begin planning your strategy. If you can select the moving day, pick the most affordable times, such as weekdays, mornings, and off-season months (end-September to April). Then create a budget to prepare for the moving cost. If you are taking your furniture with you, it is advisable to hire professional movers since they will guarantee your belongings arrive in the same condition they left. Then, create an itemized inventory list and organize a moving folding for paperwork. One important tip, if you have children in school, notify the district immediately so student reports and vaccination records can be transferred.
Declutter your Belongings
Around six-to-eight weeks before moving, start to declutter and donate your belongings. The best way to do this is to ask yourself, is it worth it to pack, move, and store this item in my new home? If it is not worth it and in good shape, then donate it to a local charity. Go through each room, one-at-a-time, and declutter items in storage, under the bed, in the closet and drawers, etc. Don’t forget to declutter the items in the garage, shed, and other storage areas.
Pack all Items
Now that your belongings are in order, it is time to pack. This activity should occur three-to-six weeks before moving, depending on the number of packing items. The first step is to collect and label moving boxes based on the room the box should be placed in at the new residence. Cafes, grocery stores, public schools, bookstores, etc. all handout boxes. While you are looking for boxes, purchase moving supplies, like markers, packing tape, bubble wrap, etc. Most professional movers will provide moving pads, blankets, and other items to protect furniture. It is always advisable to pack items not immediately needed, like decorations, photos in picture frames, artwork, and seasonal clothing. While packing, make sure to prepare a startup kit with things you need your first week in the new house.
Contact the Post Office
Two-to-three weeks before the move, sign up with the Post Office to have all mail forwarded to your new address. Also, you must contact utility services, the IRS, voter registration office, social security administration, and DMV, if you are moving states. Also, your regular health facilities, bank, cell phone provider, and clubs and subscriptions will need to know of your move.
Move All Items
The final step is for the professional movers to come and move your items. Make sure to greet the movers and guide them through your home while identifying fragile items. Before leaving your home, check each room to ensure nothing was missed, and turn off all utilities. Always tip professional movers after the service has been completed.
Don’t let moving to keep you from finding a new home your family can enjoy. Whether you are moving across town or the country, professional movers can streamline your move, so it is a stress-free experience. Always create and following your checklist, beginning two months before the move, so the days leading up area organized and relaxing.
No comments yet.