Moving can indeed feel like a daunting task, whether it's a short distance or a cross-country journey. But with the right planning and organization, you can make the process much smoother. Take advantage of this comprehensive moving to-do list to help you stay on track and reduce stress along the way. By tackling tasks week by week, you'll find yourself well-prepared for the big day, and hopefully, your next move will end with the comforting words, "I'm home."
We highly recommend starting your moving preparations at least two months before your move-out date. This ample time allows for decluttering, cleaning, and packing at a relaxed pace. Before contacting movers or purchasing storage containers, create a realistic moving timeline. Having a clear schedule of tasks will prevent feeling rushed or unprepared when moving day approaches. However, the earlier you initiate the planning process, the smoother the transition will be.
Beginning your preparations to a new house as soon as you confirm your move is ideal. This early start alleviates stress and allows for thorough decluttering and decision-making about which items to bring to your new home. Aim to kickstart your preparations around eight weeks prior to the move, utilizing a moving prep list for guidance throughout the process. Here you will find all things to do to get ready to move.
Read more: The Ultimate First Apartment Checklist: All You Need For A Move
Preparing for moving day is crucial to ensuring a smooth transition to your new home. Start by organizing all your moving-related documents in a binder or digital file. This includes contracts, receipts, and personal documents like passports.
Next, create a comprehensive moving prep checklist to guide you through the process. Break down tasks into weekly increments, starting from 8 weeks before the move and working your way down to moving day. By following a structured plan, you can tackle each task methodically and alleviate some of the stress associated with moving. Need help with your moving preparation list? Check out our article for a detailed plan!
Read more: Apartment moving checklist
Establishing a budget is a crucial step in the moving process, as it helps you manage expenses and avoid overspending. Determine whether a full-service move fits within your budget or if a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach is more feasible. Research moving companies and compare quotes to find the best option for your needs. Consider specialized services for long-distance or cross-country moves.
If you opt for a DIY move, gather pricing for truck rentals and necessary equipment. Enlist the help of friends and family members to assist with packing and loading, and don't forget to show your appreciation with a meal.
Create an inventory of your belongings to estimate moving costs and ensure everything is accounted for. This inventory will be useful when hiring a moving company and shopping for insurance coverage.
Amidst the chaos of moving, prioritize self-care by scheduling regular "me" time. Whether it's indulging in a relaxing bath, exercising, or practicing self-care rituals, taking care of yourself is essential during this transitional period.
Acquiring packing supplies is the next step in your moving preparation. It's advisable to acquire more moving boxes than you anticipate needing to avoid the hassle of running out on packing day. Utilize packing calculators to estimate the required quantity of supplies accurately. Any surplus packing materials can be donated or sold to others preparing for a move, minimizing waste and clutter.
As you begin the packing process for your move, it's essential to start with the most minimalist room first to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Allocate at least one month for this phase of packing when planning your move timeline. Utilize strategic packing techniques to maximize space in your vehicle or moving truck efficiently. Here are some tips to streamline your packing:
Before moving, take the time to visit your new community. Seeing the area in person will provide a better sense of the neighborhoods and amenities available. Explore local parks, shops, and restaurants to get a feel for the community vibe.
Establishing a realistic budget is crucial for a smooth move. Determine whether you'll hire professional movers or handle the move yourself. Long-distance moves typically cost around $5,000, while local moves may be closer to $1,000. If your move is job-related, check with your employer to see if they offer relocation expense coverage, which can significantly offset your costs.
If you have school-age children, start researching schools in your new area as early as possible. Utilize School Ratings, which includes GreatSchools ratings and other essential information, to identify top-rated schools in your new neighborhood. This will help you make an informed decision about your child's education and ensure a smooth transition.
When considering professional labor, it's essential to ask the right questions to ensure you choose a reliable company. Inquire about their cancellation policies, liability coverage, and any additional fees that may apply. Understanding these details will help you avoid unexpected costs and ensure your belongings are in safe hands throughout the move.
Before packing, take the time to go through every room in your house to decide what to keep and what to discard. This step not only helps streamline your move but also declutters your life. Evaluate each item to determine if it needs special packing or extra insurance coverage. Consider donating or selling items you no longer need. Decluttering can make your move easier and more efficient.
Start researching moving company options well in advance. Don’t just settle for a quote over the phone; request an on-site estimate from each company. Ensure the estimate is in writing and includes a USDOT number. This number indicates that the company is registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation and adheres to its safety standards. Doing thorough research will help you find a reliable moving company and avoid any potential issues on moving day.
To ensure a seamless transition to your new home, make sure to schedule the cancellation of utilities and services at your current residence. Remember to provide your new address to each provider so they can send any remaining bills after you move. This is also an excellent opportunity to arrange for the necessary services at your new place in advance. Below is a list of service providers you should contact:
By handling these cancellations and new setups in advance, you’ll avoid unnecessary charges and ensure all essential services are ready when you move into your new home.
Contact at least three moving companies to obtain quotes. Ensure the movers perform either an in-person inspection or a video survey of your belongings before giving you an estimate. Understand the type of estimate being offered: non-binding, binding, or binding not-to-exceed. Each has different implications for your final cost. For more details on these estimate types, check out this resource.
Once you have your estimates, it’s time to schedule your movers. Keep in mind that the cost of moving can vary based on the specific day, week, and month you choose. Moving during peak season (May to September) or on weekends will likely be more expensive. If you’re on a tight budget, consider moving on a weekday during off-season months.
If you’re handling the packing yourself, now is the time to order all necessary moving supplies. This includes boxes, bubble wrap, tape, and packing paper. These materials are essential for ensuring your belongings arrive safely at your new home.
For long-distance moves, make travel arrangements well in advance. Book airline tickets, car rentals, and hotel reservations early to avoid high prices and last-minute stress.
Ensure seamless medical coverage during and after your move by contacting your health insurance provider. Moving to a new zip code or city may require a new health insurance plan. If you’re moving for a job and your company has multiple locations, your current plan might remain unchanged.
If you have school-age children, notify their current school officials about the move. Start the enrollment process for their new school and inform them of any special needs or issues your child may have to ensure a smooth transition.
Packing is a crucial step in the moving process. Unless you’re hiring movers to pack your belongings (which still requires oversight), you’ll need to get started on this task yourself. Packing might not be the most enjoyable activity, but with the right supplies and some helpful tips, it can go smoothly.
Many moving companies, including rental box companies, offer packing supplies and can help estimate how much you’ll need. This all-in-one solution can be convenient if you prefer not to shop around. However, if you prefer to handpick your supplies, here's a quick list of essentials you’ll need:
Visit your local post office or go online to usps.gov to fill out a change-of-address form. This ensures that your mail is forwarded to your new address. To catch any straggling mail, ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye out for your mail after you've moved. Check in with them two weeks after the move and again two weeks after that.
Ensure you inform all relevant parties about your move. Here’s a checklist of who to notify:
Arrange for your medical records to be sent to your new healthcare providers. If preferred, you can obtain copies of the records yourself to personally deliver them.
Living without the internet can be challenging, especially right after a move. Contact local internet providers in your new area to schedule an appointment for installation around your moving date. This way, you’ll have internet access as soon as you move in.
Before moving, ensure you clean your old home thoroughly. This effort can save you from potential cleaning fees or charges against your security deposit. Focus on:
Complete any last-minute errands before moving day to ensure a smooth transition:
If you're renting, it's important to conduct a final inspection with your landlord:
If you've hired movers, contact the company to confirm the details of your service:
For DIY moves, confirm your reservations with rental companies:
Give your neighbors a heads-up if your move will impact them:
Make sure all necessary installations and utility setups at your new place are confirmed:
If you haven't already scheduled these installations, do so immediately. Utility and service providers can get booked up, and early scheduling ensures you won't face delays or interruptions when you move into your new home. For an effortless move, consider using Move4U's comprehensive services to handle all these arrangements for you.
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