Create a Moving Checklist

Posted on 13/03/2024

Creating a moving checklist is the key to ensuring an organized and efficient move. Moving, whether it's across town or across the country, can be a stressful experience, and being prepared is essential for grabbing control of the situation--instead of feeling like it's controlling you. From packing boxes ahead of time to ensuring your utilities will be connected on the day of your move, having an organized plan in place will make the entire process smoother. A moving checklist is a great resource to help you stay organized and check off tasks as you go.

Define Your Move Date

The first step to creating your moving checklist is to select a moving date and give yourself plenty of time to get everything done. Generally, giving yourself two or three weeks to prepare is ideal if you're planning a local move, and closer to four or six weeks if you'll be relocating long-distance. Think about when you need to have all of your items packed up and out of your current residence so that you can have enough time to move into your new location.

Create a List of Moving Tasks

Once you have selected a moving date, create a list of all the tasks that need to be completed before and after the big day. This can include anything from changing your address through the USPS, reserving a moving truck or scheduling professional movers, connecting utilities at your new location or transferring existing services over. If there are any special requirements, such as canceling satellite TV service or transferring furniture pickup orders from one place to another, make a note of it and add it onto your list as well.

Find Supplies for Packing Boxes

You'll also want to ensure that you have the necessary supplies ready for packing up all your belongings--markers for labeling boxes, tape for sealing them closed, bubble wrap or packing peanuts for fragile items. Also keep in mind any tools you may need such as screwdrivers for unscrewing furniture legs or bed frames. These should all be part of your checked-off list before it's time to load up the truck on moving day.

Consider Donation Opportunities

Donating nonessential items such as clothes and furniture can help cut down on the amount of stuff you need to pack and transport during your move. Consider which items could be donated that are still in good condition but don't hold much value for you anymore (like old books or DVDs). Additionally, donating these items isn't just helpful for simplifying the move--it can also help benefit those in need in your local community.

Check In with Your Current Utility Providers

Make sure that all existing utility providers are aware that you are leaving so they know when they should stop billing you. Contact each provider individually--and make sure this is actually listed on your checklist--so that there are no lingering fees once you've left the property officially behind on moving day. You also want to determine when disconnection needs to take place so that services don't run past their due date; most companies have specific deadlines for disconnections which must be met in order for fees not apply once services have been stopped.

Make Arrangements at Your New Location

Start by setting up connections with new utility providers at your new home or apartment complex; this includes things like electricity, gas, water/sewer services, phone/internet connections, etc., if applicable. And if you're going with professional movers, contact them ahead of time so they can estimate how many boxes will need loading up and unloading at each location; also inquire about any extra charges if additional stops will be needed along the way (for instance if furniture needs to be picked up from one store). Finally make arrangements with property managers and homeowners associations when necessary; get copies of key codes to access communal areas (pools, gyms) if applicable so that these facilities are accessible right away along with parking passes/garage door remotes/etc., depending on where exactly you are moving into.

Track Spending During The Move

Keep track of how much money spent while buying supplies and hiring professional movers because this will affect overall budgeting during the move itself; create an itemized list that details costs associated with each step along the way so that nothing will sneak up on you later down the line following relocation day(s). Plus it can help simplify matters when tax season rolls around; businesses who pay employees mileage reimbursements for company-related moves often require detailed invoices in order for employees to receive their compensation back from employers (in which case refer back to those itemized cost lists).

Have A "Go Bag" For Last-Minute Necessities

No matter how much planning goes into organizing a successful move there may still be some last-minute changes noticed here and there before everything gets settled into its new spot(s). Prepare a "go bag" full of necessities such as toiletries (hand wash/toothbrush/toothpaste/etc.), wipes/trash bags/paper towels (for cleaning surfaces), snacks/water bottles (for taking breaks throughout) plus pre-packed sets of clothing (outfits) in case an overnight stay is needed en route somewhere between current and destination points during any portion(s) of travel involved with the relocation process itself. Having this easy grab-and-go bag handy will come in super helpful whether it's during transportation travels or those final moments prior loading out at current leaving location(s).

Follow Up After Moving Day

Once all belongings have successfully moved into their new home(s), double check that all loose ends have been tied off properly back at former living space--this would include making sure objects like shelves are returned back into original rooms they inhabited prior relocation among countless other finishing touches which will vary based on individual living situations encountered throughout traveling journey(s) involved with entire move overall itself. And finally don't forget about personal care either--get lotsa rest after busy days spent both packing/loading stuff ahead of time plus running around unpacking/unloading afterwards; hydrate regularly since exhaustion can come fast along with eating plenty nutritious meals as well helps keep body energized throughout entire process following conclusion too! Lastly follow up with any remaining matters regarding change-of-address filings made beforehand ascertain no documents were directed incorrectly after official transition completed already by end...this ensures comfort knowing direct mail won't end getting delivered wrong residence afterwards while providing additional peace-of-mind simultaneously too!

Wrapping It All Up

From deciding when exactly best time shall move plus prepping valuable possessions ahead time utilizing appropriate packing materials till finally settling personal items into actual living space designated upon arrival concludes entire relocation effort completely: having organized plan place helps streamline entire process significantly plus serves counterpart guide helping accomplishing goal accomplished efficiently smoothly too! A detailed designated checklist allows covering bases completely eliminates guesswork usually encountered attempting coordinate every element involved maintaining control whole operation start finish instead feeling overwhelmed potentially chaotic situation eventually presents itself otherwise! Therefore never underestimate power creating comprehensive check list.