Moving Checklist: Complete this 108 list and you are Ready to move

Hello! I am Charles. I’ve written this article to help people like you who want to move from their current location to a new residence, town or state. For the many years that I’ve been working in the moving field, I know it’s not that easy, especially if you’ve never moved before or if you don’t have a moving checklist. The process doesn’t have to be stressing or cumbersome at all. Rather, it should be easy and stress-free!

I have created two months moving plan that will aid you to transfer your belongings with so much ease and speed than you can expect. Moving involves a ton of things which you might forget about or misplace. The plan that I am about to share will smooth out everything for you.

8 Weeks moving plans

My 8-week checklist will help you stay on track by letting you know what to do before, during and after your move. This breakdown will help you find it easier and be more organized as you change your area of residence.

Week 8:

The best time to start planning and be ahead of the moving schedule is two months prior to the moving day. This is enough time for you to assemble all your belongings and be ready for D-day.

1. Make up your mind on how you make the move. You can decide to hire a moving firm or do it yourself. If you hire a moving firm, take at least three quotes from different companies and compare them. Choose the best rates with a great recommendation from previous clients. But if you are going to do it by yourself, you will need to hire a transportation track and boxes.
2. Create a realistic budget for moving expenses. Put all your most priced home items like a fridge, TV set, gas, cooker set and many other items into consideration.
3. Know how many packing supplies you will require and have a room where you can start to keep and organize them and other particulars that will help in your move.
4. Ensure that you read documents from the moving firm that you have selected. Learn about the documents in time before you start receiving them. This will help you know what the mover expects from your side.
5. Include all the items that you intend to move to the moving company so that there are no any hidden costs which might be charged later. In short, list everything that you want to be moved.

Week 7:

This is the most opportune moment to make all necessary preparations at work, school and verify the area that you’re moving to.

6. Request time off work on your moving day in advance. If possible, you should choose on a Friday so that you can rest over the weekend after moving to your new location.
7. If you have kids, research on the schools in the area that you’re moving to. Choose a nice school for your kids and make the necessary school transfer as early as possible.
8. Ask for transcripts for your kids from their current school for their new school. It doesn’t matter how far or close you’re moving to, the new school will ask for these and you should have them handy.
9. Apart from choosing a school for your kid, ensure that you research doctors and banks in your new area.
10. In addition, notify your doctor or dentist about your moving plans and ask for referrals. This is also a great time to collect medical records and have them ready as you plan on searching for a new doctor.
11. For the items that you do not want, you can decide to recycle, sell or donate them.
12. In case you possess delicate and high priced items like pianos, safes, guns, or even a pool table, you should hire a different firm to move them. These are delicate items and should be moved by a company that specializes in them. So, don’t generalize but be aware of what your movers will and will not move.
13. You should also inspect the moving firm that you have selected. Ensure that they are licensed and insured by checking their DOT number or Department of Transportation number.

Week 6:

Week 6 should be easy for you. Here, you should make all necessary arrangements to meet up with family and friends and also, know who will pack what.

14. Meet up with friends and family. If you are changing the workplace, you should catch up with your workmates. If possible, organize a dinner party and invite all the people that are dear to you.
15. Ensure that you assemble different box sizes from stores and even groceries. Such places usually have a lot of boxes and you will find them at favorable prices. Some stores may even give you the boxes free of charge.
16. Discover different packing tricks by researching online and from people, so that you can find it easy on your day of moving.
17. To make work easier, label your packing boxes with different colored stickers so that you won’t forget what you packed where. This will make things a lot easier when unpacking.
18. Come up with an inventory list of all your items before they are placed on the moving truck. Also, know which boxes have the most valuable items.
19. The boxes with delicate items like glass and portraits should be marked so that they can be handled with extra care during moving.
20. Capture photos of your electronics so that you can have an easy time reconnecting them in your new residence.

Week 5:

During week 5, you should ensure that you take all the necessary measurements of your furniture, staircase, and door. You don’t want any surprises at the last minute. Also, do the necessary repairs to avoid any issues with your current property agent.

21. Place all your hardware in labeled baggies for easy furniture reassembly. The baggies will also help protect the furniture from damage.
22. Things like glasses and other delicate items should be wrapped in t-shirts, towels, paper or even linens. This will prevent them from cracking or breaking when they get in contact with each other.
23. Check the entire house that you are moving out and make sure everything is fixed. Repairing the house will ensure that your security deposit is returned back to you.
24. Use up the food inside the freezer, refrigerator, and pantry. At this time, don’t buy food in bulk but only what you need so that at the time of packing you have less to worry about.
25. For those moving to distant places, you should have your vehicle serviced so that it is in the best condition to move you from your current area to the new location.
26. Take measurements of your furniture and that of your doorway and staircase. Ensure that they will fit well without being spoiled.
27. To be better off, make sure that you pack little by little on a daily basis to avoid last minute rush and confusion.
28. Visit the area that you intend to move and inspect the possible hangout places, shopping area, grocery and various entertainment spots for you and your family.

Week 4:

When you hit the one month mark, this is the time to get everything organized and gather the relevant documents. Also, you should have sold everything that you won’t need to travel with to your new home.

29. To ensure a smooth transition of your goods, acquire moving insurance to cover all your holdings at the time of moving.
30. If you have items that you aren’t able to sell or pack, you will need to utilize or donate them away. Such types of things include frozen foods, aerosol cans, flea bomb packs and much more.
31. Collect all your financial and legal records and store them in one place. In addition, assemble birth certificates and passports for every individual in your home. All of these crucial documents should be carried by you personally.
32. In case you’ve books, tools like a pole saw or any other item that you’ve borrowed in the neighborhood, you should return it immediately.
33. Also, movies and video game rentals should be returned right away.
34. Make the necessary travel plans for you and your family. You can decide to hire a car, taxi, or even travel by train or air to your new home. Choose the most flexible and convenient method for your family.
35. If you’re moving your car to your new home, then be ready to drive it to a loading site for auto transport. Furthermore, you should be prepared to pick the car up at your destination.
36. It is also important to check the moving supplies checklist and determine what amount you will have to spend to acquire the boxes. This way, you can look for great alternatives for packing in advance.
37. Also, you should check with the moving firm and ensure that you know everything that they will need and move. In case they aren’t able to move some items, then you will have to look for an alternative.

Week 3:

As the days edge closer and closer, the more prepared you need to be. This is the best time to disconnect cables and the internet. Book hotels and make new arrangements to change clubs, gyms and put away flammable products.

38. Carry out the plans to connect and disconnect your cable, internet, electricity and any other services you currently use and planned for service at your new house. Handling this at an earlier date will prevent any delay that you might undergo.
39. Do you want to change your furniture, curtains and other household items? You can buy them at this moment and make the necessary plans so that they can reach at your new place when you shift.
40. Pay a visit or get in touch with your local post office to provide you with a change of address form. This form can as well be obtained from online.
41. Notify different service providers that you’ve been working with such as cleaners, landscapers and many others that you are moving.
42. Book for hotels if you will have to make stops on the way.
43. Don’t clean your furniture before you move it as the moisture can cause mold if the furniture has to be placed in storage.
44. This is also a good time to plan a farewell party for your kids and their friends. Alternatively, you can visit a place that has brought happy memories to your family.
45. Get rid of flammables like cleaning fluids, acids, fireworks, matches, ammunition, chemistry sets and poisons such as those used to control weeds. You should also stop using your electric fireplace to considering safety.
46. Back up your computer. This is a good move as you will be certain that your data is saved just in case something goes wrong.
47. Plan for trash removal and recycling for your new house and cancel your current service. This will ensure that you have an easy transition to your new home.
48. If you have lamps that you want to move, remove light bulbs from them first.
49. Have you been under prescription medicine? You can carry enough medicine before you move as you don’t know what to expect in your new place.
50. Change your renters or homeowners insurance to your new residence.
51. Modify the address for social security benefits within 10 days of moving. Ensure to inform government offices, with the inclusion of the Social Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs and the IRS.

Week 2:

Check the laws of the area that you are moving in. This includes car registration, and pets, to just name but a few. This way, you will settle easily in your new found home.

52. If there is time, you can take your family to their regular doctor and dentist for a checkup. This is because finding a regular doctor in your new place may be somehow challenging.
53. Your pets should wash well as well get the necessary vaccination before you move them. It may as well take your time to find a new veterinarian in your new area of residence.
54. Encourage your young ones to take their friend’s addresses and contacts in advance. This will help them keep in touch as they move to their new dwelling.
55. Inspect the need for a new driver’s license and finish the auto registration at your fresh motor car location.
56. Start cleaning any room that you’ve already finished packing. This includes closets, attics, and the basement. This will give you ample time after you empty the house and leave it tidy.
57. Plan for your new home to be cleaned and the necessary adjustments to be made. These include wood floor cleaning, carpet cleaning, and painting.
58. Prepare your pets for transportation and have someone look after them. Check the different state requirements on pets if you’re moving from one state to another.
59. If you are a member of a club or gym, make them know that you’re leaving town and empty all your lockers. At the same time, you can inquire about clubs and gyms in the area that you’re moving to.
60. Confirm all the details with your movers to ensure that all the paperwork is in place before the day of moving.

Week 1:

Being the final week of moving, you’ve to get everything ready and just wait for the last day. Complete packing in due time and clean your house. The final week can be stressful but you need to remain composed and follow your moving checklist up to the final day.

61. Get in touch with your mover and confirm the moving date. Also, make up your mind on the mode of payment that you will use to settle the movers. It can be through a check, cash or any other method.
62. Come up with the necessary labels and marks on the box that will help you unpack easily and in the right rooms when you move to your location.
63. If there is anything that you have forgotten to pack, this is the right time to do it. Don’t wait until the final day to start panicking.
64. In case you have scheduled deliveries such as milk and newspapers, you should cancel them and pay off any pending debts that you might have.
65. Speak to your kids about moving and let them help you to pack their own stuff and other simple items in the house.
66. When it comes to meals, you should just cook what you need and avoid keeping food in the freezer or fridge. Also, buy just small supplies that will be used within one or two days.
67. Make sure that the electrical like a massage chair and mechanical like rowing machine are also serviced before being moved.

A few days before moving

Many people feel tensed before a day or two of moving. By now, you should have packed almost everything and just waiting for the final day. Recheck your list and confirm all the things that you’ve packed.

68. Unplug your freezer and fridge so that you can defrost the night before. Ensure that you lay a towel in front of it to draw the water that leaks.
69. In addition, drain water hoses to your washing machine and ice maker.
70. If you have several tools and equipment that have oil or gas in them, you should empty them. This includes lawn mowers, heaters, snow blowers, and grills.
71. Recheck all corners of your home such as in the closets, basements, and attics to ensure that no valuables are left in these places.
72. Before the day of moving, ensure that all the items are correctly packed as per the labeled boxes so that unpacking of items can be easy.
73. If possible, give a tip to your movers so that they can do an excellent job for you prior to the moving day.
74. Label a separate essential box to have urgent items that you will need within 24 hours after moving. This will give you an ample time and save time.
75. Tune in to the weather channel and find out what the weather will be like. The movers will make the necessary changes in case of snow or rain. But if you are doing the moving yourself, you will have to acquire the ideal items for smooth transportation of your items.
76. Leave behind a note for the new residents.

One day from moving

Make sure that all the boxes are well labeled and everything is in order. Pack the last few items such as kid’s toys and portraits so that there is nothing left.

77. Remove blankets and linens from the bed and pack them up.
78. Ensure that all the loose items and electronics are packed.
79. Clean the remaining dishes or any other utensils and pack them.
80. Pack all the pictures or clocks hanging on the walls.
81. Pack clothes and toiletries in your personal backpack so that you can have them handy after repacking.
82. Call the movers or the truck company if you’re going to hire one
83. Make sure that you gave the movers the actual directions. You can confirm with them. Put your phone number on the form just in case the movers aren’t able to locate you.

Moving day

This is the D-day and you have to remain composed throughout. Make sure that everything is packed and get in touch with the movers early just in case they are not able to locate you. Before you leave, ensure all the items are packed up to the last one. Get the house cleaned and trash taken away.

84. Wake up early enough and if possible; set an alarm to help you wake up on time.
85. Contact the movers and ensure that they arrive on time. More probably, they will keep time.
86. Check that the moving company that shows up is from the company. Inspect the DOT number and ensure that it is the same that the movers firm gave you.
87. When moving, clean and protect your carpets and floors.
88. Pack both the pet litter and pet food.
89. Clean your house after packing all your items in the truck. But if you have contacted cleaners, let them clean the house before you leave.
90. Inspect the inventory list and sign it. Place your copy in your moving folder.
91. Have a moving day box set aside where you can place things like scissors, light bulbs, paper towels, trash bags, flashlights, tool kits, and bed linens.
92. Make sure that you have cash with you as you might need to use it before you get things in order at your new place.
93. Let the police know if your home will be left without occupancy so that they can keep an eye on it.
94. Before leaving, ensure that you know how the trash left behind will be disposed of.
95. See to it that everything is loaded and the truck is closed as you observe. Not even a single item should be left behind.

A week later after Moving

This period can be tricky and difficult. There is a lot of unpacking to be done and it should be done systematically. Start with the most important items as you unpack the others. This is also the time to know your neighbors and surrounding as well.

96. Unpack your things slowly and show your kids what they need to unpack too.
97. Inquire about your security deposit if you were renting a house and left it in good condition or as you found it.
98. Help your kids adjust to the new location and even identify activities for them to take part in.
99. When the movers leave, make your bed and unpack the shower curtain and toiletries.
100. Cover your windows with curtains, shades, or even sheets. You don’t want strangers peeping into your window at night or day. Covering the windows offers you some privacy in your new place.
101. Explore the new town and find things or activities to engage in. Enroll to new clubs and join a gym. Also, find out where you will be shopping for food and other supplies.
102. Update the address on your driver’s license, new bank account, voter registration, tax forms and much more.
103. Verify pet licenses in your new area.
104. Carry out any repair work if you didn’t do it before.
105. Mingle and get to know your neighbors more.
106. Thank your real estate for making this be a success. After all! They are the reason you’ve moved to your new place.
107. Install a gun security system in your new home.
108. Finally, thank the friends and family that made your change of residence to be a success.

Conclusion
After going through my moving checklist, hope you’ve found it to be helpful and very easy to follow. Most of the time, moving your belongings to a new location can be hectic and tiresome. But if you follow the right steps such as my breakdown from above, this process should be easy and enjoyable for you.

Still, have a question after reading this moving checklist? Comment below.