Moving can be a very stressful time, but with the right tools and some planning your move can go smoothly. Below are some guidelines to help make your move as stress free as possible.
When you know you are moving soon, it is common to start planning how to do it and search for the information you need. The major part of your move begins about 8 weeks before your move-out date.
8 Weeks Prior to Your Move
- If you are a renter, let your landlord know you’re leaving the property and start searching for a new place in the city you’re moving to.
- Start the initial search and contact three moving companies to obtain quotes for your move.
- Clean out closets, the basement, the attic, and garage and determine which items to keep, donate or sell.
- Have a yard sale approximately 1 month prior to your move (this will allow time to donate or discard unsold items).
- It’s also time to start thinking about how you’re going to pack up your home because packing can be the most time-consuming job in your moving timeline checklist.
- Research three moving companies through company-provided references, and the BBB.
4-6 Weeks Prior to Your Move
- Select a moving company from your research.
- Make sure to request proofs of insurance from companies you are considering. Hiring an uninsured mover can leave you with unpaid damage claims, or you can be found liable for property damage and or personal injury claims.
- Order packing supplies and arrange for their delivery.
1 Month Prior to Your Move
- Begin packing seldom used items such as china, holiday decorations and storage areas. Make sure to label all boxes. This way, when you arrive at your new home, unpacking will be much easier.
- File a change of address form with Post Office.
- Contact charities to arrange pickup of items to be donated.
- Notify utility companies and arrange for transfer of services.
- Notify all banks, insurance companies, brokerage houses, service providers and creditors of address change.
- If you’re driving to your new home instead of flying, then this is the time to have your car serviced so that the road trip goes as smoothly as possible.
- Reserve elevators and loading docks, and secure parking permits if necessary.
2 Weeks Prior to Your Move
- Begin packing all but essential items. Think about how you can pack and ship fragile or valuable items. Use lots of cushioning and padding materials like bubble wrap and packing paper.
- Finalize closing times with real estate attorney or mortgage company.
- Organize all bills, stocks, insurance policies and bank account statements.
- Make special arrangements for children and pets on moving day.
- If not moving locally, obtain all medical, dental and veterinarian records.
- Start using up any food you won’t be taking with you.
1 Week Prior to Your Move
- Complete packing of all non-essential items.
- Transfer prescriptions.
- Start disassembling your larger pieces of furniture – dressers, beds, desks.
- Make a moving out cleaning checklist
2 Days Prior to Your Move
- Put aside a box or suitcase of essential items (soap, towels, bowls, spoons, clothes, etc.)
- Defrost freezers and drain gas from lawnmowers, snow blowers, etc.
- Clearly label all items not to be moved.
- Keep cash, jewelry, credit cards and checkbook with you.
Moving Day
- Get up early in the move-out day morning to have enough time for last minute tasks.
- If you’re using professional moving services, be there at the scheduled hour, greet your hired movers, show them around and let them do their work.
- Take one last walk around your home to make nothing is left behind.
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