Consider the advice in this article to create your own home moving checklist and to move your home as easily as possible. The article is arranged somewhat like a checklist to ensure that you can complete all tasks in the appropriate time frame before moving day.
Six to Eight Weeks before Moving
Ask for Help
If you’re considering the option of using a professional moving service, give yourself enough time to find the best one to fit your budget and needs. Rates may vary with each company, so discuss your options with at least five to find the best one to help you move your home. Remember, however, that cheapest is not always best. Look up the moving services on the Better Business Bureau and review some consumer reports before signing any paperwork.
If do not wish to use a professional moving service, still talk to your family and friends early to allow them to plan to be available to help you move your home. Most people who move an entire household without a professional moving service need to rent a moving truck, trailer, or van at least. Plan all of this early to ensure availability.
Pare Down
When moving your home, pack only items you truly need. Go through your home and look for items to sell, donate, or throw away. The more you move, the more expensive your move will be. Get rid of items you do not use frequently.
Get the family together and create a plan to use up as much of your food as possible, so that you do not have to throw it away. Perishable food can be moved, but it might be cheaper to donate it to a soup kitchen or homeless shelter than to ship.
Take Note of All Valuables
Record your valuables and irreplaceable items in a notebook. Include such items as antiques and jewelry, but don’t forget your sentimental items and important documents. Set aside smaller items so you can keep them with you in a designated box or bag. Choose certified mail and get the insurance option for any valuables you must ship.
The Details
Remember all the little things when creating your home moving checklist. Remember to obtain medical and school records and get them to your new physician and children’s schools. Either transfer your bank accounts to another branch or close your accounts. Notify every credit, business, and lender, including online accounts, of your new address. Cancel or transfer your magazine and newspaper subscriptions. Arrange for your utility companies to shut off your utilities at your old home and turn them on at your new home. Arrange for child and pet care for moving day, so they do not get in the way or get lost. Research options for moving your vehicles. If necessary, book hotels and plane tickets early. Take your car to your mechanic or dealership for a full inspection and tune-up. Ensure that your pets meet all requirements for your new state and that you have ownership documents and current vet records.
Five Weeks before Moving
Start Packing
Obtain packing supplies as early as possible. Go to stores just before closing time when they are restocking shelves and ask for boxes. Ask your family and friends if you can have their newspapers when they are finished with them. Get a head start on packing items you don’t use frequently. CDs, books, decorations, out-of-season clothing, games, camping gear, and many more items can be packed early on.
One Month before Moving
Go online or to your local United States Postal Service to fill out a “Change of Address” form and request that your mail be forwarded. (You can set a future date for mail forwarding.) Contact your utility companies and ask them to mail your deposits to your new address.
Miscellaneous Tasks
Retrieve any belongings you have out for cleaning or repair and any that friends have not returned after borrowing. Bring back library books and anything you borrowed from your friends. Clean out your safety deposit boxes, and cancel your P.O. box.
Moving Week
Close your last bank account, making sure that you have cash for your move and all related expenses.
Pack up all leftover belongings. Complete last-minute errands. Your home moving checklist should fit your situation. Do you need to fill prescriptions before moving? Set aside an overnight bag for each household member with essentials for your trip.
