Moving is one of the most difficult things that one can do in life. Whether you are moving from one state to another, or from one country to another, you need to plan ahead to avoid last-minute disappointments. Planning at least two months before the moving date will give you enough time to do everything you need to do and avoid last-minute rushes.
Below is a list of recommended shifting trips and tricks that you can use to ensure that your move is as hustle-free as possible.
Two Months Before You Move
Approximately 8 weeks before your move date, ensure that you:
Document Everything
Take screenshots of all the quotes, receipts, and any other information related to your move and store it in your Dropbox or Google Drive. Alternatively, if you do not own a computer, use a pocket notebook to record all this information. It is impossible to remember everything, so keep a detailed record for easy reference.
Hire a Moving Company
You will need some help moving, so make sure you hire a moving company to help you with your relocation. Get an estimate of the moving cost to help you plan financially for your move. If you can, get at least three estimates.
Budget for Your Move
There are so many variables that can increase the cost of your move. That’s why you need to budget for your move early enough. Remember to put some cash aside for any unexpected events that might occur during your move.
Other things you need to do at this time include:
- Finding new schools for your children in the new place of residence
- Sell or donate your garage
- Pick your children’s transcripts from their current school
- Request some off time from work for your moving
- Plan how you will move your valuable and fragile items such as arts, pianos, safes, pool tables, guns, etc.
- Confirm that your moving company is licensed and insured by verifying their DOT (Department of Transport) number.
Checklist: 6 Weeks before Your Move
Below is a list of things you should do 6 weeks before you move:
Create Time for Your Friends and Relatives
Friends and relatives make your world go around, so do not leave without telling them. You can organize a simple party to spend some quality time with them and also inform them about your plans to move.
Start Packing
Although it might seem like it’s too early, this is the best time to start packing. Start looking for boxes from bookstores, office supplies stores, restaurants, or any other places you can get free boxes. Label your boxes to make it easy for you to unpack once you arrive at your new place of residence. To make it easier for you to pack, organize your stuff depending on their nature. For instance, you can put the shirts together, socks, towels, handkerchiefs, and innerwear together, fragile together, etc.
Other things you need to do at this time include:
- Measuring elevators, stairways, and doorways to ensure that your furniture will fit
- If you are shipping your car, be sure to remove everything in it.
- Deal with any repairs before moving out. This will determine if you get your deposit back or not.
Checklist: 4 Weeks before You Move
It is now one month to your relocation date! Start putting your documents in order and take care of all the fine details. So,
- Ensure all your belongings
- Use, sell or donate stuff you can’t pack e.g. aerosol cans, bleaches, and frozen foods
- Put all your medical, legal, and financial documents in order
- Put all your important documents and those of your family members in order i.e. birth certificates, passports, driving licenses.
- Pick your clothes at the dry cleaners
- Inform the landlord/management that you are moving
- For long-distance moves, plan your route and plan for accommodation
- If you have pets, plan for their move i.e ID tags, medication, and vet records
Checklist: 2 Weeks before You Move
The D-day is almost here: You only have two weeks now. So,
- Dispose of or recycle all items that are flammable, poisonous, or corrosive
- Buy food only enough for two weeks
- Return everything you had borrowed to the owners
- Start canceling your home services and set up the services for your new home
- Communicate your new address to your friends and all the necessary institutions such as loan providers and payroll department
Checklist: The Last Week
During the last week:
- Cancel/redirect your scheduled deliveries
- Clean your home
- The night before you move, unplug the freeze and fridge
- Do a final walk-through of your plan
- Confirm the weather and prepare for it
- Withdraw cash for your move
- Take photos of your empty house to prove its condition
Checklist: On the D-day
On the day you move:
- Wake up early
- Tip your movers for their hard work
- Make your bed, unpack your toiletries and curtains and shop for groceries
- Know your neighbors
Conclusion
If you are planning to move, use this epic checklist to ensure a stress-free move to your new place. Of course, there is a lot you have to do even after you move, but if you plan well before, you will have an easy time settling in.
