Moving out can be quite a hassle whether you’re moving to another state or another area in your state. Even if you don’t wish to move, you must admit that it’s nearly impossible to always live in the same area! So is it time to move out again? Then it’s best to create a moving checklist to make the process smoother.
Change is quite literally geographical for millions of Americans each year. There’s quite a lot that should be on your moving checklist, whether you’re handling it all yourself or hiring the best movers. So, we’ve made a comprehensive guide to make your move as easy as possible.
To get started, create a moving binder, locate free boxes, and ensure your move-in documentation by following these steps to guarantee you don’t forget any lifesavers.
Keep reading our article to get detailed info about the checklist for moving!
Is there a checklist for moving?
Yes, you need one! But why do you need a moving–out checklist? Moving into a new house checklist will help you organize your belongings before shifting. It will also allow you to sort your stuff quicker, making moving out and unpacking easier. So always consider creating a moving checklist to help you organize your stuff and know where everything is.
How do I make a checklist for moving?
If you’re moving out, you must create a moving checklist from two months before to the day you move out. Doing so will considerably eliminate the hassle of shifting. Now let’s get into the details of the timeline to create an ideal house-moving checklist.
Two months before
- Sorting and purging: Check each corner of your house and select what you want to keep and what you can avoid. Consider whether any belongings will need special packing or added insurance coverage.
- Find the best mover: Then start looking for options for moving companies. Always request an on-site quote rather than depend on a phone quote. Get a written quote from each provider, and ensure it includes a USDOT number. It proves that the company has registration from the United States Department of Transportation and follows its safety regulations.
- Make a moving binder: You can use this binder to keep track of your receipts, estimates, and an inventory of everything you’re shifting.
- Organize the school records: Visit your children’s school and request the authorities to move your children’s records to their new school district.
Six weeks before
- Buy supplies: Order moving boxes and other supplies like tape, permanent markers, and bubble wrap. You should also order customized containers like dish barrels or wardrobe boxes.
- Use or lose it: Start using items you don’t want to move, like frozen or consumable groceries and cleaning materials.
- Measure everything: If possible, measure the room dimensions at your new house. Doing so will ensure that larger pieces of furniture will fit through the door.
Four weeks (one month) before
It is the phase where you must tick many boxes in your moving checklist. Follow these steps when moving to your new home is just a month away.
Choose your mover
Decide on a firm and get written confirmation of your moving date, fees, and other info.
Start packing
Begin by packing the items you use the least, like the waffle maker and croquet set. While packing, note any things of special value that may require extra insurance from your moving company. Make a written declaration of possessions worth more than $100 per pound, like a computer.
Start labeling
Label and number each box clearly with the contents and the place it is going for. It will help you maintain an inventory of your belongings. Pack and mark ‘essentials’ on boxes with the belongings you need immediately.
Keep valuables separately
Put jewelry and vital documents in a safe box that you will personally take to your new house. Ensure to include the moving company’s estimate in this box. It will come in handy on the day you move.
Change your address
Fill out a change-of-address form at your local post office or online at USPS. However, in the case of stragglers, it’s usually ideal to ask a close neighbor to keep an eye out for mail after you’ve moved. Check up with them two weeks after the move and again in two weeks.
Inform key parties
You must inform about the shifting to your banks, mortgage firms, magazines, and newspapers you subscribe to, your employer’s HR department, credit card, insurance, and utility companies. If you’re shifting, you must contact your car and house insurance companies to see if they have operations in your new area. If not, you must change insurance companies before relocating.
Send medical records
Make arrangements to send your medical records to any new health-care providers or obtain copies for yourself.
Two weeks before
- Apply for a day off: Inform your employer that you will supervise the relocation process and thus require the day off.
- Service your car: Take your car to a service center and ask the mechanic to consider what services you might need when moving to a new environment.
- Empty your safe deposit box: If you opt for a new bank in your new place, empty your existing safe deposit box and place it in the secure box you’ll take with you on the day you relocate.
- Contact the mover: Contact the mover firm and reconfirm the relocation arrangements.
A week before
- Refill the prescription: Stock up on the needed prescriptions in the coming weeks.
- Prepare your suitcases: Always complete your packing a few days before your relocation date. Then, pack your bags with enough clothes for everyone in the family to wear for some days.
Some days before relocating
- Defrost your refrigerator. If you’re moving your refrigerator, empty, clean, and defrost it at least a day before the relocation date.
- Confirm the details: Reconfirm the mover’s arrival time and other details. Then ensure you have the right written directions to your new house ready for their team. Include your phone number and any alternative contact details.
- Create a payment plan: Suppose you haven’t arranged the payment for the mover via a credit card payment. Then try getting a cashier’s check, money order, or cash for payment and tip. You could tip 10-15% of the bill if the staff did an excellent job. If relocation is difficult, you may tip each mover up to $100. You can even buy them refreshments.
The day you move
- Do verification: Check that the vehicle that arrives at your new home is from your hired mover. The USDOT number marked on its side should match the number on the estimates you received. It’s fair to expect scams.
- Take list: Sign the bill of the inventory list and ensure to keep a copy before the movers leave.
Also read: Sunshine and Safety: Top 10 Safest Places to Live in Florida
What should be your checklist for moving out of state?
So, are you planning to find a home outside your state? Then the following is the moving checklist that you must create.
Make a budget
While there are ways to save money while relocating, it can still be a big financial investment. Plan how much money you want to spend on your move so you can make intelligent choices, from the movers you hire to the supplies you buy.
Choose a reputable mover
The requirements for relocating vary for all. Some are capable and ready to handle it, while others prefer a complete experience, including packing. Inspect your priorities and select the best mover for your needs – and if your new home is a great distance away, research the best long–distance movers to get one that meets your requirements.
Visit your new area
You could scout out your new home and get the complete rundown on everything from your new neighborhood’s grocery store to the best area to walk your dog to your favorite burger shop. However, traveling out of state can be expensive and time-consuming, and it is not always doable. Use digital tools to know about the area if your budget doesn’t fit your travel.
Plan about your job
If you plan to stay with your current job, ensure you understand your employer’s policies on switching offices (if they have one where you’re relocating), working remotely (if you want), and covering relocation budgets. If you’re moving without a job, looking for new opportunities is never too early – even before you move out.
Get ready with documentation
It can be a challenging task. You must consider updating any billing addresses that require it, memberships that need to be canceled or transferred, visits to the DMV, and others. You can complete some of these tasks before relocating. The rest you can complete once you move to your new state. These are a few of the lists.
- Insurance
- Credit cards
- Utilities
- Driver’s license
- Voting registration
- Wi-Fi
- Pet registration
- Cable connection
- Mail forwarding
- Gym membership
Find a place to stay
Moving out of state won’t be easy because you may not always be able to inspect new homes in person. Fortunately, real estate became even more inventive throughout the pandemic, and many realtors take you through virtual walk-throughs.
Examine your belongings
Relocating anything you don’t want is never a good idea, but relocating out of state with unnecessary stuff is strictly avoidable. Donate instead of throwing out anything in good condition.
Pack your items
Packing needs a significant amount of time and effort. You will hate doing it on your moving day. The preparation is almost as vital as the packing. Ensure you have enough (number and size) boxes, padding for breakable objects, packing tape, and others.
Create plans to socialize
Moving to a new place where you may not know anyone can be intimidating. So plan to socialize with new people as soon as you move.
What are the benefits of a moving checklist?
Making a checklist of things to do when moving is always beneficial. It helps you see your progress and keeps you on track as you get closer to moving day, making the relocation process easier. Moving checklists are vital for remaining organized and on time while moving out.
How can you find a home insurance by your address? Here’s the info!
What is the first thing you should pack when moving?
You must pack items in your home that are exclusively for decorative purposes. It could be books, artwork, decor, publications, and other similar items. These items are easy to pack initially because you won’t need them during the relocation or the weeks leading up to it.
What is the hardest room to pack?
It will be the kitchen and bedroom as they contain stuff you must need to use even while packing. Some people find it easier to pack these rooms later, while others may pack the non-essentials first and save essentials for last.
Can I pack to move in one day?
Packing your apartment or house in one day is challenging, but it isn’t impossible. Take the time to wrap and protect your belongings as you go through the procedure to avoid damage during relocation. But it all depends on the area of your house. If it is a small house, you can pack to move in a day.
Can you pack a house in 10 days?
The amount of time required to pack depends on the size of your home. Larger properties require more labor, so that you may need a few days or up to a week. You can pack smaller houses in a single day or less. Ideally, it is best to create a moving checklist and then relocate!
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