BEFORE THE MOVE
- Coordinate moving and closing dates to reduce gaps as much as possible.
- Create a budget that accounts for all of your moving expenses, including a little extra for any unexpected events or emergencies.
- Secure temporary housing and/or storage if you aren’t moving into your new home right away.
- Request time off from work. You may need some free time for preparation, moving day and settling into your new home.
- Notify your landlord. Be sure to check your lease agreement to find out if you need to let them know before a certain date.
- If you’re going DIY, rent a moving truck or reach out to friends and family who could lend a hand.
- Arrange for moving services if needed. Be sure to gather estimates and clarify their cancellation policies, licensing and liability coverage. You can verify their Department of Transportation number, or “DOT number.”
- Arrange for childcare and/or pet care on moving day, if needed.
- Order moving supplies including boxes, tape, bubble wrap and packing paper. You may also be able to find free boxes at restaurants, office supply stores or grocery stores.
- Measure your furniture, appliances and other large items so you can be sure they’ll fit in the proper space.
- While you have the measuring tape out, double-check your room and doorway measurements at your new home.
- Decide whether you will move your appliances to your new home.
- Complete any necessary renovations or repairs, such as painting or a leaky faucet.
- Notify the postal service so your mail can be forwarded to your new address.
- Send a moving announcement to your friends and family and provide them with your new address.
- Declutter your space and organize your items into four categories: toss, donate, sell and keep.
- Create a labeling system like color coding for your boxes. Assign a color or number to each room to make it easier for your movers.
- Or, create a floor plan to help your movers know where to place each item/box.
- Take pictures of your valuables before you start packing in case anything is damaged during the move and you need to file an insurance claim.
- Once your labeling system/floor plan are created and you’ve gathered your supplies, start packing! Start with one room at a time and do a little each day to avoid the last-minute rush.
- Notify your homeowners or renters insurance provider.
- Fill and transfer any prescriptions you may need.
- Transfer utilities to your new home.
- Update documentation such as subscriptions, voter registration and school records with your new address.
- Give your vehicle a tune-up or have it serviced, especially if you’re traveling a long distance for your move.
- Visit your new community to locate schools, grocery stores, gas stations and other areas of interest so you’re more familiar with the area once you move.
- Use up the perishable food you have in your fridge, freezer and pantry.
- Collect keys and garage door openers to hand off to the appropriate person, whether that’s a landlord, realtor or the new owners/tenants.
- Visit the ATM to withdraw cash for tipping your movers.
- Pack suitcases for everyone to keep their essentials handy for a few days while you start unpacking the new home.
DURING THE MOVE
- Get up early to prepare for the movers to arrive.
- Lay rugs, cardboard or another protectant over your floors so they’re covered during the move. Don’t forget the furniture sliders!
- Have water and snacks on hand throughout the day.
- Keep important documents and keepsakes secure and pack them safely in your vehicle.
- Review your labeling system and/or floor plan with the movers so they’re aware of how to organize your belongings at your new home.
- Once the movers have loaded everything, clean up and take a final look around your old home to make sure nothing was overlooked or forgotten.
- Be sure to tip your movers!
- Take pictures to confirm your space is in move-out condition and document any damage to share with your landlord if needed.
- Hand over the keys to the landlord or new owners.
- Change the locks at your new home.
- Unpack your bedroom and bathroom first so everything is ready to use as soon as you need it.
- Install curtains or shades to enjoy some privacy during your first night.
AFTER THE MOVE
- Go grocery shopping so you have a stocked fridge and necessary supplies handy while you settle into your new home.
- Set up your home security system.
- Check the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, appliances and utilities to ensure everything is in working order.
- Prioritize the rest of your unpacking. Consider starting with settling kids and pets first, then move on to the kitchen to start cooking meals regularly, and so on.
- Contact your homeowners association, if needed.
- Update your driver’s license and other government documentation.
- Double-check the trash schedule.
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