Moving to a new home is an exciting adventure, but it can also be a complex and stressful process. This comprehensive checklist is designed to guide you through each stage of your move, from one month before to the big day itself.
Preparation is key to a successful move. Let's break down your moving journey into manageable tasks and get you settled into your new space with ease!
1 Month Before
- Declutter: Host a garage sale or donate unused items to charity
- Gather packing supplies: Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, markers
- Begin collecting change of address forms
- Obtain medical, dental, and school records if moving out of area
- Make travel arrangements
- Start using up perishable food
- Properly dispose of hazardous materials
2-4 Weeks Before
- Start packing non-essential items
- Label boxes clearly with contents and destination room
- Document valuable items for insurance purposes
- Update your address:
- Post office
- Banks
- Utility companies
- Insurance provider
- Credit card companies
- Healthcare providers
- Subscription services
1 Week Before
- Confirm reservations with movers or rental truck company
- Cancel or transfer local services (e.g., newspaper delivery)
- Finish packing, leaving out only essentials
- Service your vehicle for long-distance moves
- Close local accounts and memberships
- Arrange pet transportation if necessary
- Schedule utility disconnections and connections
A Few Days Before
- Reconfirm details with movers
- Disassemble furniture (if self-moving)
- Pack a "first night" box with essentials
- Secure important documents and valuables for personal transport
Moving Day
- Record utility meter readings at both locations
- Supervise loading and unloading of the moving truck
- Conduct a final walk-through of your old home
- Check belongings for damage before movers leave
- Ensure all items are accounted for on the inventory list