Moving is a long process. As soon as you’ve decided to move, start planning! Don’t procrastinate because the time will fly by. Instead of relying on your already occupied brain to answer important questions, it is better to make a moving checklist 8 weeks before the big day. This Home Relocation Checklist for Beginners will ensure that you experience a hassle-free move.
Home Relocation Checklist for Beginners
8 weeks before you move:
Relocation is a gradual process, not a one-day event. That’s right. You can’t plan it overnight. Hence, you should know what to do at the end of each week.
Planning 8 weeks ahead may seem too early, but trust us, it is important to get a heads up on things, rather than facing a mess as the time to move approaches closer. Here are some tasks you should sort during the 8-week mark:
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Declutter:
Go through the contents of all the rooms of your house and decide which things you want to keep. Donate or sell the extra items. Also, start planning whether any items will require special packing or extra insurance coverage.
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Research moving companies
Explore various moving company options in the neighborhood. Also, research online and look for reputed and professional movers. Contact them and request an on-site estimate. Once they visit, make sure you get the estimate in writing from each company and that it has a USDOT (U.S. Department of Transportation) number mentioned on the receipt, especially if you plan to make an interstate move.
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Make a moving budget
Identify your expenses and create a budget for moving into a new house. It is recommended to keep some extra cash in hand as you’ll need it to settle in during the initial days.
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Create a moving folder
If you have a bad memory, make a moving folder on Google Drive to store all the important documents such as quotes, receipts, inventory and other records related to your move.
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Look for your children’s school
Go to your child’s current school and arrange for their records to be transferred to a new school. Research about the best schools in your new area to avoid the hassle.
Six weeks before you move
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Get moving supplies
Look for moving essentials such as cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, and permanent markers.
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Clean up
Clean up your pantry and kitchen and make it a point to consume things you want to bring along, such as frozen foods and cleaning supplies.
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Take measurements of your new home
Before you decide which furniture to take, make it a point to measure the rooms and openings of your new home. This way, you can make sure that which furniture can fit through and which pieces can’t.
Four weeks before you move
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Finalize your move
Select the moving company you want to hire for the job and get a written confirmation. It should include the final date, costs and other details in writing so that there is no misunderstanding on the final day.
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Pack and label
Pack items that are not used frequently. You can pack the seasonal items such as winter wear, gadgets that are rarely used as well as items in the basement. Don’t forget to label each box with its contents. Make a box of essentials that comprises things you’ll need immediately in your new home.
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Identify valuables
Add the valuable items such as jewelry and property files to a safe box. Keep this box with you at all times. Keep the mover’s estimate handy in this box as you’ll need it on the day of moving.
Two weeks before you move
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Change of address
Visit your local post office and fill out a change-of-address form. You can also do it online at usps.gov. Also, ask your neighbor to keep an eye out for any mail that arrives after you’ve moved. You can check with them after a week or two.
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Update your address with the important utility companies
Update your new address with your bank, brokerage firm, HR department, magazine and newspaper subscriptions, and other utility companies.
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Forward medical records
Get copies of your medical records so you can send them to the health-care providers in your new area.
One week before you move
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Arrange a day off
Notify your employer in advance that you’ll need a day off during the move.
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Get your car ready
Make sure you take your car to the garage and get it fine-tuned. This is important if you don’t want to face any problems on the day of the move.
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Reconfirm with the moving company
Call the movers and confirm their time of arrival and revise other arrangements with them on the phone.
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Finish packing
Ideally, you should finish packing up a few days before the day of the move. Keep some suitcases handy which contain enough clothes for all family members to wear until you finish unpacking.
Moving day
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Payment details
Make sure that your credit card is ready to pay the moving company. Also, keep some extra cash to tip the workers if they do a good job.
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Verify the vehicle
Don’t forget to verify the vehicle that shows up on your doorstep. It should have the USDOT number painted on its side.
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Take inventory
Before the movers leave with your stuff, sign the inventory list and keep a copy with you.
Things to do post-move
As soon as your movers finish the job, make your bed and set up the bathroom. You deserve a hot shower and a nap after a long and tiring day. Once you have freshened up, get to know your neighbors and visit your local grocery store to stock up on the food essentials.
Congratulate yourself on surviving the big move! We hope that our Home Relocation Checklist for Beginners was helpful.
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