Each year, about 35.5 million Americans pack up and make a move! The process is a little more stressful for some than others, though.
Are you creating your own moving checklist? Here are eight tips that can help you prepare.
With these tips, you don’t have to feel stressed out about moving day.
Instead, you can enjoy the excitement of moving into your stunning new home.
Simplify the entire moving process this year. Make a plan and minimize the stress with these eight simple tips today!
Create a To-Do List
First, sit down and start drafting your moving checklist months before your actual moving day. It helps to start planning as soon as possible. You can get some of the bigger tasks done before the big day rolls around.
Otherwise, you might scramble to make last-minute arrangements on the day of your move. You could experience unnecessary stress as a result.
Instead, make a list of everything you need to do, including:
- Changing your address for online accounts
- Updating your address with the post office
- Hiring a reliable moving company
- Reserving a container or truck
- Decluttering
- Packing
- Disconnecting utilities (water, electric, lawn care, etc.)
- Canceling recurring deliveries
- Transferring memberships
- Obtaining medical records
- Request time off work
- Scheduling a cleaning service
- Scheduling appliance delivery
- Cleaning your old home
- Updating insurance information
- Gathering documents
- Getting your car tuned up
- Leaving your keys with the realtor
Try to set a deadline for each item on your list.
Schedule Your Time
Once you’ve drafted your moving checklist, try to get as much done as possible before moving day. Organize your list to complete as many items as you can early on.
For example, you can start decluttering your home. Get rid of any items you don’t want to take with you. Decluttering will minimize how many boxes you have to pack.
Reducing the number of boxes you need to move could help you cut costs.
If you can, consider preparing your new home before moving day as well. For example, you can start cleaning. Consider where you’ll move large furniture items, too.
Scheduling your time will help you remain efficient. You can avoid juggling too many tasks on the day of the move as well.
Call Early
Try to avoid waiting until the last minute to call moving specialists. Instead, start researching moving companies in the area months in advance.
First, make sure to find a long-established business. An established business has likely worked out operational kinks. Chances are they have a vetted, experienced team, too.
Determine if you need a specific team of moving specialists. Consider the items you’ll need to move. For example, do you have a grand piano or pool table?
If you need help moving your pool table, make sure to find the right team for the job. Find a team with relevant experience. You’ll have peace of mind knowing they’ve handled previous items before.
Don’t forget to check online for customer reviews while you’re at it. Determine if the company is insured and licensed.
If there’s an accident, you’ll have peace of mind knowing the company’s insurance will handle it.
Look at the services each company offers. Can they move large furniture?
Then, ask at least three different companies on your list for a quote. Determine how they calculate their quotes, too.
Comparing your options will help you gauge the local average.
Then, hire your moving specialists before moving day. Make sure they’re available to help.
Hiring a team will help you check one more item off your moving checklist.
Mark Each Box
Try to start packing as soon as possible. For example, you can pack any items you don’t use regularly. Then, set those boxes aside until the day of the move.
As you start packing boxes, make a note of what’s included within each box. Keep this list on your phone. Then, number each box.
If you lose a box during the move, you’ll know exactly what was inside. Then, you can file an insurance claim. You’ll have an easier time replacing any lost valuables, too.
Declutter and Donate
Over 40% of people are moving for housing-related reasons. Prepare your new home by decluttering and donating items before you get there.
Schedule a day to have your donations picked up. Habitat for Humanity, The Salvation Army, or Goodwill can pick up your donation boxes. You won’t have to worry about making the delivery yourself.
Donation pick-ups are usually free. Take the time to call ahead of time. You can schedule a time that works based on your moving schedule.
Take Photos
As you start packing your valuables, consider taking photos of each item. You’ll have “before” photos in case anything breaks or goes missing. Having these photos on your phone can help if you need to file an insurance claim.
You’ll have an easier time receiving compensation if you have a recent photo for your claim.
Assign Tasks
You don’t have to work through your moving checklist alone. Instead, consider requesting help from family and friends. Assign tasks based on everyone’s strengths.
For example, you might want to ask your neat-freak friend or family member to help you clean. If someone has a bad back, don’t ask them to move furniture. Have them help you pack boxes instead.
Plan a way to say thank you on a moving day. For example, you can treat everyone to lunch.
Schedule to have meals delivered ahead of time to check one more to-do item off your list.
Prepare to Clean
Have a plan to clean your home before you leave. Make sure your cleaning supplies are in their own box.
Get a Move On 8 Tips to Help You Prepare for Moving Day
Planning for moving day doesn’t have to feel stressful. Instead, keep these eight tips in mind. With this moving checklist, you can remain organized and efficient.
You can avoid unnecessary stress and enjoy your moving day with ease.
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