Moving season is here! And, that means a million-item checklist of “things to do!!!” Okay, so maybe it’s not a million items, but it sure does feel that way sometimes. That’s why we are so thankful to Updater.com for publishing the “most epic moving checklist in the history of moving checklists.” Not only is it a fantastic checklist for all of those items, but it is detailed from two months before your move through two weeks after you’ve settled into your new home. Today, WK Real Estate is looking through their checklist and highlighting some of the items we deem incredibly important. We have also included their full PDF checklist for your printing convenience. Now, let’s dive into that big, awesome list to find some top tips!
8 Weeks From Moving
Create a digital “moving” folder on Google Drive or Dropbox
You will want to keep records of receipts, quotes, invoices, and other “digital records” that are important during the moving process.
Schedule in-home estimates with a moving company & Read over their documents before signing anything
Try to get at least 3 estimates, if possible. You can verify that your moving company is licensed and insured by checking their Department of Transportation number (also known as a DOT number).
Request time off work for moving day
Aim for a Friday or a Monday, to grant yourself 1 extra “weekend” day to start moving or finish unpacking.
Choose a school for your kid(s) & Request transcripts from their current school
Getting a head start on this process sets your child(ren) up for success going into the new school.
Create a budget for moving expenses & make plans for fragile/large items
Need a little extra cash for your move? Plan and host a yard/garage sale.
Plan how to move fragile or unusual items, such as guns, pianos, fine art, pool tables, safes, etc.
6 Weeks From Moving
Get those boxes ready!
Collect free boxes from restaurants, liquor, grocery, office supply stores, or local bookstores.
Research packing hacks to make moving day easier.
Label your moving boxes using different colored stickers/tape for each room.
Mark moving boxes that are fragile.
Create an inventory sheet of your valuables before they go on the moving truck.
Prep your hardware and electronics
Put all your hardware in labeled baggies for easy furniture reassembly.
Gather socks, t-shirts, towels, and linens to use as free packing supplies.
Take photos of all electronics before unplugging them, so you will know how to plug everything back in at your new home.
Patch up your current house and plan for your new home
Address minor home repairs in your current property before moving out.
If you are moving into an apartment or other multi-unit housing, find out if there are any moving day requirements.
Measure doorways, stairways, and elevators in your new home to make sure all your furniture will fit.
Research your new community for points of interest.
Last but not least, starting this week, pack a little every day. You’ll be glad you did!
Updater.com provided the fantastic, massive checklist
4 Weeks From Moving
Get moving coverage and confirmations
Purchase moving insurance to cover all your belongings during the move.
Confirm parking options for your moving truck.
Gather documents and communications
Gather all financial, legal, and medical (including dental and optical) records in one place.
Gather birth certificates and passports for everyone in your home.
Notify your homeowners or renters insurance company of your upcoming move to your new home.
Find cable and internet providers who serve your new address, order service, and schedule your installation appointment.
Update your voter registration.
Make sure your pets have ID tags for their collars.
Request copies of vet records and get any necessary pet medication.
If you’re moving out of town, find a new doctor, dentist, and vet in your new neighborhood.
Remember Your Items & Donate what you can’t move
Don’t forget any of your clothes at the dry cleaner.
Use or donate items that you can’t pack or sell, such as frozen foods, bleach, and aerosol cans.
Start planning for the big day
If you’re moving a long distance, plan your route and book hotels. You don’t want to delay this for the last minute.
Make a moving day playlist to enjoy while moving and unpacking 🎶😊
2 Weeks From Moving
Keep yourself (and your stuff) organized
Make a backup of your computer system. Just in case something happens, you’ll be happy to have all your important files saved elsewhere.
Create a moving file to organize your move-related printed receipts and bills
Prep two weeks worth of meals and use everything in the freezer
Return borrowed items from neighbors, family, and friends
Remove light bulbs from all lamps you plan to move with you.
Moving far? Clean out your safe deposit box and any lockers you might have at a gym or community center.
Recurring events, memberships, and contacts
Fill your prescriptions.
Set up trash removal and recycling for your new home, and cancel your current service.
Cancel or transfer your membership at the gym, yoga studio, CrossFit facility, etc.
Prepare a list of emergency service technicians and preferred providers.
To keep little ones safe during a move, line up a babysitter or make arrangements for a play date. This ensures that you will have a moving day clear of little hands getting smashed.
More documents and procedural items
Send a moving announcement.
Change your address with loan providers, credit cards, banks, and the payroll department at work.
Forward your mail.
Transfer your utilities including water, electric, and natural gas.
Update your driver’s license.
Update your address with Amazon and any monthly. subscription boxes, newspapers, or magazines you receive.
Change your address for your auto insurance and car registration.
Transfer your prescriptions to a new pharmacy, if necessary.
Make sure you canceled and/or redirected scheduled deliveries.
Moving Week!
Cleaning out your current house
Clean your current home for the next resident.
Donate unopened food.
Unplug your fridge and freezer to defrost the night before.
Drain water hoses to your washing machine and ice maker.
Empty oil and gas from grills, heaters, lawnmowers, and snow blowers.
Make sure nothing is hiding in cabinets, on shelves, or in closet corners.
Before conducting a final walk-through, fill nail holes using a bar of soap.
Take photographs of your empty place to prove it’s in move-out condition.
Getting ready for Moving Day
Watch the weather channel and prepare for rain or snow.
Pack an essentials box with everything you’ll need for the first 24 hours in your new home.
Make a worst-case scenario plan in case your movers run late.
Withdraw cash to tip your movers.
Clean your new place
Assuming you have access to your new property, go over there and clean up after the previous residents. They may have only been required to do a half-handed job, and your keen eye will catch debris that can be removed before bringing your possessions in.
Moving DAY!
Get up and GO!
Set an alarm and get up early on moving day.
Protect your floors and carpets during the move. Bulky items rolling over your floor, or even just dirt/grime could ruin any floor cleaning that you have already completed. Lay down cardboard, X-board, bedsheets, “Floor Shield,” red rosin paper, or carpet film to gain protection.
Move! Gather up boxes, help out your moving team, and pack out your possessions for the move.
After the moving job is done
They’ve worked hard for you all day, so tip your movers
As soon as your movers leave, make your bed and unpack your shower curtain and toiletries. This makes a nap and a shower so much easier. And let’s face it, it’s the first thing you’ll want to do once you get settled in.
Get to know your neighbors!
Go grocery shopping
Don’t have curtains or shades yet? Cover your windows with sheets for privacy for your first night
Thank your real estate agent or broker - they’re the reason you moved into this beautiful, new location. A simple note of appreciation will be warmly received.
1-2 Weeks After Moving
Whew! You did it! Now, you get to relax and unpack
Leave a detailed review of your experience with your moving company. Let others know how good (or poor) your experience was.
Post leftover moving boxes or unwanted furniture on Craigslist or other sales sites.
Clean the carpets in your new home.
Sweep your chimney before you use it.
Make sure your home’s address is visible from the street.
Install a new home security system.
Explore your new neighborhood.
Send thank-you notes to friends and family who helped you move.
Aim to unpack all your stuff within two weeks of moving in.
Last, but not least, make copies of your new keys for the babysitter, nanny, and dog walker.
Moving can be a nightmare! Or, it can be a well-planned and executed operation where you thoughtfully guide your belongings from an old abode to your beautiful new home. We hope that this gigantic list helps simplify the chore of moving residences. Let us know if you have other tips and tricks for what to do while moving.
We at WK Real Estate want to wish you the happiest of times during this season. If there is anything we can help you with, please don't hesitate to contact us.