Moving is a considerable undertaking – to say the least. For most people, it’s a stressful process that is extremely trying in the best of conditions.
The best way to approach the moving process is with a plan and a timeline.
A timeline will help you anticipate the important steps and prepare for what is ahead.
Don’t know where to begin? Read on for a straightforward moving timeline that you can use to manage your move quickly and easily.
3 Months Before the Move
- Create a moving binder.
The key to an outstanding, stress-free move is staying organized. Grab a three-ring notebook and place pocket dividers. Place all of your moving-related receipts, contracts, notes, and lists in the file. Then label it.
- Create a moving budget.
Designate how much money you will spend on the move.
- Contact moving companies.
Research moving companies then reach out to several companies to get estimates.
- Pare down on your stuff.
Lighten your load and save money by paring down and getting rid of things you don’t want or need any longer. Host a garage sale or donate your overstock to the Salvation Army or Goodwill Industries.
- Create an inventory list.
Keep a detailed list, by room, of your home’s contents. Place the list in your moving binder. - Document the details.
Keep notes about names, phone numbers, and conversations in your moving binder. It will help to have all your vital information in one spot for reference.
2 Months Before the Move
- Contact current and old utility companies.
Call your utility companies and service providers including electric, gas, phone, cable, water, and sewer companies to arrange for service to be transferred or halted.
- Contact current and new schools.
Call your children’s current school as well as their new school to transfer academic records.
- Gather your packing materials.
Purchase packing material including boxes, tape, packing paper, and bubble wrap.
- Sort out your insurance.
Contact your insurance company or agent to see if you can transfer your coverage to your new house.
- Obtain your medical records.
Contact your doctors office to get your medical and dental records. Arrange to have those forwarded to your new doctors once you are established in your new community.
- Obtain health certificates from veterinarians.
Save time, money and headache by contacting your pets’ veterinarian ahead of the move to obtain their medical records as well.
1 Month Before the Move
- Start packing seasonal items.
Box up items you use less frequently like holiday decor, good china, and photo albums.
- Complete a change of address.
Change your address by completing a change of address form on the USPS website. Notify credit card companies and banks about your new address.
- Cancel things.
Cancel subscriptions to magazines and newspapers as well as non-transferable memberships to clubs and organizations.
2 Weeks Before the Move
- Separate out your valuables.
Keep jewelry, heirlooms, and other valuables packed separately from your other belongings. Pack in a specially marked box and keep that in a safe place as that box should stay with you throughout the move.
- Start packing the rest of your belonging.
Box up and label almost everything remaining in your home.
1 Week Before the Move
- Pack an “essentials box.”
Include items for use at your new home that you might need before your movers arrive with your other boxes. This should include things like medicines, toiletries, toilet paper, tool kit, soap and paper towels.
- Complete the packing process.
As you head into the final stretch you need to finish all of the packing and make sure all the boxes are labeled with the box contents and room destination on each one.
- Get some cash.
It’s a good idea to have some money with you just in case you need it for an emergency situation.
1 Day Before the Move
- Count the boxes.
Walk through your house, tally the boxes in each room, and record the number in your moving binder. Make sure your boxes are numbered (i.e., 8 out of 21). - Complete a final walk-through
Do a walk through with your mover. Ask any final questions, and confirm your box count with your mover.
Moving Day
- Start the day early.
If you’re using professional movers, be on-time, greet the movers, show them around and let them get busy. - Keep the paths clear.
Make sure that you keep children and pets out of the movers path and out of harm’s way.
- Final review.
After the movers have finished, lock the windows, turn off the lights, and take a final tour of the house. Make sure everything has been removed and say a final farewell to your home.
Help With Your Next Move
Browning Moving & Storage is ready to help you with your move. Contact us for a quote today.