Planning for your move to a new home requires coordination. While you can set up a “to-do” list, things can go awry if you don’t complete specific tasks promptly. Therefore, it’s helpful to outline a moving timeline when writing your to-do checklist as you plan your move to ensure you don’t miss anything crucial.
90 Days Before Your Move
During the three months before you move, start purging your belongings. This way, you aren’t scrambling to sell, donate, recycle, throw out, or give away belongings during the days leading up to your move when everything else is hectic.
Next, turn an eye to your moving budget. As you make important decisions, figure out what funds you must work with for planning transportation, security, down payments, etc. Other checklist items to tick off include collecting packing supplies: boxes, tape, packing paper, bubble wrap, labels, and other supplies.
If you have children, start planning for them to transfer schools and ensure all required immunizations are up-to-date.
45 Days Before Your Move
Now, decide whether to hire a professional mover or tackle a DIY move. In some cases, a moving company might be comparable in costs, and you can significantly reduce your stress. When comparing options, weigh the costs, and remember to factor in the following for DIY moves.
- Time off work
- Lost wages
- Wear and tear on your car
- Costs of a moving truck
- Reliability of those you enlist to help
If you decide to go with a professional mover, research now. Get three estimates and choose one as soon as possible to book your preferred date at the best price.
Finally, take measurements of your new place to plan where things will go.
30 Days Before Your Move
At this time, finish collecting any moving supplies you don’t have and start packing. Begin with items you rarely use, pack things you don’t use frequently, and so on. Other tasks to do at this time include:
- Putting in a change of address form with the USPS
- Notifying utility companies about opening new accounts, closing ones you won’t need, or transferring services
- Contacting banks, credit unions, credit card companies, and other financial institutions to let them know you’re moving (including online accounts such as Venmo and PayPal)
- Informing delivery services, such as food boxes, pet supplies, magazines, and Amazon
Now’s the time to steadily continue packing for the next few weeks. Additionally, order new furniture since many big-ticket items take several weeks to order and deliver.
1 – 7 Days Before Your Move
During the final week before you move, finish packing, carefully label boxes, and, if you haven’t done so yet, make arrangements for your children and pets for moving day. Double-check that utilities will be turned off and on as scheduled. As moving day approaches, clean your old residence and, if you have access, clean vital areas of your new place.
Do a final walk-through with your landlord if you rent and return the keys. If you sell your home, hand over the keys at closing. Finally, pack your first-night containers into your personal vehicle and lock all windows and doors before you leave.
Moving Made Easy
Even with the best-laid plans, things might go astray. However, a moving checklist and timeline reduce the number of possible hiccups. Want a free quote? Contact us today!