Moving can be unbelievably stressful. But I don’t need to tell you that, do I? If you’re moving, whether just across town or moving to a completely new state, you’re probably running around like a headless chicken and panicking about every small detail. It doesn’t have to be that way.
As long as you’ve started planning several weeks in advance, you should be well prepared for the move. Try to take some deep breaths and don’t panic. Here’s a checklist of the best moving tips to help you through this tough time:
The Best Moving Tips
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Around 6 Weeks Before You Go
You need to start preparing around 6 weeks before you’re due to go, in order to have enough time to do everything that needs to get done. One of the best moving tips is to make something called a ‘master list’ of everything you need to do, and keep it with you so you can write down notes. While our list will help you a lot, it may not apply to every situation. You may need to add things for your own personal situation. Include things like sending ‘change of address’ forms, cancelling your newspapers, and finding storage. Arrange these things as soon as possible. Especially storage units. They have become very difficult to find.
Take the time to clean out your cupboards and storage areas. This includes everywhere you store things, from toy chests to shelves to those knick knack areas. You can divide these things into groups to make it easier for you. Make a pile of things you don’t want anymore, things you’re going to recycle or sell, things you’ll giveaway, and things you’re going to take with you to your next home.
One of my favorite secret moving tips is this: order packing tape and boxes in bulk. This seems like a no brainer, or kind of ridiculous, but you’ll appreciate not having to hunt down boxes. Having moving boxes that are the same size will help with stacking the packed boxes and loading your moving truck efficiently. I like to buy 3-4 different sizes, based on our household’s needs. I also generally order a 12 pack of Sharpies for labeling boxes and a couple of tape gun tape dispensers.
If you have lots of things you want to sell or give away, start doing this now to make sure everything’s gone by moving day. If it’s taking ages to sell certain things, then cut your losses and give them to charity. You can almost always take a tax deduction for larger or more valuable items.
Start eating through all of the food in the freezer at this point. If you’re not going to eat that random bag of mixed veggies or that one leftover fish stick, throw them away.
Don’t forget to set up an insurance policy for your new home and schedule your current one to end.
Register your kids at their new school. Of course, this is after doing research to make sure you’ve found the right school. Much of this research should have been done during the house hunting process.
Start the search for moving companies to help you transport your things now. Get moving quotes from local movers and see who will offer you the best deal, and who will fit your schedule the best. Some movers only work weekends, while others only work weekdays.
If you can visit your new home and make note of things that the movers might need to know about, like a winding staircase for example, this would be a great help. Your movers may also have great moving tips for you.
Around 3 Weeks Before You Move
Make sure you keep a record of the costs of moving, because you may be able to deduct these from your income taxes in some situations. You’ll also need to decide whether you’ll drive your car to your new location or have it transported. If you’re curious to know how auto transport works, there are many useful guides online on this topic.
Continue to pack your things into boxes, and label them as you go along. Although writing down everything in the box may seem tedious, it’ll help you when you’re desperately searching for something on moving day. List the things by room too. Take it from someone who knows – this is an invaluable moving tip.
Start to plan getting utilities for your new house now. Don’t forget things arranging for cable and internet, water, gas, and getting the electric turned on. If you have a propane tank, you’ll also want to have that checked.
One Week Before You Move
Assuming you’ve used up the majority of your food by now, you can defrost the fridge and freezer, and clean out the oven. You may want to go on other cleaning missions throughout the house too. You want to leave a clean house for the next occupants, and if you’re renting, you’ll want to maximize your deposit refunds.
Finish packing everything, most importantly everything you’ll need just before you move and just after. This will make the day much easier for you.
Although you might not want to spend much time away from your pets and children, getting a sitter for them will make things much more bearable. While older kids can help, little ones may only get in the way, trying to help. This can make things even more stressful. You might even consider boarding your pets for the week. This is, personally, one of my favorite moving tips. It just helps reduce stress for everyone involved.
You’ll also need to make sure that a handover for the keys to the old house and new house has been arranged.
The Day Before You Move
By now you should be feeling excited and apprehensive at the same time. Begin by packing an emergency survival box. This should be filled with your pajamas, toiletries, a change of clothes, food, knives and forks, and other things you might want to grab on your first night there. Make sure you keep your important documents safe too.
On The Day of The Move
Make sure nothing has been left out of the moving van by comparing your inventory with the mover’s inventory. Be there when the movers are loading things up so you can oversee any problems. Also ensure you give them your number in case they run into any problems. This is one of the most important moving tips.
Once you get to your new house, make sure that none of your belongings are broken or missing. If anything has gone awry, make sure you tell the moving company straight away.
Check on all of the appliances in the new house. Make sure everything works, as per the agreement you made with the seller. If there are issues, you may need to give your real estate agent a call. This is one of the moving tips that people tend to overlook.
Moving Tips You May Not Have Considered
- Double check and even triple check your storage space to make sure you haven’t left anything behind.
- Lock everything behind you.
- Leave all of the keys you have ready for the new owners.
- Don’t forget about any hidden keys you may have hidden around the property!
- Make sure all of your arrangements for the day are confirmed so you aren’t left in the lurch. No one wants to have to figure out their next step on the fly.
- Make sure you have your essential survival box in the car, and that each additional member of the family has their own survival box. Packing these in a suitcase makes for easy transport, and an easy way to keep track of the items.
- Make sure everybody’s mobile phone is fully charged.
- If you want to be thoughtful and make sure that the new owners of your house have a smooth moving in day too, you could leave them a nice welcome note!
- Don’t forget any pets, plants, or family members.
- Everybody say goodbye to the great times you’ve had in the house, and say hello to new adventures and great times ahead!
Can you tick everything off on this list? Then you’re more than likely all ready to go! Make sure you start early to get everything done in good time. Nobody likes to rush things like this!