Your Complete Moving Checklist
Moving isn't fun, but it doesn't have to be as stressful as you remember it from the last time. By creating a moving checklist early and getting everything done on a timeline, you'll be far better prepared for actual moving day. There are several items you may not be aware of that belong on your moving checklist. Here's a look at a complete moving checklist to help you create one for your specific move.
60 Days Before Moving Day
About two months before you move, it's time to start going through some of your things. This is a great time to deal with decisions, such as items you want to sell, donate or get rid of. It's even a good time to consider planning a yard sale, if that is part of your strategy.
Another good task to get off your list is to start looking into local movers to help with packing or the actual moving. You can also create a moving folder for all of your forms, estimates and receipts from the move.
45 Days Before Moving Day
When you it the six-week mark or about 45 days before moving day, it's time to start thinking about when you want to pack up and getting the right supplies. You can make your reservation for plastic moving boxes at this time and calculate how many you will need. This will give you ample time to change the delivery date, if necessary.
You should also start thinking about buying other packing supplies, such as tape, packing paper, specialty boxes for specific items and bubble wrap. At the 45-day mark, it's also a good idea to start paring down your groceries, especially the perishables and frozen items. This will allow you to move without needing to worry about food spoiling.
30 Days Before Moving Day
About one month before you start moving, you may want to start packing up some of the less needed items, such as holiday decoration or sporting gear you won't be using anytime soon. This is also a good time to locate important documents and valuable items you want to travel with you and not in the moving truck.
At the 30-day mark, you can also change your address online and start contacting important companies to notify them of your move.
10 to 14 Days Before Moving Day
Since you already made your reservation for green moving boxes (plastic boxes), you will want to start packing once your boxes are delivered. You get to keep the boxes for a full 14 days without any additional charge, so this is a great time to start packing. It is possible to have items already wrapped in bubble wrap or sorted out for packing ahead of this time.
2 to 4 Days Before Moving Day
A few days before moving day, you need to wrap up the packing portion of the move. This is also a great time to take apart furniture, defrost the freezer and make sure you have the right amount to pay the movers and cash for the tip.
On Moving Day
When moving day comes along, you want to make one final sweep through the home before you leave for good. Look for any items you may have forgotten and make sure to turn off all lights and lock the door. It's also a good idea to leave contact information for the new tenants just in case you left something behind.
Use this moving checklist and you'll be set for a much less stressful move.