Whether you are moving to a neighboring street or another state or changing your residence or office location, this process can be challenging if not approached with careful planning.
To ensure a smooth relocation, we have compiled a relocating checklist. Consider all the essential aspects that are better to handle in advance.
Checklist for Moving: Necessity or a Waste of Time?
A moving checklist is a document that outlines every step of the upcoming move. Below, you will find several key arguments in favor of clear planning being the key to a trouble-free move.
Estimating Expenses
Creating a checklist allows you to determine what expenses to expect during the various steps to moving. This could include the cost of transportation, storage fees if needed, and more.
Budget Savings
A moving checklist allows you to avoid unnecessary expenses. For instance, you can choose a moving company with the most favorable rates or make arrangements with a friend to care for your pet instead of hiring a pet sitter.
Preserving Your Belongings
Compiling a checklist for moving ensures that you won’t forget your belongings in your old apartment. You can also proactively ensure the safe packing of fragile items and secure valuable possessions with insurance.
Attention to Every Detail in the Moving Checklist
The list encompasses not only packing and transporting belongings. It should consider all actions related to the move, from enrolling a child in a new school to updating contact information.
How to Plan For a Move: Preparing in Advance
It’s best to start preparing several months before the moving date. What should you pay attention to at each stage?
2 months before the move:
- Create a digital folder to store all information about the move, including paid bills and the moving checklist. It’s better to store it in the cloud.
- Choose a reliable carrier, one of the most crucial items on the checklist for moving. Consider rates, reviews, and the list of services. For example, Shark Moving Company not only packs and transports your cargo but also offers storage if needed.
- Address organizational matters. Enroll your children in the new school, request time off from work, and notify your landlord about the move if you rent.
6 weeks before the big day:
- Arrange for help. To save time, you can ask friends, family, or colleagues to assist you with packing. Discuss a date that suits them to prepare for the move.
- Prepare packing boxes. Some stores may provide new or used boxes for free.
- Use life hacks. Create a list of transported items, label boxes, and take photos of valuable items and electronics.
- Pack items you don’t use. You can disassemble some furniture, pack out-of-season clothing and shoes.
- Complete repairs in your current apartment. This will help sell it more profitably if it’s yours or get a full deposit refund if it’s a rental.
1 month before the move:
- Inform relevant authorities about the change of residence. Notify your insurance company, postal service, financial institutions, and the Department of Motor Vehicles. You can find a complete list of authorities here.
- Prepare for all the essentials. If you are moving far, you will need to change everything from the internet provider to services like the dentist and fitness club.
- Plan your route. Use Google Maps or turn the move into an exciting tour with stops near local attractions – it’s all in your hands.
2 weeks before departure:
- Get rid of unnecessary items. Don’t carry extra baggage. Give away things you don’t use, including indoor plants, if you don’t plan to transport them to the new place.
- Back up your data. Save all documents, photos, and videos in the cloud.
- Hire a nanny for your child. If you plan to handle packing during the move, it will be convenient to have a nanny look after your children during this time.
1 week before the due date:
- Clean up. Tidy up your old home or office, and if possible, visit the new location for the same purpose.
- Dispose of remaining food. It’s time to discard anything unnecessary to avoid hindering the packing of the remaining items.
- Prepare cash. Remember that some places may not accept cards. For instance, you may need cash to pay for moving services.
On the appointed day:
- Supervise the work of the movers. Ensure your belongings remain undamaged during loading and the floors and doorways are not ruined when removing items from the apartment.
- Unpack essential stuff. Preparing clothing for the initial period, personal hygiene items, and organizing a sleeping space will be sufficient. You do not need to unpack everything at once.
- Explore the new area. Visit the nearest store and check if pharmacies, hair salons, and other necessary places are nearby.
Congratulations – all steps to moving are completed, which means the most challenging part is behind you. Good luck in your new place!
Summarizing
It is essential for everyone facing a move to a new residence or workplace to create a moving checklist. Clear planning, in conjunction with professionals from Shark Moving Company, can significantly facilitate this cumbersome process.
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