On The Move: A Week-By-Week Checklist To Prepare For Moving Systematically

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When you know well in advance that you're going to be moving, you have time on your side. You can approach moving related tasks methodically and slowly over the course of a few weeks rather than scrambling to get everything done in time! Everyone's situation is different and you may need to add a few tasks to this list, but in general, these are the tasks you'll want to complete in the weeks leading up to the move.

Four Weeks Out

Four weeks before your move, it's time to start planning and making arrangements. This week will be dedicated to making phone calls, sending emails, and making decisions. Make sure you:

• Confirm with your current landlord or new landlord what day you'll be moving out and what day you'll be moving into the new place.
• Call your utility companies and tell them what day to cancel your services.
• Give 30 days' notice on your gym membership and any other local subscriptions you'll be terminating.
• Call your car insurance company and let them know your moving date and new address.
• Call several moving companies to get an idea of their services. You can click for more information on a moving company. Schedule in-house estimates to be done with at least three companies in the next week -- preferably all on the same day.
• Start asking around at local stores for spare boxes, or purchase your packing boxes so you have them on hand.

Three Weeks Out

This week, you'll start doing some of the hands-on work. By the end of the week, you'll also have a moving company selected. Check these items off your list as you complete them:

• Conduct your estimate appointments with the moving companies. Get written estimates from each one of them, and ask questions to clarify what, exactly, each estimate includes.
• Carefully look over the estimates. If you have a partner or spouse who is moving with you, tackle this task together. Choose the moving company that's the best fit for your needs and budget, and give them a call to formally schedule your move.
• Go through storage areas, like your closets and basement, and get rid of items you don't need. Pack items you do want to bring with you into boxes, labeling each box clearly.

Two Weeks Out

If you pack anything non-essential this week, you'll have a lot less to do next week when you're stressed out about the upcoming move. Some tasks to tackle include:

• Pack up all of your out-of-season clothing, along with items you know you won't wear in the next two weeks.
• Pack all non-essential kitchen appliances that you won't use in the two weeks. Make sure you clean each one out thoroughly before packing it away. A mixture of white vinegar and water works well in most cases.
• Take pictures and other decorations off the walls, packing them away carefully with plenty of padding. Wrapping them in towels works well, since this way you get the towels packed up, too.
• Clean areas that won't get too much use between now and the move so you don't have so much cleaning to do next week.

One Week Out

The big week is here! At the end of this week, your moving company will arrive to put all of your boxes, furniture and other items into the truck and haul it to your new place. Here's how to prepare:

• Pack up all of the clothing, linens and towels you have not yet packed. Wash linens and bedding before packing it away so it does not smell when it gets to your new place.
• Pack a "first night" bag with clothes, hygiene items, and some cups and plates so you don't have to tear through all of your boxes as soon as you arrive at your new place.
• Vacuum any plush furniture, like sofas and chairs, to remove crumbs and protect against insects during transport.
• Wrap the legs of expensive furniture in bubble wrap, and secure it by wrapping tape tightly around it.
• Pack important documents, like insurance documentation, passports, and birth certificates, in a box that you can bring along in your own personal vehicle.
• Clean up any areas you have not yet cleaned.

If you complete a few moving tasks each week leading up to the move, the week of the move won't feel as busy and stressful.

7 June 2016