Moving To Do List: Essential Tasks Before Your Move

It's no secret that moving can be a stressful experience. Whether you're relocating down the street or to a new city, a lot goes into a successful move. Many small tasks need to be completed before, during, and after the relocation. To stay organized and ensure you complete all of the tasks promptly, you'll want to utilize a moving to-do list.

We created a moving list of things to do to help make the experience less stressful for you and everyone involved. Here's our list of things to do when moving:

Moving Made Stress-Free: Things to Do Before the Big Move

Many small tasks need to be completed before your move-out day, and you want to ensure you have enough time to complete them all as quickly as possible. It’s best to tackle these tasks month by month to stay organized. Here’s how a traditional moving timeline may look:

6–8 Weeks Before Your Move

If you're getting ready to move, give yourself at least six to eight weeks to plan for the transition. This gives you enough time to complete all the tasks on your moving to-do list and to find reliable moving companies that can assist with your relocation.

Gather Quotes: Gather quotes from at least three different providers. This allows you to compare their services and pricing. While gathering quotes, make sure to ask about their experience, customer reviews, and any additional moving services they offer, such as packing and unpacking assistance.
Verify Licensing and Insurance: If you're moving across state lines, the company should have a valid U.S. DOT number issued by the United States Department of Transportation. Also, check their safety and customer satisfaction records by searching for their U.S. DOT number in the department's database.
Ask Questions: Inquire about the movers' experience, as well as what steps they take to ensure the safety of your belongings during the moving process. Additionally, ask about any potential extra charges, such as fees for heavy items, long carry distances, or disassembly and reassembly of furniture.
Look Into Pet Transportation: Moving with pets requires special attention to their comfort and safety during the relocation process. Make arrangements for suitable pet transportation, and ensure you have their updated health records, vaccinations, and identification tags. Also, research potential vets in your new area in case of emergencies or health concerns after the move.

4–6 Weeks Before Your Move

Four to six weeks before your move, start gathering all the supplies and materials for the packing phase. You'll also want to declutter your home and get organized.

Acquire Moving Supplies: You’ll need sturdy boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper.
Declutter: Go through each room and separate your belongings into categories: keep, donate, or discard. This is an excellent opportunity to let go of items that no longer serve a purpose or have sentimental value.
Organize: Group items with similar purposes (such as kitchen utensils, clothing, and office supplies) together. Make an inventory of your valuables, and compile a list of essential items you'll need immediately upon arrival at your new home.
Pack With Care: Start by choosing appropriately sized boxes for different items. Load heavier items in smaller boxes and lighter items in larger boxes to prevent them from crushing under their weight. Utilize packing paper or bubble wrap to fill empty spaces in boxes, ensuring maximum protection for fragile or breakable possessions. Label each box clearly with its contents and the room it belongs to. This will make the unpacking process more manageable and help moving services efficiently arrange your belongings in your new home.
Seek Assistance if Needed: Consider enlisting the help of professional moving services if the packing and moving process feels overwhelming. These services often provide packing materials and advice tailored to your specific needs. Additionally, they can help disassemble and pack your furniture, ensuring that it is transported safely to your new home.

Packing Phase

Label Each Box: Labeling boxes will make unpacking easier. It will also ensure that fragile items are handled carefully, and you never accidentally stack a heavier box on top of a fragile one.
Invest in Specialty Boxes: Boxes designed for mirrors, mattresses, and wardrobes can help streamline the unpacking process and keep your items protected and safe while in transit.
Keep inventory: An inventory list will help you determine what has already been packed and what needs to be packed. You can also take inventory to determine what is inside each box.
Start Packing in Advance: Start packing at least one or two months before your move date. You can start by packing smaller items you don't use regularly and slowly work your way into big items.
Pack Similar Items Together: This will make unpacking a breeze. It also helps you stay organized during the moving process.
Create a Comfort Kit: As you pack, consider the specific needs of your children. For very young children, remember to pack essential items such as diapers, bottles, and favorite toys in a separate bag for easy access during the journey. Additionally, create a "comfort kit" containing familiar items, like favorite blankets or stuffed animals, to help them feel secure in their new environment.

Two Weeks Before Your Move

At the two-week mark, you should be almost done packing up your belongings. You'll want to then make the move official by canceling subscriptions and updating your address with other service providers.

Update Your Address: If you forget to add this task to your list of things to do before you move, important bills and letters may continue to be sent to your old address.
Update your Driver's License: Depending on your state, you may have a specific time frame to complete this task, so it's best to do it as early as possible. You can usually update your license at the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or through their online portal. This will also prevent legal troubles or penalties due to an outdated license.
Notify Your Employer: Don't forget to notify your employer about your move. They'll need your new address for payroll and tax purposes. If you're relocating due to work, ensure you've submitted any required documentation, such as transfer requests or forms, well in advance.
Utility Changes: To ensure a smooth transition, plan to transfer gas, electric, and water services at least two weeks before your move. Contact the utility companies, provide them with your new address, and specify the date you'd like the transfer to occur. You'll also need to notify your current utility providers about your move to avoid being billed for services at your old address after you've moved out.
Transfer School Records: If you have children attending school, make sure to inform their current school about the move and request the necessary school records. Begin researching new schools in your soon-to-be neighborhood, and start the enrollment process as early as possible. This will help ease the transition for your children and ensure they can continue their education without disruption.

One Week Before Your Move

A week before you move, it's time to start cleaning and get organized. You'll want to start checking off the remaining tasks on your move-out checklist and ensure your old home is clean and you're ready to start your next adventure.

Clean Your Fridge: Get rid of perishables and leftover food you don't plan to bring with you to your new home.
Schedule a Final Walkthrough: If you're currently renting, schedule a final walkthrough with your landlord. You want to ensure the space is clean and fix or replace anything before the final walkthrough.
Clean Your New Home: Before moving into your new home, thoroughly clean the space. With an empty house, it's easier to access every nook and cranny. Start by gathering essential cleaning supplies such as a vacuum cleaner, mop, broom, microfiber cloths, baking soda, and vinegar. These items will help you tackle various cleaning tasks effectively.

Moving Day

Moving day will likely be hectic! Here are a few tasks that might not be top of mind during the process:

Have Your Essentials Box: Your essentials box will have everything you need for your first night, so you don't need to worry about unpacking everything right away.
Shop For Necessities: Consider grocery shopping or taking a quick trip to the store to ensure you have everything you need for the first few days in your new home.
Introduce Yourself: Don't be afraid to say hi to your new neighbors! This is a great way to make new friends in your new area.

Stay Organized for a Stress-Free Move

Moving isn’t easy. Here’s how you can keep yourself organized to ensure the experience is as stress-free as possible.

Moving Checklist: Create a moving checklist as your go-to guide throughout the process. This list should include tasks you need to accomplish and key dates related to your move. You can track everything in a binder, a Google Doc, or any other method that works for you.
Have a Budget: Your budget should encompass all moving costs, such as hiring moving companies, investing in packing supplies or storage, and any post-move expenses like furniture and repairs. Be sure to keep proof of all moving expenses organized in a folder for your records.
Create a Moving Calendar: Setting up a moving calendar can also help you stay organized and on track. By assigning dates to specific tasks on your moving checklist, you’ll be better prepared for the big day. Be realistic when setting your moving date, and consider factors like your work schedule, lease agreements, and school calendars.

Post-Move Checklists and Essentials

Once you've fully moved into your new house, it's time to turn it into a home!

Inspect Your New Home: Take the time to inspect your new home for any dings or damage that may have occurred during the moving process. If you find anything unusual or previously unreported, document it with photos or videos and notify the property manager or real estate agent immediately. This will protect you from potential liability and help ensure any necessary repairs are made promptly.
Unpack Room by Room: As you unpack your belongings, try to focus on one room at a time. This will allow you to manage your workload more efficiently and help create a sense of order in your new space. As you set up each room, pay special attention to the placement of electronics and tech devices to avoid any potential hazards or functionality issues.
Connect With Your Community: Finally, take the time to connect with your new community. This might include meeting your neighbors, exploring local attractions, and familiarizing yourself with nearby amenities. Building connections in your new neighborhood not only helps you feel more at home but can also provide valuable insight into your new surroundings. Remember, it's all part of making the most of your new home and the exciting opportunities it has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early should I start preparing for my move?

You should start planning your move at least two to three months in advance. This gives you enough time to compare pricing between different moving companies and find the best provider for you. It also ensures you can lock in your desired move-out date.

What should I include in my moving binder?

Your moving binder should include a moving checklist, inventory list, and any other documentation you may need to have on hand. Documentation to include is the mover's contact info, mover contracts, and vehicle information.

How can I ensure my fragile items are packed securely?

Premium packing supplies and high-quality moving boxes should be used to pack delicate or breakable items. To guarantee your items are safe and ready for transit, consider working with a professional moving company and investing in fragile-only packing services.

What should I do if I need to change my moving date?

Contact your moving company immediately to discuss your options. The sooner you let your movers know about the change, the easier it will be to reschedule your move.

How can I keep track of all the tasks I need to complete?

Consider printing out a moving checklist to keep in your moving binder. The checklist will guide you through the process, ensuring every task is completed.