Moving is a journey full of excitement, anticipation, and, let’s be honest, a bit of chaos! From packing up all your belongings to saying goodbye to familiar places, moving can feel like a whirlwind of emotions and to-do lists. But what if we told you that there’s a way to take the stress out of the equation? Picture this: a complete, foolproof checklist for moving that guides you every step of the way, transforming the moving process into a smooth, organized experience.
Whether it’s ensuring your fragile items are safely packed or keeping track of those easy-to-miss details (hello, address change!), having a solid game plan can make all the difference. Ready to turn your moving game? Let our ultimate moving checklist become the roadmap to your successful move.
Moving Checklist/List To Do Things You Should Remember While Moving
The moving checklist has been organized chronologically, with a comprehensive timeline culminating in the actual moving day. This timeline serves as the basis for a detailed checklist of things to do when moving, which outlines tasks that require attention within specific timeframes.
To streamline the process, the timeline is divided into categories such as tasks to be completed two months prior, one month prior, one week prior, a few days prior, and on the day of the move.
You want to start your move ahead of time, it is one of the keys to a successful move. If you procrastinate and delay the things that need to be done way ahead of time, you will face utter failure.
Two Months Before
The two months before period should start lightly and without any dangerous deadlines. Here is the two weeks before moving checklist for you.
Find a Moving Company
Ignorance is a choice in the age of the internet. So choose wisely. There are numerous moving tips on what to look for when finding movers. To avoid any kind of moving scam, select legally registered movers with insurance, have good online (or word of mouth) reviews, and have a USDOT (U.S. Department of Transportation) number.
Check the experience of the moving company and see if they are professional enough to conduct any type of move. If you need help selecting a trustworthy company, check out this helpful guide on how to find a reliable moving company in NYC.
Get an Estimate from Moving Company
Shortlist a few movers and get estimates from them. It is advisable to find at least 3 moving companies and obtain a quote. Ensure that movers perform an in-person inspection or a video survey before giving you the actual estimate. Check out Big Apple Moving’s quote for a quick and easy way to obtain a moving estimate and let your mind be free from moving worries.
Set a Budget for Moving
You need to have a budget for moving out before hiring a moving company. Make a list of your expenses and set aside some money to meet unexpected expenses. The budget should include the expenses for movers, packing materials, storage spaces, and much more. Look for affordable moving companies in NYC and see how well they can meet your requirements to make your move easy.
What’s more? You can even get precise moving rates by requesting quotes from several moving companies. All this will help you stay within the budget and hence choose the right company for moving.
Declutter Items You Don’t Need Anymore
The next tip in the checklist for moving is decluttering. Eliminate anything that you don’t need or use. You can also consider selling or donating them. Knowing how to declutter your moving makes your move much easier by reducing the number of items you need to move. So, declutter before moving to make your home more organized.
6 Weeks Before Moving
The time is coming near when you will have to move. So, finalize some details. Let your friends and family know that you are planning to relocate. Plan some get-togethers if you haven’t seen them for a while. Let’s see what more should you do six weeks before moving –
Book a Moving Van
You are getting closer to your moving date. Book a van for moving in advance. Choose or rent the one that can fit all your belongings. You can read more about the benefits of renting a moving van here. Furthermore, keep in mind that you should choose the one that doesn’t have huge extra space that you don’t need as you will have to pay extra for it.
Choose the right size of boxes for moving
You have to choose moving boxes to store your belongings. So, how do you choose the right size moving box? A general rule says to use small boxes for heavier items like books and larger boxes for lighter items like pillows. What’s more? Save some money by recycling used containers. You can look for such boxes in liquor stores, groceries, restaurants, and other local businesses.
Learn Some Packing Hacks
Is any move complete without packing? Obviously not. Start by packing the non-seasonal and non-essential items first. When it comes to how to pack an apartment, go room by room. Pack fragile items with extra care and keep the valuables and important documents separate. Many professional movers help you with packing and helps you reduce the packing stress. Get packing services from Big Apple Moving Today.
Label Your Boxes Correctly
The most important thing when packing your boxes is to develop a habit of labeling everything. This way, you’ll know what boxes contain your needed belongings. Some tips on how to label moving boxes like a pro are to color code them, maintain an inventory, and use larger fonts.
Write Old & New Both Address Correctly
When filling out your moving paperwork, make sure both your old and new addresses are written accurately. An incorrect address can cause delays or lost mail. Know how to write an apartment address correctly in this helpful guide.
4 Weeks Before Moving
Things are getting spicier here. Now you need to do more tasks as you are just 30 days away from the moving day.
Buy Moving Insurance
Buy moving insurance to protect your belongings if something gets lost or damaged. You can skip this step. But here is the catch: Buying one will give you peace of mind that your items are covered. Additionally, check if your moving company has a certificate of insurance or not, as it ensures that the company has a license to operate in that particular area.
Get Rid of Perishable Items
If you have any perishable food items in your pantry or fridge, start using them. You don’t want to transport food items that may spoil during the move with you. So, plan your meals accordingly to eliminate the food that could turn bad.
Gather All Your Records
Before your move, gather all the important financial, legal, medical, and insurance records. Keep them secured in a folder and at such a place where you won’t forget them.
File for Change of Address
Change of address takes time. Notify your post office, banks, and other service providers about your change of address. Make sure your mail gets forwarded to your new home without any issues. Most post offices let you file for a change of address online for convenience.
2 Weeks Before Moving
It feels like two weeks is a lot of time, but you have to gear up as still there is a lot more to do. Update all your accounts and records for the smooth sailing of your move.
Create a Bag or Folder for Bills and Slips
Creating a digital folder is fine. But that doesn’t replace the importance of a physical folder where you can keep all your receipts, bills, and important documents you need when moving.
Recycle or Dispose of Poisonous Items.
Do you own any flammable, corrosive, or toxic materials? If yes, remove them safely, as these cannot be moved by professional movers. Dispose of them in a correct manner. Check local recycling centers for proper disposal methods
Update your driver’s license
Many places require you to update your driver’s license within a specific time window after moving. Visit the DMV website to check the requirements and ensure that your license reflects the new address. Important documents to get an updated driver’s license are – residency proof, proof of social security number, and an additional form of identification.
1 Week Before Moving
Finally, the time to move has arrived. Organize what’s left and clean your old home. The earlier you finish all the tasks, the less things you have to manage on the day of the move.
Clean Your Old Home`
Just because you are moving to a new home does not mean you can leave the mess in your old one. Take some time and show some love to your old home by cleaning it before you make a move. If you want to get back your rental deposit, you must clean your current home like a pro and repair any tiny damages. Leaving your old home in spotless and clean condition ensures that you get your security deposit back.
Unplug Your Fridge
Unplug your fridge at least a day before to give it time for defrosting and cleaning. Because any lingering water can create trouble while moving. So, you must know the right process of moving a refrigerator to your new home and keep yourself out of any mess.
Cancel or Redirect Pending Deliveries
Have you ordered anything recently? If yes, you must ensure that all your deliveries arrive before your move. Or else, redirect them to your new address. Another idea is to cancel them entirely to avoid any confusion.
Check the Weather & Withdraw Some Cash
Check the weather forecast for your moving day and plan accordingly. Take extra precautions if the weather is going to be harsh or it’s going to rain. Withdraw some cash to tip the buyers or to buy any last-minute items.
Moving Day
The day for which you have been waiting has come. If you have followed the checklist of things to do when moving, the move will be a breeze for you. So, wake up and start with the move as soon as possible.
Work With the Movers
Answer the movers any doubts or questions they ask you. Communicate effectively with them. Let them know where each box should go as soon as they arrive at your new home. Don’t forget to tip them up at the end.
Unpack the Essentials
Some people get overwhelmed with the process of unpacking. If you are one of them, start unpacking the essentials like kitchen necessities, toiletries, and other essentials to make them easily accessible. After unpacking the important items, go for the unopened boxes. Need help with unpacking? Consult Big Apple Moving.
Verify Everything
Double-check all your belongings before the movers arrive. Take inventory of your boxes and furniture to ensure nothing is missing or damaged. It’s always better to address any issues immediately with the movers on-site.
Final Thoughts
Moving doesn’t have to fill you up with stress if you follow a solid plan and a moving checklist. Following the above-mentioned tips will let you do everything in order and organize your move strategically.
Let Big Apple Moving’s professional and reliable movers ensure a smooth transition to your new home and find the answer to why we are considered number one in the industry. It’s time to make your move one of the best experiences of your life. Contact us to know more.