Using a Home Moving Checklist Can Help You Move

Moving can be a pretty confusing, especially if you’re moving a long ways away, or have been living in the same place for a long time. Sometimes, it’s hard to even figure out where to start. If you’re moving and have this problem, a home moving checklist just might be the right tool to make your move easier. You can just follow along on the checklist to make sure that you’ve gotten everything taken care of. A moving checklist helps you avoid forgetting important tasks, and keeps you from asking yourself “Have I done this?” Here’s a sample that you can use as a basis for creating your own home moving checklist.

Two Months Before You Move

Plan out a map of where everything will go in your new home. This allows you to decide what’s going with you and what has to be sold or given away.

- Make a moving file. Keep all of your receipts, estimates, and other information here. See what expenses you can deduct on your tax return next year. Start getting quotes from movers and other services you’ll be using. A great website is freeMoveQuote, where you get up to 6 moving company quotes to save money and time and only filling out one easy and secure submission form.

Six Weeks Before You Move

- On your moving checklist make a list or a pile of valuable items or things that are hard to replace. Try to take these with you, if possible or ship them with a reliable carrier, rather than sending them with the moving company.

- Go through your home room by room. Take an inventory and decide what you’re keeping and what needs to be gotten rid of. If you’re going to have a yard sale or donate to local charities, start planning and implementing this now.

- Make a concerted effort to use up things you can’t move. This includes cleaners, frozen food, and other perishables that don’t travel well. Don’t buy new versions of these things unless you must.

- Start collecting boxes and packing items that you don’t use frequently. If it’s a seasonal item that won’t be needed till next year, a decorative knick knack, or something you only need every few weeks, it can go in a box. Remember to pack in an orderly manner and label everything, especially boxes that contain fragile items.

A Month Before You Move

- File your change of address, or ask the post office to hold your mail. Schedule the disconnection of your utilities, as well as reconnecting them at your destination. If you need to recover a deposit, make that request now.

- Dispose of anything that’s flammable, poisonous, or corrosive before moving. This includes removing gas and oil from the lawnmowers and edgers.

- Transfer your car registrations. If you are moving across state lines, keep in mind that most states allow up to 10 days after you have settled in to get your car registered.

Two Weeks Before You Move

- Transfer or close your bank or credit union accounts. Take items out of safe deposit boxes and get any cash you’ll need for expenses while traveling. Notify all creditors that you’re moving.

- Pack up a box of essentials you’ll need when you get to your destination. Make sure to label these and figure out which boxes are the last load, and pack up suitcases for the trip.

On Moving Day

- If you’re using a truck or trailer that you drive yourself, load them carefully. Remember to make sure that everything is carefully seated to prevent breakage. If you’re using movers, supervise the loading process.

- Check every room, drawers and closets before you leave the house.

- Place items in the rooms where they’ll be used. This makes unpacking a little easier.

Take some time to relax!