After months of brainstorming and planning, it's finally time to move. You've secured a brand new home, and today all that's left may be the actual trek across the country to your new base of operations. But before you are able to hit the road (or interstate highways), there are some things you need to square away.
A mover's checklist is essential for ensuring a smooth transition from one the place to find another. It can benefit you determine what must be done so when, what supplies you'll need, and just how much everything will cost.
Below is a comprehensive checklist of all things you need to do when moving across states, grouped into items you can accomplish at different stages of the move. Be sure to feel it step-by-step so that you haven't any nasty surprises to deal with on your big day.
Interstate moving supplies you will need:
Moving is a big ordeal, even though you might assume you have the necessities to bring along up and obtain going, there can be a few tools and supplies you miss, which can slow the whole process down.
To keep things moving forward schedule, go on and collect the next items before you begin moving:
- Boxes (big, medium, and small)
- Packing tape
- Packing peanuts or bubble wrap (or old towels, sheets, or clothes)
- Labels (and a label maker if preferred)
- Permanent markers
- Hangers
- Trashbags
- Cleaning products
- Tie-down straps and lifting straps
- Dollies or carts
The last thing you need would be to interrupt your packing process one million and one times with additional trips to the store for supplies.
When you choose to move: checklist
Now that you have an idea of when you will be moving, it's time to get everything in order. The next items should be done as soon as possible to ensure an even transition.
1. Inform your employer
First, notify your employer of your move and request paperwork for a transfer or place in your letter of resignation. Provide your boss as much notice as you possibly can to prevent burning a bridge.
2. Research new schools/daycare
If you've children, start researching new schools or daycares in your town. You don't want to leave this task until the last second.
3. Inform your schools
Notify your children's schools of the new address. Administrators will have to transfer childrens' records towards the new school.
4. Pre-plan for new home utility vendors
Start looking into the things you will need once at your new location: find who your electricity supplier is going to be, your utility supplier, your Internet provider, etc., so you aren't scrambling to do these things following the move.
Two months before the move: checklist
When you're 8 weeks out, obtain the ball rolling by accomplishing these tasks:
5. Produce a moving binder to stay organized
Start by developing a moving binder with tabs for every stage from the move: “planning,” “contacts,” “changing addresses,” etc. This organization could keep you relaxed and on track.
Put all your notes and documents associated with the move for quick access.
6. Book final appointments
Have any last-minute appointments you want to make having a doctor, hairstylist, or another person? Schedule with 8 weeks left, so you've sufficient time to work everything into your busy calendar.
7. Set a budget
Moving is expensive, but it is possible to keep costs down. Start by setting a financial budget and sticking to it.
8. Arrange for your vehicle
If you aren't driving your vehicle towards the new location, consider shipping the car to a different state. While driving is one option that some people choose, it could be preferable to fly for your destination city and save the hassle and vehicle wear and tear.
9. Arrange your transportation
Book your flights and reserve accommodations car if you are flying towards the new location. If you are driving, be sure you have enough time to help make the trip and map out the route.
10. Look for a moving company
Solicit quotes from moving companies and choose one. Before deciding, ask for a written estimate and browse the small print. It's also advisable to read reviews to know the knowledge some other clients have experienced with the company previously.
11. Declutter
The less you have to move, the simpler it will be. Start decluttering your home and get rid of stuff you don't need or want anymore. Possess a garage sale, donate to charity, or sell items online.
12. Contact current utility vendors
Inform your present utility vendors of the move and provide them your brand-new address. Since you'll be traveling an extended distance, there is a pretty good possibility you will be signing with all-new utility vendors at your new location. If that's the case, simply let your current vendors know when you should turn off your existing service.
One month before the move: checklist
At this point, you should have completed many of the larger tasks out there. Now it's time to focus on some more things with only a month to go.
13. Create a packing plan and moving timeline
It's essential to have a plan in position before you start packing. This plan of action can help help you stay organized as well as on track. Plus, it'll be useful to have a timeline of what must be done, so you're not scrambling last minute.
14. Contact new utility vendors
If you have not already, contact new utility vendors in your area and obtain info on establishing a service. Tell them when you expect to be in your new location and when service ought to be turned on.
15. Cancel local memberships
Gym, pool, country club? If you aren't going to be using them anymore, you're ready to cancel your memberships.
Two weeks before the move: checklist
At this point, you're in the home stretch. There's not much left to do, but it's crucial to stay on track and make sure things are ready to go.
16. Forward your mail
This task is easy to forget, but you don't want your mail visiting your old address after you have moved. Contact the mailbox and also have your mail given to your brand-new address.
17. Pack non-essential items
Start packing the items you won't need until after you've moved. These things may include things like excersize equipment, clothes you will not need immediately, or furniture you can live without for any little while. This advance planning makes moving time that much easier.
18. Confirm with movers
Confirm every detail together with your mover, like once they will be arriving and when they'll be leaving, when their expected ETA is, what services are included, as well as your total price.
Moving time: Checklist
Now it's finally time for the move. Make sure you have everything you'll need and follow these final steps.
19. Finish packing items
Pack all of the your boxes and make sure things are ready to go. You may be doing this job alone or helping movers finish the job. Be sure to label all your boxes on every side to know exactly what's in them. Packing by room allows you to unpack.
20. Pack suitcase on most essential items
Pack a suitcase with the essentials you will need for the first couple of days after moving. This category may include clothes, toiletries, and a few kitchen items. You may also want to carry important documents and IDs, so they don't get lost.
21. Bring cleaners in
Before you leave, have the cleaners arrived at your old home and clean it top to bottom. You could do this this work yourself, but you can help to save hours and a lot of stress by hiring professionals including maids.
22. Give keys to landlord or new resident
Make sure you hand off your keys to your landlord or new resident, so that they aren't tracking you down from states off to get it.
After the move: checklist
Now that you are all settled in, there are just a couple more items to take care of.
23. Update address on documents
Make certain to improve your address on all essential documents, like your driver's license, passport, and voter registration.
24. Get settled
Take your time getting settled in. It will take a while to get accustomed to a brand new place, so relax and revel in your brand-new home.
Wrapping (and packing) up
Moving can be a stressful experience, however with the best planning and checklist to follow along with, it's really a lot smoother, so you can focus on the exciting new adventure ahead.
