Moving Checklist 8 week countdown

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It’s important to plan for every aspect of your move.

The good news is this moving checklist is what you need to keep all the things you need to do in one place. You will be so grateful to your future self you started early.

• Create a digital “moving” folder on Google Drive or Dropbox.
• Schedule in-home moving estimates with a moving company.
• Create a budget for moving expenses.
• Read over documents from your movers before signing a contract.
• Request time off work for moving day.
• Choose a school for your kids
• Request transcripts for your kids from their current school.
• Plan a garage sale or list items for sale online.
• Plan how you will move fragile or unusual item like pianos, art etc.
• Confirm your moving company is licensed and insured.

Six weeks out from your move you need to start preparing.

If you are leaving the area, plan to spend some time with family and friends a couple of weeks before you move. Start gathering materials you need and getting organized in general.

• Make time for friends and family before moving week.
• Label your moving boxes using different coloured sticker/tape for each room.
• Put furniture screws in labelled clear bags for easy assembly
• Research packing hacks
• Pinterest is a great place to start
• Order moving boxes or crates
• Check Facebook for anyone selling or giving away quality boxes.
• Create an inventory of valuables before they go on the truck
• Mark moving boxes that are fragile
• Take photos of the back of your TV before unplugging anything
• Grab socks, t-shirts, towels, linens to use as packing supplies
• Get your car services so you can have any repairs dealt with
• Pack a little everyday, little by little is better than all at once
• Find out of you need parking permits for your moving truck
• If you are having cars or boats moved don’t leave anything in them
• Research your new area for points of interest
• Measure doorways and access areas to make sure your furniture will fit
• Take care of minor home repairs.

Only four weeks to go – that is officially a month!

Start collating the important document you need for your new home. Start decluttering – you either make some tough decisions now or cart stuff around with you forever.

• Purchase moving insurance to cover all your belongings during the move.
• Confirm parking options for your moving truck at both your current and new home.
• Use or donate any items that you can’t pack or sell such as frozen food, chemicals.
• Gather your financial, legal and medical records in one place.
• Collate birth certificates and passports for everyone in the home.
• Advise your current home insurer of your move.
• Research internet providers for your new home and schedule installation/connection.
• Confirm parking options for your moving truck.
• Pick up any clothes from the dry cleaners.
• Research new doctors, dentists and vets in your new area.
• Update your voter registration.
• Book hotels or hire cars, if needed.
• Request copies of vet records and get necessary medication.
• Ensure your pets have ID tags for their collars or are microchipped.
• Make a moving day playlist to enjoy while moving and unpacking.

The big day is almost here!

Begin updating your accounts and records with your new address. Check that you have covered all the points in the previous checklists before starting this list.

• Create a moving file to organized move-related paperwork.
• Recycle or dispose of any flammables or poisons you can’t take with you,
• Prep two week’s worth of meals and use everything in the freezer.
• Return borrowed items.
• Back up your computer/laptop/phone.
• Set up trash removal and recycling for your new home cancel your current service.
• Remove lightbulbs from lamps you plan to move.
• Clear out gym locker or safety deposit boxes.
• Cancel membership to gym, yoga studio etc.
• Fill your prescriptions.
• Prepare a list of preferred suppliers for gas connections etc.
• Line up a babysitter or play date for the kids on moving day.
• Find a place for pets on moving day.
• Send out a moving announcement.
• Change your address with banks, payroll department at work.
• Set up mail forwarding.
• Change address for Social Security, Dept. of Veteran Affairs and IRS / Tax Office.
• Transfer your utilities including water, electric and gas
• Update your drivers license
• Update Amazon and other subscription services
• Change your address for your car registration and insurance
• Clean outdoor furniture before you move
• Transfer your prescriptions to your new pharmacy, if needed

Moving Week is here!

Use this time to organize your belongings, finish packing and clean your old home. If you have access to your new home we highly recommend giving it a deep clean before you move anything in. You’ll never have this chance of a clean slate again!

• Donate unopened food
• Cancel or redirect scheduled deliveries
• Clean your current home
• Unplug fridge and freezer to defrost the night before
• Drain water hoses to your washing machine
• Check nothing has been left in cupboard or on top of cabinets
• Empty oil and gas from grills, heaters, lawnmowers etc

All of your preparation has paid off!

Get an early start. The more you can get done when you are fresh and filled with energy the better. The sooner you get to your new home the more time you will get to relax and enjoy your first night in your new home.

• Set the alarm and get up early on moving day
• When you arrive – make the bed as soon as possible
• Thank your agent/broker
• Tip your movers!
• Protect your floors, stairs and carpets during the move
• Unpack the bathroom and kitchen
• Order dinner
• Introduce yourselves to your neighbours

You did it!

Congratulations! You’ve almost completed your checklist. This is the fun part – making your new home, yours. Aim to have all of your boxes unpacked within two weeks.

• Leave a review of your moving services and realtor.
• Make spare keys for babysitters, dog walkers.
• Reset the security codes.
• Advertise or donate unwanted moving boxes or furniture.
• Invite family and friends over to see your new home.