Moving can be a stressful time for many, and creating a moving checklist to ensure you are organized and ready can help to take some of the stress off your shoulders as moving day gets closer. As a starting point, figure out when your actual move date will be and when you will take possession of the property you will be moving into. Will there be any overlap between properties? If so, you may be able to do some pre work in the new property to make moving day smoother. Read on to learn more about our top tips to make your move seamless.

moving checklist

8 Weeks Before Moving Day

  • Begin by going through each room in your home and decluttering. Get rid of anything that you don’t need so that you are only bringing with you what you actually want or need. Make a list of what needs to stay, be sold, donated, or thrown out.
  • Once you have a handle on what you are going to be moving, secure your movers. It’s a good idea to get an estimate ahead of moving date based on what you’ll need moved. Our in house moving consultants are always happy to offer assistance and suggestions when it comes to the types of boxes you’ll need, the number of trucks and approximate time and cost for moving your items.
  • Depending on the property you are moving to and the decluttering work you’ve done around home, decide whether you need additional help packing, unpacking or even with storage. We offer storage solutions as well which can be easily combined with your move.
  • Create a digital file that contains all the important information associated with your move. This should include information on the new property, the property you are moving out of, the date and time movers will arrive, any pre arrival cleaning services or utility set ups.
  • If you are moving to a new area, it’s a good idea to begin looking into contacts for local doctors, dentists, clubs, fitness centers or accounting services that will be conveniently located within a reasonable proximity of your new home.

6 Weeks Before Moving Day

  • Notify your post office of your move. Get your new address and send out change of address cards or address update notification emails where applicable. 
  • Arrange to have your utilities disconnected, including telephone, cable, water, gas, and electricity.
  • Ask the phone company at your destination if service can be connected before arrival.
  • Ask your bank to transfer your accounts to the branch nearest your new home.
  • Update membership details for any gyms or other affiliations.

4 Weeks Before Moving Day

  • Plan a garage sale or sell your no longer needed items digitally. This will help get rid of some clutter.
  • Transfer fire, theft and other insurance to your new location.
  • Ensure your car insurance has been updated with your new location.
  • Book house and duct cleaning services for your new home to ensure your moving into a clean and sanitized environment.
  • Begin organizing and packing items that you don’t need to use every day.

2 Weeks Before Moving Day

  • Have rugs and drapery cleaned. Leave rugs rolled and wrapped.
  • Prepare a floor plan of your new home and make extra copies. This will be useful on “move-in” day as you can label your boxes according to the rooms they should be moving into.
  • If you will be moving to a new community, plan a moving-away party for children and their friends.
  • Complete all of your packing besides the essential items you’ll need access to. 
  • Separate any food, plates, utensils you will need during the last days. Be sure to pack them on moving day.
  • Clean out your fridge, freezer and pantry. Cook and prepare as many meals as possible between now and moving day. Donate excess canned and frozen foods to the community food bank.
  • Make sure all laundry is clean and remember to pick up any dry cleaning.
  • Organize all of your moving and travel documents as well as valuables you will be taking with you the day of the move. These items should be carried with you at all times.

1 Week Before Moving Day

  • Take down all curtains, blinds, shelving units, and other items secured to walls or fixtures in the home that you won’t be leaving behind. Unfasten any fixed carpets that are to be moved.
  • Set aside and label items such as luggage that you do not want to be moved.
  • Pack your car for the move. (Pack items you intend to move yourself).

On Moving Day

  • If you will be moving out of your old home and into your new home on the same day, pick up they keys to the new home first thing (and make copies for you and other people in your home).
  • If you can, have one member of your household or a friend or family member arrive at the new home before the movers to give it a one over. In an ideal world, getting the new home cleaned ahead of time will make the move in process easier, however if time is of the essence, a quick vacuum, mop, dust and wipe down of countertops will suffice.
  • Be on hand when the moving crew arrives, or authorize someone in writing to take your place.
  • All questions should be directed to the driver of the moving crew.
  • Sign the form at the beginning of the move. This will instruct the crew to begin the move.
  • Keep all children and pets away from the moving truck. Keep children on a normal routine as much as possible. Set aside a few toys or set up a movie in a quiet room.
  • Before the crew leaves, take one last walk through to make sure everything has been loaded.

Arriving at Your New Home

  • If some goods are to be stored, advise the storage facility of the items that need to be stored or removed from your unit.
  • Confirm that utilities will be connected on time.
  • Ensure that all boxes and furniture have been moved into the home and if unpacking services are required, ensure you are on hand to help advise on where things should go.

Now you should be all set to enjoy your new home! Remember, let us take the worry out of your move. We are always on hand to answer any questions and ensure your move is as smooth as possible. We look forward to helping make your next move an easy one. Contact us today!

moving checklist

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