Before You Move

Moving to a new home can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience. Proper planning and organization are key to ensuring a smooth transition. This guide outlines essential steps to take before your move, helping you stay on top of the process and minimize stress.

8-12 Weeks Before Moving

1. Create a moving binder or digital folder
   • Use this to store all moving-related documents, quotes, and checklists.
2. Declutter and organize
   • Go through each room and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard.
   • Consider having a garage sale or selling items online.
3. Research moving companies
   • Get quotes from at least three reputable movers.
   • Check reviews and verify their licenses and insurance.
4. Start a moving budget
   • Include costs for movers, packing supplies, travel, and potential storage.
5. Notify your landlord or begin the home selling process
   • Give proper notice to your landlord if you're renting.
   • If selling, contact a real estate agent and prepare your home for the market.

6-8 Weeks Before Moving

1. Book your moving company or rental truck
   • Once you've chosen a mover, schedule your moving date.
   • If moving yourself, reserve a rental truck.
2. Begin packing non-essential items
   • Start with items you use infrequently, like seasonal decorations or rarely used kitchenware.
3. Create a floor plan for your new home
   • Measure your furniture and plan where everything will go in the new space.
4. Research your new neighborhood
   • Locate essential services like grocery stores, banks, and healthcare providers.
5. Arrange for school transfers
   • If you have children, begin the process of transferring school records.

4-6 Weeks Before Moving

1. Notify important parties of your address change
   • Update your address with the postal service, banks, credit card companies, and subscriptions.
   • Inform your employer, insurance providers, and government agencies (DMV, IRS, etc.).
2. Schedule utility disconnections and connections
   • Arrange for utilities to be turned off at your current home and activated at your new one.
3. Begin using up perishable foods
   • Plan meals to use items in your freezer and pantry that you don't want to move.
4. Gather important documents
   • Collect birth certificates, passports, medical records, and other crucial papers.
5. Make travel arrangements
   • If moving long-distance, book flights or plan your road trip.

2-4 Weeks Before Moving

1. Continue packing
   • Pack room by room, labeling boxes clearly with contents and destination room.
2. Arrange for pet transportation
   • If moving with pets, ensure you have carriers and necessary health certificates.
3. Plan for childcare on moving day
   • If possible, arrange for children to stay with family or friends during the move.
4. Schedule professional cleaning
   • Book cleaners for both your current and new home, if necessary.
5. Confirm details with your moving company
   • Verify the date, time, and any special instructions with your movers.

1-2 Weeks Before Moving

1. Pack an essentials box
   • Include items you'll need immediately in your new home (toiletries, change of clothes, basic tools, etc.).
2. Disassemble furniture
   • Take apart larger pieces of furniture that won't fit through doorways intact.
3. Dispose of hazardous materials
   • Properly dispose of paint, chemicals, and other items movers won't transport.
4. Refill prescriptions
   • Ensure you have enough medication to last through the move and until you find a new pharmacy.
5. Back up your computer
   • Create a backup of important files before packing your computer.

Final Week Before Moving

1. Finish packing
   • Pack remaining items, leaving out only what you'll need until moving day.
2. Conduct a final walk-through
   • Ensure nothing is left behind in closets, cabinets, or outdoor areas.
3. Clean your current home
   • Deep clean or supervise professional cleaners to prepare for the next occupants.
4. Prepare a folder of important information for the new owners
   • Include details about utilities, local services, and any home quirks.
5. Withdraw cash for tips and emergencies
   • Have cash on hand for tipping movers and handling any unexpected expenses.
6. Pack a first-night box
   • Include bedding, pajamas, and basic toiletries for your first night in the new home.
7. Defrost and clean your refrigerator
   • Do this at least 24 hours before moving day.
8. Confirm final details
   • Double-check arrangements with movers, utilities, and anyone helping with the move.

By following this comprehensive checklist, you'll be well-prepared for your move. Remember to stay flexible and patient throughout the process. Good luck with your new adventure!