Moving into your new home is exciting – and stressful. We can’t make the process fun – but we can make it easier and more organized with our checklist! Read on for the best tips on how to navigate the moving maze, starting 2 months out from the Big Day.
Table of Contents
- 8 Weeks Before
- 6 Weeks Before
- 4 Weeks Before
- 2 Weeks Before
- 1 Week Before
- Day Before
- Moving Day
- The Week After
8 Weeks Before
Resist the urge to procrastinate, because starting now will make your move so much easier. At this point, you’ll want to focus on research and details.
Decide on your moving team. Will you need a professional mover? Planning on doing it with the help of friends and family? Combining both? Either way, it’s crucial to book movers and ask helpers to put your move on their calendar.
Perform an inventory. Before you even get an estimate from a mover, walk through every part of your home and decide what’s going with you. If you’re comfortable with labels, begin tagging any items that won’t make the cut, or that will require special care in the move.
Organize records. If you have children who will be transferring schools, make sure that you check with both their current and new schools. You’ll need copies of their records and a list of what they’ll need for enrollment.
Start a filing system. It may be on Google Drive or an actual file folder, but you need a place to store all the information related to your move. It’s great for notes, documents, and paperwork, but you can also use it for photos. Why photos? Read on to see how your phone camera can be a big help in the next few weeks.
6 Weeks Before
Schedule a yard sale or pick-up of your purged items. Once you’ve boxed up and tagged everything that you’re not moving to your new home, send it on its next adventure! Plan for a garage sale, and offset some of those moving expenses. If you don’t have the time for a garage sale, donate items to a thrift store or organization that will pick them up.
Notify and Update. Make a list of all utilities, services, and subscriptions that you need to turn off, activate, or transfer. Many of them will let you handle the task online. If they require a specific time frame for changes, set a reminder on your calendar. Don’t forget to set up mail forwarding with the postal service, too.
Measure. It goes without saying that you’ll want the measurements of your new rooms. However, don’t overlook things like doorways and staircases. Check now to make sure that there won’t be any stuck furniture on moving day.
Take photos. Document things you’ll want to copy in your new space. Figured out the perfect way to organize your clothes? Love the color combination in your bathroom you just painted? Worked out the ideal way to hang your collection of photos? Take photos now, before you start packing
4 Weeks Before
Get moving boxes. Some suggestions, if you’re searching: liquor stores, bookstores, recycling centers, and good old Facebook. While you’re getting them together, stock up on labels, box tape, and permanent markers.
Start packing. A great place to start is with out-of-season items and things you don’t use often. Spread out into the garage and attic and take on things like sports equipment and tools you don’t need until after the move. Closets, kitchen cabinets, and pantries also hold a lot of infrequently used items. Box and label them, and store all in your closets until the move.
Take care of pets. Order new tags for their collars, make sure their vaccinations are up to date, and keep copies of their records in your moving folder. Check on what should be done to update their microchip registration, too. Decide on how you’ll move them, and if you’ll be boarding them during the craziest days.
Start using up perishables. Time to lighten the load by eating frozen and refrigerated food items.
Cancel local memberships. Determine what you won’t be using after the move, such as gyms. You’ll also want to pick up all dry cleaning or items that are out for repair, and return library loans.
2 Weeks Before
Finish packing. Determine what you’ll need for the next two weeks and just after the move, and ruthlessly seal up anything else. Before you close and label the box, take a quick photo of the contents and then the label. When you’re hunting for an item, and can only peek into the box, you can identify it quickly.
Disassemble and tag electronics. Before you disconnect the cables and put them into a ziplock bag, take a photo of the set-up. You will thank yourself when you’re tired and just want to relax with a movie at your new home.
Take care of safe disposal. Correctly dispose of anything flammable, poisonous, or corrosive that could spill during your move.
Check back in with helpers. Contact your friends and family members who will be helping you move, and confirm times and roles.
Have a family meeting. Make sure everyone is on track and that you haven’t missed any details. If your children will be sleeping over at a friend or relative’s home while the move is taking place, make sure they’re feeling secure about the arrangements. Moving is stressful for everyone!
Locate and prepare any pet crates. Check to ensure they latch securely, and have a plan for keeping all pets safe and secure on moving day.
1 Week Before
Don’t stress – you’ve got this! It’s time to start tidying up the last of the loose ends.
Start disconnecting and draining appliances. Washer hoses, water lines, gas-powered tools, and grills – don’t let your move flood out with a wet surprise. Clean and defrost your refrigerator for a fresh start at your new place.
Pick up prescription refills.
Start prepping your “Essentials” box. First aid kit, toiletries, paper towels, and toilet paper, some basic cleaning supplies and disposable cups and plates will get you through the first 24 hours. Put a supply of linens in a separate box, and start collecting extra phone and electronics chargers in their own clear bag. Prepare a similar box for any pets.
Remove and pack lightbulbs from any lamps.
Clean and roll up area rugs.
Check all nooks and crannies for items that are hiding. If you’ve emptied a closet or storage area, put a label on the door to avoid needless re-checking.
Stock up on beverages and water bottles.
Day Before
Breathe deeply – you’re almost there.
Make sure vehicles are filled up with gas.
Confirm any truck rentals. Confirm as well your moving company arrival, and help from friends and family.
Set your essentials boxes aside in a designated area. Add any suitcases, and last-minute supplies like tape, scissors, and extra boxes
Drop off pets for boarding, if needed.
Set your alarm, and turn in early.
Moving Day
Stay upbeat! You’ve worked hard to stay organized for this move!
Protect floors at the old and new house.
Keep everyone hydrated. Hand out those beverages you’ve stocked up on.
Designate one “Essential”person. They should make sure the essentials boxes and suitcases stay in the vehicle with you – and get unpacked first.
Carefully check inventory. Essential if you’re dealing with a moving company.
Set up at least one bathroom for showers.
Put linens on beds. Early, and before you get too tired. You deserve a good night’s sleep!
The Week After
It’s all over but the unpacking. Enjoy your new surroundings!
Get to know your new grocery store.You’ll be restocking your cupboards.
Take some walks in your neighborhood – especially with your dog. They need to learn their way around and become familiar with all the new smells.
Don’t fall into the trap of never opening boxes. Make a pact to unpack each one by a set date.
Update your driver’s license and other legal documents.
Flatten moving boxes. Arrange for recycling – or share them on Craigslist.
Use your photo files. They’ll help you hook up electronics, pick out paint colors, and hang artwork.
Explore your new area. Visit a local attraction or restaurant.
Take A Deep Breath…You’re Moved!
Exciting, exhausting – but worth it! Moving can be bearable with a little organization and a good checklist. We’ve created this list to help you start early, stay motivated, and enjoy your new home right away.
Download the printable version here
If your heart is set on moving to Clark County, Generation Homes Northwest is here to help you create a beautiful home. As locally owned homebuilders, we bring award-winning craftsmanship and expertise to each project and collaborate with you every step of the way in settling into your forever home. We offer new homes throughout Clark County, including the fastest growing areas and private settings.
