Moving Checklist: Things to Remember

By Mark Spain Real Estate

In hopes of alleviating some of the stress and guesswork, Mark Spain Real Estate has developed a moving checklist to walk you through the process! The process of moving can be equally exciting and stressful. With all of the things to remember and steps to take—on top of your regular responsibilities—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. 

“Under conditions of complexity, not only are checklists a help, they are required for success.” –Atul Gawande, The Checklist Manifesto  

6 weeks out

Six weeks before your scheduled move is the perfect time to start purging—Marie Kondo style. Take the time to go through all of your belongings and reflect not only what you ‘need’ but also what you ‘want’ enough to move with you to your new home.  By organizing your things into piles of “trash”, “donate” and “keep”, you will soon have much fewer things that you have to physically move, and a better idea of the items that you will need to purchase at your new home. 

“I recommend tidying by category, not by place. For example, instead of deciding that today you’ll tidy a particular room, set goals such as ‘clothes today, books tomorrow.’” –Marie Kondo, The Life-Changing Habit of Tidying Up

Moving Checklist – 4 Weeks Out

By 4 weeks prior to your move, you should know your moving date and hopefully have the motivation and inspiration to get to work! A few things to tackle at four weeks out and add to your moving checklist:

1. Research: This is a great time to decide on services that you might need to schedule or things you might need to buy. For example, do you need to schedule carpet cleaners for either your current or new home? Will your current curtains fit those living room windows, or will you need to order new? What companies provide the fastest internet speeds, or which cable providers service your new area?
2. Save on grocery bills: By eating all of the food you have in your pantry and freezer, you’ll have less waste—and more money in your pocket for all of those last-minute expenses that always seem to pop up. 
3. Packing supplies: Start the search for moving boxes or splurge on specialty electronic and wardrobe boxes. You’ll also need to start gathering up LOTS of packing tape, permanent markers, packing paper, and bubble wrap. A few additional items to add to the list are moving blankets, furniture pads, plastic wrap and trash bags.

Moving Checklist – 2-3 Weeks Out

1. Change address: Many experts recommend changing your address at least 2 weeks prior to moving day so that by the time you arrive in your new home, your mail will have already been forwarded to the right mailing address. The USPS makes it easy to change your address online or in person. Be sure to confirm you have the correct, official address of your new home so the process goes smoothly.
2. Notify: Let any regular service providers (housekeeping, landscaping, pest control, etc.) know of your upcoming move. Now is also a good time to ensure you have new providers lined up for your new house.
3. Start packing: Start with the least-used items (i.e. china, holiday decorations, out of season clothes) and remember to mark boxes so you (or your movers) will know exactly where to put each box. Oh, and don’t forget to check your attic for long-forgotten items that need to be packed (or donated:) Check out our recent blog post for more Packing Tips! 
4. Transfer utilities: Utilities include cable and internet, water and sewer, gas, electricity, satellite, security system, trash, and phone. If you are moving locally you may be able to transfer service; however, if you are moving a distance away be sure to notify your providers and be ready to have essential utilities turned on in your new home before you move.

Moving Checklist – 1 Week Out

1. Get Cleaning: Whether you hire a professional or opt to do the cleaning yourself, start the process early so you aren’t feeling the pressure of last-minute cleaning at your old house while eager to settle into your new home. 
2. Arrangements: Do you have young kids, pets or even delicate plants? Making arrangements for kids and pets on moving day helps you focus on the tasks at hand and is much more peaceful for parents, kids, and our furry friends. It’s also a good idea to make delivery arrangements for plants so they can stay in a suitable climate and away from potential damage. 
3. Packing: The week before a move is when most people do the majority of their packing. Be sure to finish strong and label items and locations as much as possible. Creating an inventory list is also a good idea to ensure you “unpack” as many boxes as you “packed”. 
4. Suitcase & Essentials: The day before you move, we recommend packing a suitcase with 1-7 days worth of essentials. Beyond clothes and toiletries…you should consider including extra shoes, medications (prescription and over-the-counter), pet/baby necessities, important documents, cash for tips, valuables and water to stay hydrated on moving day. 

PRO TIP: What are 2 things that many people forget to do during a move? Return library books and pick-up dry cleaning! Don’t forget to add this to your moving checklist!

Moving Day

The big day is here and by now you have everything packed and ready for your move. No move is perfect so keep your new home and next adventure in mind as you roll with the little bumps along the road…and don’t forget to celebrate! 

Know someone ready to sell or buy a new home and start packing? Contact us today! Click here to download our moving checklist, with a bonus tip for Mark Spain Real Estate clients!

Looking for more moving tips and tricks? Be sure to check out our recent blog posts with packing tips, relocation steps, and 5 tips for moving with kids.