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Moving Checklist3/16/2023 MOVING CHECKLIST
Before you start packing The best thing to do as soon as you find out that you’re moving is to start planning your move to make it as stress free. This list should help you keep the process as easy as possible. We suggest you give yourself at least 2 months in advance to get started, especially if you are moving out of state or out of the country. De-clutter Go through each room in your home and get rid of anything you no longer use or is outdated or ready to recycle or give away. You can have a yard sale, or just start throwing bags in your trunk and giving them to your local Goodwill or re-sale shop. The less you move, the less time it will take in the long run. Plus, de-cluttering and simplifying your belongings always feels good and it’s tax deductible if you donate your old stuff. Since there could be a limit to how much trash you can put in your trash can each week, it is best to start the de-clutter process as soon as you know you’re moving so you will have plenty of time. When you’re going through stuff, go ahead and pack items in each room that you know you won’t be using until after your move. Gather Supplies Once you’ve gotten rid of all the extra stuff and trash around your house, it’s time to start gathering packing supplies. If you don’t have time for this step, let us know and we can send them to you. Here’s a few things you will need: Boxes (you can buy these or get them from your local grocery or liquor store but cardboard boxes designed for moving really are the best way to keep everything safe in the truck) Bubble wrap (you can also use clothes, blankets, towels to keep your breakables safe) Labels Markers Packing paper Packing tape Plastic tubs if you don’t want to use boxes Take pictures Do you have anything you need to disassemble that has a bunch of wires or cords such as electronics, computers, televisions? Be sure to take pictures of how these cords and wires are set up so when you move you won’t have to guess. When it’s time to start packing Little by little = alot Pack a little at a time. If you’re moving in a month or two and pack one box a day, you will be all packed before the big day! Plus waiting until the last moment can be overwhelming. Just work on all the “extra” stuff you don’t use that often and pack one room at a time. Another advantage of starting early is if you run out of packing supplies, you will have plenty of time to run out, get some more, and finish packing everything before the movers get there. If you’re not done packing and need help though, we can help with that too! Room by room It’s best to pack one room at a time, that way you won’t get overwhelmed or lose your focus. Just pack a couple of boxes each day and this will add up over time and get your ready for the big day. A good way to keep track of each room is to use a different color marker or a different color tape for each room and be sure to label all the boxes on multiple sides. Which box do I use? Remember that it’s best to pack heavier items in smaller boxes or add light stuff in boxes with heavy items. That way you won’t hurt yourself when you’re unpacking and moving boxes around later. If you have large boxes, pack lighter stuff in there like pillows and things that don’t weigh a lot. Be sure to use small boxes for any breakable items like electronics, glass or dishes and label the boxes FRAGILE. A good way to keep dishes safe is to add clothes or towels and dish rags around them for safe travels. Secure, Label, Organize Once your boxes are full, be sure to use plenty of tape to secure the tops and bottoms of the boxes. Label the boxes by room and if you have somewhere to start stacking everything (like a garage) that is helpful. Otherwise, just stack the boxes in the corner of each room where they will be easy to access on moving day. BEFORE YOUR MOVE Set a moving date Check your calendar and pick a date that works best for anyone moving or anyone helping you move. If you’re choosing a moving company, call them as far as advance as you can to get your moving date set. Seek pricing and quotes from reliable moving companies. Change your address Go to the post office or get online to change your address with the post office. Change your address on Amazon or any other delivery services you use and be sure to delete your old address so no deliveries are mistakenly delivered to your old home. If you have children, be sure to change your address with their school as well. Here are more places you may need to change your address: financial institutions, subscriptions, insurance, lawyer, online shopping, credit card accounts, employer for W-2 and tax reasons, property taxes, medical bills, social security, veterans affiars, IRS, voters registration. And be sure to get your address changed with the DMV on your drivers license and to cancel any local memberships you have like the gym or spa. Stop buying food and extra stuff When it’s about a week or so before you move, quit buying groceries so you don’t have to throw out a bunch of food. Even if you’re just moving in town, this will help cut down on stuff that you need to move in a cooler. If you have stuff you’re not sure you will eat but it’s not expired, donate it to a food pantry or local shelter. Set up utilities for your new home When you get to your new house, you don’t want to be moving in the dark or not having water to clean or cook. Be sure to set up any utilities you may need before your move in day such as Wifi, gas, electric, trash, water, satellite, cable, etc….. Don’t forget to also call these places for your old home and set a date to stop service so you don’t pay for two places at the same time and ask about any deposits or refunds you may be getting back. Pack a box for your first night When you get to your new home, you won’t be able to find a lot of stuff. That is why it’s a good idea to pack a first night box, or maybe even one for each room so you can find essentials, cleaning supplies and stuff you really need the first night or week in your new home. See our full list HERE. Stay organized If you’re moving across the country, you may need to keep checklists or reservations organized. Have a designated spot to keep any moving receipts (you can take these off your taxes). Designate a folder in your email to keep all the correspondence in case you need someone’s contact information later. Add moving deadlines to your calendar or the calendar or reminders in your phone to make sure you stay on track. If you’re moving out of state or moving across the country, plan your route and hotel stops in advance to ensure you have places to stay along the way. Make sure you get your car serviced so you can have a safe trip. Clean your home If you rent your home, you will probably need to clean it before you leave to get your deposit back. Or, you can utilize a cleaning service to do this after you leave. Appliances If you are moving any appliances on moving day, some of these may need to be prepared in advance for the trip. Unplug, empty out and defrost any refrigerators, freezers or dishwashers at least 1 day before your move. Leave the doors open to make sure all the condensation evaporates. Disconnect your washer and dryer. Remove light bulbs from lamps and store them in a secure box with adequate padding. MOVING DAY Snap a picture It’s not a necessary step, but a good idea to snap pictures of your home or apartment after the movers have the truck loaded. This way you have proof of the way the home was left in or any damage that may be there. Big boxes go first If you hire a moving company, they will pack the truck for you. But, if you pack your own truck, be sure to pack large items first such as beds and furniture. Then large boxes next. As you go, fill any smaller holes with smaller boxes. In most trucks, you will want to pack it to the ceiling to ensure you have plenty of room for everything to fit. Don’t just throw stuff in the truck or do it in a hurry or your stuff can shift and things could break. Plan the unload Since you’ve labeled all the boxes with which room stuff goes in, have the movers move each box to it’s corresponding room to save time later. Also ask the movers or friends that are helping you if they can set up any beds or move any heavy furniture into place before they leave. If you have heavy furniture, it may be a good idea to lay down some floor protectors the day before. AFTER YOUR MOVE After the last box is unloaded, it’s time to celebrate! You are officially in your new home! Now you can find the first night boxes you set aside, unpack those and relax to celebrate a job well done. Enjoy! Need a moving quote? Ron’s Moving specializes in out of state moves everywhere in the U.S.A. We also do in-state moves within the state of Arkansas. Give me a call today!
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