When it comes to planning your move, there is so much to prepare and organize. It can be easy to let some details slip your mind, but we want to help you make sure nothing is left behind. Here’s an easy timeline to help you as you prepare for your moving day.
Two Months Prior: Streamline
Put your home on the market—and stage it
Showing your home in its best light is a key way to up your asking price. Moving companies can put your excess furniture into storage to get your home ready for its close-up. Organizing your home now will make the moving process much easier later.
Sell or donate excess items
Reach out to your favorite charities to set up donations or arrange to sell things you don’t want anymore.
Get an estimate
Contact moving companies for an estimate of your moving costs and to schedule a move. Summertime is the busiest season for moves, so build in an extra few weeks if you’re planning on moving during these months.
One Month Prior: Set the Stage
Stock up on materials
Order moving boxes, packing tape, and other essentials so you’re prepared while packing and so your items stay secure.
Notify people about your change of address
This includes anyone who sends you mail on a regular basis: utility providers, payroll departments, doctors’ offices, periodicals and the post office.
Contact the Department of Motor Vehicles
You’ll need a change of address for your driver’s license. You may also need to visit the DMV to change your last name if you’re moving after getting married.
Two Weeks Prior: Sort Out Logistics
Make reservations
Reserve elevators, parking permits and anything else you’ll need to use on moving day. Be courteous and let your neighbors know about the move, especially if you live on a narrow street. A moving truck will take up plenty of room!
Book a babysitter
Moving is hard on kids. The day will go far more smoothly if they’re out of the house with someone you trust.
One Week Prior: Tidy Up
Consolidate
Gather well-labeled boxes into one specific area of your house, move important paperwork to a convenient place and eliminate any toiletries and food that you don’t need.
Remove
Dislodge all permanently-affixed items from walls or ceilings, such as fans, drapes, and lighting fixtures.
Scrub!
Hire a cleaning service – you’ll be surprised at what kinds of dust get kicked up once you start moving furniture! On the plus side, you just might discover a $20 bill or your teenager’s long-forgotten teddy bear.
The Night Before: Rest Up
Live like an organized minimalist
This is your very own episode of “Survivor.” At this point, keep access only to those things you need on moving day, such as toiletries, comfortable clothes and medications. Use paper plates and cups for your farewell meals.
Confirm all reservations
Circle back with brokers, movers and anyone else who will be orchestrating your moving day. If your movers will be helping you unpack, schedule a time to pick up boxes and paper.
Moving Day: Tie Up Loose Ends
Identify fragile or broken items
Let your movers know about furniture or objects that have been weakened by previous use or moves.
Gather your valuables
Make sure any passports, checkbooks, keys, medications and money travel with you on moving day. These are items you do NOT want to have in a random box!
Drain and disconnect
Defrost, drain, wash and dry your refrigerator and freezer. Drain gas and oil from lawn mowers, generators, and slow blowers. Disconnect your propane tank from gas grills; your movers won’t be able to transport the tank.
Clear the way
Make sure your driveways and walkways are clear, snow-free and easy to maneuver. Your movers will go back and forth all day.
Best of luck with your move!