By following this checklist prior to your move, you can ensure that you are as prepared and stress-free as possible on your moving day! Read until the end for a freebie!
Image via Unsplash
3-4 WEEKS PRIOR TO MOVE
Book a moving company!
Make an inventory of everything to be moved
Donate any unwanted clothing or furniture
Book the moving elevator and confirm parking arrangement for truck
Contact insurance company to transfer policies (life, homeowners)
Review tax deductions on moving expenses
Request change of address kit from post-office
Prepare a list of friends, business firms and personal accounts who should be notified of your upcoming move
Book Hive Helper to clean your new home and old home!
Arrange cut-off/activation dates for utility companies:
Telephone
Cable
Gas/Electricity/Water
Garbage
2 WEEKS PRIOR TO MOVE
Purchase any moving supplies
Make an appointment with a service technician to prepare major appliances for shipment (i.e. plumber, electrician)
Have rugs and draperies cleaned and leave wrapped/packed when returned
Obtain written appraisal of antique items to verify value
Make a plan to dispose of flammables that can’t be transported:
Aerosol Cans
Cleaning Fluid
Ammunition
Fireworks
Household Liquids
Oil Cans/Paint/Thinner
Propane Tanks
1 WEEK PRIOR TO MOVE
Check furniture for dents and scratches
Label items you need to access easily
Clean out the refrigerator/plan to defrost and dry the day before move
Drain equipment: water hoses, propane tans, gas/oil lawnmowers
Schedule to have utilities turned on at your new home
Make a plan to transport house plants
Confirm travel arrangements for pets and family
DAY OF MOVE
Designate boxes and items as “last load” items
All loose items are packed into boxes with the top closed
All electronics are unplugged from a power source
All pictures are removed from the walls
All boxes are labeled with their destination room in your new home on the top and sides of each box
All heavy and breakable items are removed from dressers and desks
All contents are removed from appliances
All items are removed from the top of furniture
All linens are removed from beds
All rooms, closets, cabinets have been checked
Disassemble bedroom sets to save time
Prepare an essentials box:
Toilet Paper (unopened)
Snacks/Instant Coffee
Scissors/Pocket Knife
Garbage Bags
Change of Clothes
Dish Soap and Towel
Pet Food and Dish
Flashlight
Portable Tool Kit
Towels
All-Purpose Cleaner (unopened)
Mug/Plate/Cutlery
Shower Curtain
Important Records/Documents
Before you leave the house:
Water shut off
A/C shut off
Lights turned off
Windows shut and locked
Surrender house keys
Last check for items left behind
Most moving companies don’t move plants, soil, or paint - so be sure to arrange your own transportation ahead of moving day! Image via Unsplash
Click here to download your own Hive Helper moving labels, then print directly onto these labels for easy organization!