Moving Checklist

  • Pre-Packing Stage:
    • Stock up on moving supplies: Gather boxes small, medium, and large, packing tape, bubble wrap, markers, box cutters, and anything you might need during your move.
    • Start the process early: Getting a head start is key to reducing the stress of a move. Identify 
    • Plan your moving schedule: Packing and loading a house can’t be done in a day. It will require days or weeks to get everything together. Plot your packing schedule room by room and day by day. That way you’ll be sure to be ready to go when the big day comes.
    • Decluttering: Moving is the perfect time to purge your house of unwanted or unused belongings. Identify the items you don’t need to take with you and whether you plan to sell, toss, or donate them.
    • Set up your utilities: Starting and stopping utility services is another step you don’t want to put off until the last minute. Contact your provider for your new house and the one you’re leaving weeks in advance to make sure there are no issues.
    • Notify necessary parties: Remember to notify services such as the post office about your move.
  • Packing Stage
    • Pack lesser-used items first: Seasonal items like winter coats or sports equipment can be packed away first. Anything you use infrequently.
    • Identify important items to separate: Some items are much more valuable and important to keep track of. Documents like car and house titles and documentation, medical and insurance records, financial documents, family photos, jewelry, keys, medications, and checkbooks.
    • Pack a first night box: Since getting settled may take a while you’ll want an essentials box to get you through the first few days. Include a few pairs of clothes, snacks, soap and toiletries, medications, chargers and electronics, and anything else you might need.
    • Clear drawers of breakable or dangerous items: Remove items that could be damaged or damage other items during the move. Pack these items separately.
    • Keep paired items and hardware components together: Nuts, bolts, and screws can easily be lost or mixed up during a move. Keep all small components in labeled bags, preferably taped to their item so reinstallation is easy at your new home.
    • Keep wires and cords together: The same rule applies to wires and cords. Label each and every cord then wind and fasten them.
    • Protect dishes: Fragile dishes should be wrapped with bubble wrap or towels or tissue paper. Cushion them within their boxes using t-shirts or towels.
    • Label, label, label: Organization is key during a move. Label every box with the items within and which room it goes into.