Getting ready to move? If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Many people feel like the moving to-do list is endless.
Whether you’re just starting to set your move-out date, or you’re already collecting boxes, following a task list is helpful. Resist the urge to keep a list going in your head. Writing down your to-dos can be a lifesaver.
Let’s take a look at how you can break down essential moving tasks week by week, starting with a month before your move.
4 Weeks
- Purchase your moving supplies. Include boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, tape, labels, markers, and box cutters. Check with your moving company to order specialty boxes like dish pack kits, wardrobe boxes, and special TV boxes.
- Start packing the non-essential items. Get the things you use the least into boxes first. While you probably won’t miss old sporting equipment, you’ll want to hold off on packing up your bed and bath towels. A good rule of thumb: if you haven’t used it in the past two months, you can pack it.
- Get on the phone with utility companies. Set up the cancellation date for your old services, and set up the start date for your new services. Don’t forget to save the phone numbers of new service providers in case there’s a problem at your new home.
3 Weeks
- Take a look in your freezer and make a meal plan that lets you use up food that you don’t want to move to the new house. Two weeks should be long enough. Once you are a week out from your move, it’ll be time to resort to takeout as you dismantle your kitchen. Plan to donate nonperishable items that you don’t want to take with you to your local food pantry.
- Set up mail forwarding to your new home – it’s easy to do this online.
- Stop in at the mechanic for a once-over on your car. If you need an oil change, this is the time. If your mechanic typically books up early, you may need to do this even sooner.
- Check to see if you have overdue library books, rental items, or things borrowed from neighbors, and return them. Also, pick up any dry cleaning and other items that are out for repair.
2 Weeks
- Pack with a purpose. Label each box with the contents and the room to which it is to go to at the new house. Consider color-coding by room.
- Pack your valuables and important documents in a special box. Include things like checkbooks, wills, and insurance documents. These items should stay with you and be transported by you and not be loaded onto the moving truck during the move.
- Properly dispose of restricted items that can’t go onto the moving truck like cleaning supplies, propane tanks, paint, other flammable items.
- Secure a cleaning company for cleaning your new house before moving in.
- Talk with babysitters, your employer, your children’s school, daycare centers, etc., about final dates for attendance.
- Figure out the things you want to do one last time in your area with your family. Visit your favorite restaurant, have one more movie date with a friend, or check out that new coffee shop you’ve been eyeing for months.
1 Week
- Time to pack your overnight bag! Pack like you’re going on a weeklong vacation, and assume that you won’t have access to any of your things for at least that amount of time.
- Stop by the pharmacy to get prescription refills for you, your family, and your pets.
- Confirm the moving company’s arrival date and time. Finalize any loose ends with the movers.
- Unplug your electronic appliances, including computers and video equipment 24 hours before the move, so that they’ll be at room temperature on moving day.
Move Day
- Have everything packed before the movers arrive, and be ready when they get there. The movers will want to begin as soon as they show up.
- Indicate to your movers all extra-fragile items that need special care. Have those boxes and items set aside, so they are separate from the other general moving boxes.
- Leave your new home address for the new residents. This will allow them to forward any stray mail that comes in.
- Pack your car with your overnight essentials bag. Also, pack your valuables and essential files box with you.
Settling In
Moving can be stressful, but making a list makes it easier. When you finally get settled in your new home, don’t forget to kick your feet up and congratulate yourself on a job well done.