Moving home is one of the most disruptive things that we will ever do. Counselors tell us that in terms of a life-altering event, it’s right up there with divorce and the death of a close relative. So we do owe it to ourselves to make sure that our home move is as smooth and trouble-free as possible. So instead of trying to hold all the myriad of things that need to be done in your head, you need to make a really effective checklist.
What Is a Moving Out Checklist?
Essentially, a moving out checklist is your complete Bible of everything that you should be doing in the months and weeks up until your move and also for a few weeks after the big moving day. Even creating the checklist is a pretty big job, so don’t put it off – buckle down and get going with our indispensable guide.
The Ultimate Moving Out Checklist
8 Weeks Before Moving Checklist
Set up a Google file with everything that you are going to need for the move. Photograph key documents, business cards, and even your scribbled notes. This grab bag of data should be accessible from all or most of your devices.
- Create a budget to cover all your moving costs. Remember, it will probably cost more than you think, so over- rather than under-estimate.
- Get at least three quotes from moving companies, and check that you are comparing like with like. The cheapest might not offer all the services you need – for example; they may not be able to offer a specific delivery day for your possessions.
Start selling and giving away all your surplus stuff. This is especially important if you are moving somewhere smaller – you will NOT be able to squeeze all that stuff in.
- Selling off your unwanted things can also be a good way to earn a bit of extra cash for expenses.
- If you have kids, make sure that you have a school place for them. You will need to get school records and transcripts transferred.
- Locate a doctor at your destination and arrange for records to be transferred.
- Ask for time off work! It’s good if you can move on a Friday, so you have the weekend to get things done before having to start work again on Monday morning.
6 Weeks Before Moving Checklist
- Don’t forget your friends! Now is a good time to get together and say some fond farewells before life gets too hectic.
- Start collecting cardboard boxes and begin packing. Number each box and create a list of contents. Pack a little bit every day, and designate a room where the packed boxes will go.
Remember that clothes can be used as packing material. Glasses can go in socks, for example.
- Photograph electrical connections, for example, for your TV, so you can put everything back together easily.
- Get your vehicle serviced, especially if you have a long cross-country drive ahead of you.
- Check that bulky furniture will go through the doors or windows at your destination. If it won’t, then you might have to think about selling it and replacing it with new stuff in your new home.
4 Weeks Before Moving Checklist
- Now is the time to organize insurance, both for moving itself – your removal company should be able to provide this – and also for your new home
- Find all your family’s important documents – passports, birth certificates, insurance policies, vaccination records, and so on. Photograph them and store them safely to be carried with you when you move.
- Organize internet and cable services at your destination. You should also identify your new utility suppliers to ensure a smooth handover.
- Notify service suppliers at your present home of the date that you will be leaving, and ask for final bills to be forwarded to you.
- Make sure you have your pets’ medical records and identify a vet at your destination. Get tags for your pets with your new details.
- Make sure that you have supplies of all human (and animal) medications and food and water for pets if the journey is going to be a long one.
2 Weeks Before Moving Checklist
- Make sure you have all the keys and entry codes you need for your new home.
- Use up all that stuff you have in the freezer. Plan your meals and snacks for your journey to your new home
- Book hotels if you are going to be traveling a long way to get to your destination.
- Create a good playlist for the journey. Collect books and games for the kids, and download books on your e-reader.
- Create a first aid and self-care kit for the whole family for the journey. Travel sickness medication, Tylenol, sanitizer, masks (sigh).
- Get a checklist of emergency suppliers at your destination – just in case you arrive to find a blocked drain or tiles blown off of the roof.
1 Week Before Moving Checklist
- Make sure all your sports memberships are canceled and clear out your lockers.
- Organize for your mail to be forwarded
- Start the process of applying for a new driving license and any other licenses you might need if you are moving to a new state.
- Cancel any regular deliveries or services that you might have.
- Change your delivery address on Amazon, eBay, and other sites that you use.
- Change your address with your bank, credit card companies, Social Security, VA, and other financial institutions.
- Send out change of address information
- Have your prescriptions transferred to a new pharmacy
- Gas up your vehicle, check oil, tires, water
- If you are moving close by, arrange for daycare for your pets and small children so that they stay safe while you are preoccupied with moving.
Moving Day Checklist
- Try to get a good night’s sleep the night before – your list should help with that.
- Make sure you have a map to get where you are going. (Do you detect the voice of bitter experience here?)
- If you need to leave keys for the next person, make sure they are somewhere safe and that the new people can get them easily.
- If you know the new people coming into your old place, leave them a welcome note.
- When you arrive at your new home, try to give your new neighbors a brief hello – to get started on the right foot
- If the movers have done a good job, give them a nice tip.
- Don’t stress yourself – create a campout room where everyone can be reasonably comfortable for the first night. Have a picnic, have some fun. Tomorrow is the best day to start getting your new home organized.
Some Mistakes to Avoid
- Leaving things until the last minute – but that isn’t you, right?
- Not understanding what your movers can and cannot do. Make sure you have a good relationship with these guys; they are your lifeline.
- Not labeling boxes. Not only should boxes have a number, but they should have a destination written on them – Bedroom 1, Kitchen, and so on. This helps a lot!
- Failing to keep receipts. Some moving items might be tax-deductible, so keep your receipts and check them out when you are settled in.
If you stick to our checklist (and, of course, you will want to personalize it to fit your own special circumstances), then you should have a smooth and relatively easy move. Good luck!
