Moving 101: Your Complete Checklist

Moving: it’s one of the most disorienting and disruptive things we do in our adult lives, but it’s necessary from time to time. If you’re in the process of moving and feel like you could use a bit of help keeping it all together, here’s a simple moving checklist to help you stay organized from beginning to end.

Your Complete Moving Checklist

Whether your move is well underway or has yet to begin, here are several simple tips for keeping things in line and on track:

2-3 Months Before Your Move Begins:

• Sort all your items and get rid of what you don’t need
• Research moving companies
• Create a folder to house receipts for your moving expenses, quotes, and contracts
• Organize critical paperwork and records so they’re easily accessible and don’t get lost during the move

1 Month Before the Move Begins:

• Pick up moving supplies, such as boxes, tape, bubble wrap, packing materials, and more
• Purge once more – if you haven’t used it in six months, get rid of it by throwing it out or donating it to your local Salvation Army
• Measure your furniture and plan where each item will go in your new home

3 Weeks Before the Move:

• Hire a mover, pay the deposit, and get a written confirmation of the moving date, costs, and included services
• Start packing your least-used rooms. For best results and optimal organization, pack seasonal and spare items first, and pack more critical items as the course of the move drags on
• Label your boxes with the room it belongs in and its contents
• Pack an “essentials” box with all of the things you’ll need on hand and can’t afford to have buried throughout the move
• List your change of address with the post office to ensure you receive mail at your new house
• Notify your bank, HR department, magazine subscription office, and any recurring subscription service websites about your impending move so they can adjust your service or documentation accordingly
• Have all of your medical records transferred to your new primary care physician

7 Days Before the Move:

• Get any needed medication or supplies for family members who will need them during the move
• Pack a bag filled with clothes, toiletries, and a book so that you don’t have to dig through your boxes during the move
• Defrost and clean your freezer at least 24 hours before it goes into the moving truck

The Day of Your Big Move:

• Wait for your moving truck to arrive
• Pack your essentials bag to prepare for the trip
• Oversee the movers and take inventory
• Get going to your new home!

Organized Moving Starts with Good Preparation

Moving is stressful no matter how you cut it, but staying organized beforehand can make it much easier. This simple checklist will help you plan your move at any stage of the process, and prevent stress and overwhelm from setting in. What’s more, it’s a great way to make sure you’re not missing any critical steps as you prepare to make your way to your new home.