Relocation is a nerve-wracking experience among even the most organized folks. If your client has a move coming up, handing them a moving checklist will make their weeks such a breeze. This little guide lays out a visual overview of everything that needs to be done and in which order, so your client doesn’t feel overwhelmed or accidentally miss out on something important.
Giving them a checklist shows your client that you do care about providing them a smooth transition to their new space. Plus, they will be more inclined to share the checklist with their friends, bringing you more business.
Tasks For Two Months Before the Move
- DIY or moving help: First and foremost, you need to know if you have the resources to conduct the move yourself or would you be requiring professional help? If you have friends and families who will assist you with packing and transportation, it’s great! But, if you don’t have labor, equipment, and moving vans available or just don’t have the time to devote to moving-related tasks, then consider hiring a full service relocation firm.
- Book a move: We recommend sourcing estimates from at least three separate moving companies before giving one your business. Conduct a thorough background check, and call them to learn about their process and experience. This will increase your chances of getting a good quality service at the best value. Don’t forget to check online reviews, but at the same time ask your friends and families if they have any personal recommendations. Once you decide on a company, lock them in for your preferred moving dates as soon as you can.
- Rent a truck and equipment: If you’re planning to DIY the move, you will need to rent a moving van and possibly loading equipment, like moving straps, hand trucks, and dollies, to transfer heavier items into the truck. It’s best to reserve these way ahead of your move, so that you aren’t short on options when the time comes.
Tasks For One Month Before the Move
- Update your address: If you’re subscribed to magazines and subscription boxes, you will want to update your address with the providers as soon as you can so your items start getting delivered in your new home. You also need to update your address on your credit card, bank, insurance, etc.
- Set up utilities: If your current cable, electricity, and internet companies provide coverage in your new location, you can just update your address with them to forward their service. Otherwise, you need to start looking for a new service provider and get your utilities set up as soon as you can. Depending how busy they are, setting up a connection can take weeks. So this is one of those tasks you definitely don’t want to delay.
- Notify your contacts: This is a good time to let your loved ones know you will be moving. Doing it about a month early gives you ample time to meet up with them if need be, before your big days.
- Get the medical records: Have yours and your families medical records forwarded to your new medical provider. Do the same for your pets as well. You will have to start researching physicians covered by your insurance before doing this step.
- Get the school records: If you have children, get copies of all their essential school documents like transcripts and report cards. Also have the school administration forward these records to the new school before the enrollment date is up.
- Declutter what you own: Divide your belongings into three piles — discard, donate, and keep. Since shipment weight significantly impacts how much you will be charged for professional transportation, decluttering ensures you’re not footing a huge bill for items that no longer serve you.
- Buy moving supplies: Once you have downsized the belongings down to what you want to keep, it’s time to buy moving supplies. If traveling long distances, invest in high-quality moving boxes that will stay strong for the duration of long transit. Also get packing paper, bubble wraps, packing tape, and markers.
Tasks For Three Weeks Before The Move
- Start packing: Tackle the least used items first, then move on to the most frequently used items. While you don’t need to worry about this step if you’re hiring professional packers, we recommend packing an ‘Open First’ box for each member in your household. This box should contain items that everyone needs to survive the first few days after moving without having to unpack the majority of the boxes.
- Label the boxes: If you’re packing items yourself, don’t forget to label each box with its contents. This will make it easier in case you want to find an item quickly.
- Use up items: If your fridge, freezer, and pantry are jam-packed with perishable items, it’s time to start using them up. This way, you won’t have to waste food by having to throw it away.
Tasks For One Week Before the Move
- Check-in with the company: Contact your moving company to ensure everything is on schedule with your booking.
- Transfer your medications: Transfer your prescriptions from your current pharmacy to the one closer to your home. Doing this in advance will make sure you won’t have to deal with any gaps if your prescription runs out.
- Notify people of new address: Let your friends, colleagues, and business associates know your new address. If you’re relocating your business somewhere new, you may also have to notify your customers about the change.
Tasks For One Day Before the Move
- Get ready for the road trip: If you’re driving to your new location with children, make sure to buy plenty of snacks, bottled water, and activities like coloring books and small toys to keep them fed and occupied.
- Pack your bags: Pack essential items like spare clothes, shoes, medications, essential electronics, and essential documents in your suitcase.
Tasks For The Moving Day
- Supervise the movers: Let the moving staff know which items are fragile, so they can handle them with extra care. Also, make sure they know if you will be taking certain boxes or belongings with you, so they don’t accidentally load it into the truck.
- Approach loading with a plan: If you are handling the move yourself or have people helping you, make sure you know in advance how you will be carrying the heavier items. Leave plenty of rest time between loading bigger furniture.
- Clean the space: Once all the boxes are out of your old home, clean the surfaces, wipe the windows down and vacuum the carpets so you can leave the space clean for the next occupants. Your landlord will also appreciate you taking the time to clean, and it will help you get your security deposit back.
Tasks to do After Moving Day
- Scan your old home: In the rush to get it all done, it’s easy to leave stuff behind in drawers and closets. Double check all the nooks and crannies to see if there’s anything left.
- Update license and car registration: Don’t forget to change the address on your license and registration. You can either do it online or take a day to visit your local DMV. You may have to pay a small application processing fee.
Whether your client is moving to a new city or across states, this checklist will bring rhythm to what could otherwise be a complete chaos.
