If you’re in the process of moving, you know just how much there is to think about and do. From packing up all your belongings to transferring utilities and changing your address, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by it all. To help make your move as smooth as possible, here’s a checklist of six things you should do before you even start packing a single box.
1. Make a list of everything you need to do.
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s essential to sit down and list every task that needs to be completed before, during, and after your move. Once you have your list, you can start crossing items off as you go and pat yourself on the back each time you complete something!
For example, your list might look something like this:
- Pack all clothes
- Pack all kitchen items
- Pack all bathroom items
- Pack all electronics
- Disassemble any furniture that needs to be disassembled
- Arrange for movers (if necessary)
- Change address with the post office, the bank, or any other necessary places/services
As you can see, there’s a lot to remember! But once you have everything written down, it’ll be much easier to stay on top of things and not forget anything important.
2. Start packing early.
It’s better to start packing sooner rather than later so you’re not scrambling at the last minute. Plus, if you pack a little bit each day instead of trying to do it all at once, it won’t seem nearly as daunting.
If you’re unsure where to start, focus on packing items that you won’t need in the days leading up to your move. For example, if you have winter clothes that you won’t need in the summer, pack those first. Or, if there are certain kitchen appliances or bathroom items you can do without for a few days, pack those up.
As you’re packing, be sure to label each box with its contents and the room it needs to go in at your new place. This will save you a lot of time and frustration when it comes to unpacking later on.
3. Purge your belongings.
Moving is the perfect opportunity to get rid of anything you don’t use or need anymore. After all, the less stuff you have to move, the better! Have a garage sale, donate items to charity, or throw away anything that’s been taking up space in your home for far too long.
Not only will getting rid of clutter make your move more manageable, but it’ll also make your new place feel more like home from the start. To start purging your belongings, go through each room in your house and ask yourself if you really need each item. If the answer is no, get rid of it!
You can also try out the KonMari Method, which is a popular decluttering technique created by Japanese organizing consultant Marie Kondo. The basic premise is that you should only keep items in your home that “spark joy.” So if an item doesn’t make you happy, get rid of it!
4. Clean the house.
This may seem like an obvious one, but it’s essential to give your old place a good cleaning before you move out. After all, you want to get your security deposit back. If you don’t have the time or energy to clean yourself, there’s no shame in hiring a professional cleaning service specializing in moving out to do it for you.
In general, you’ll want to focus on cleaning areas that tend to get neglected, such as baseboards, windowsills, ceiling fans, and light fixtures. You should also empty out all the cabinets and drawers in your kitchen and bathroom so they can be adequately cleaned. And, of course, don’t forget to vacuum and mop all the floors!
Once satisfied, you can hire the same crew for the house you’re about to move into. This way, you can start fresh with a clean slate.
5. Get quotes from different moving companies.
Unless you’re planning on doing all the heavy lifting yourself (in which case, kudos to you!), you’ll need to hire a moving company to help transport your belongings from point A to point B. Be sure to get quotes from several different companies so you can compare rates and services before making a decision.
If you’re on a tight budget, consider renting a truck and doing the move yourself. Just be sure to factor in the cost of gas and any necessary moving supplies, such as furniture, dollies, and blankets.
And if you have friends or family members willing to help, that’s even better! Just be sure to feed them well and offer up plenty of beverages to keep them motivated.
6. Notify everyone of your change of address.
Don’t forget to update your address with the post office, as well as with friends, family members, and any businesses or organizations you deal with on a regular basis. This way, important mail won’t get lost in the shuffle, and everyone in your life will know how to reach you after you move!
You can do this manually by filling out change of address forms or using online services. Regardless, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to make the switch, so you don’t miss anything important.
While you’re at it, update your contact information in your phone and email contacts lists as well. This way, you can easily stay in touch with the people who matter most to you.
Moving can be stressful, but by following our simple checklist, you can rest assured that everything will go off without a hitch! So what are you waiting for? Start ticking those items off your list today!
