When you’re in the process of moving, you have dozens of little to-do lists running through your head. Trying to remember everything that has to get done can cause the little things to fall through the cracks.
Wouldn’t it be nice if you had one checklist that covered everything? Then you could plan ahead without worrying about what you were forgetting.
We know the struggle to stay organized is real, so we’ve put together the most epic moving checklist possible for you. Use this as a guide as you get ready for your new home.
1. Consider How You’ll Move Your Home
As soon as you know you’re going to be moving, the first thing you need to do is decide how you’ll get your stuff there. This depends on three main things: how much you have in your home, how far you’re moving, and your budget.
If you’re not going too far and you don’t have a lot to move, it may be cheaper to do it yourself. You can rent a moving van or use a truck and trailer if you have access to one.
Otherwise, start researching the moving companies in your area. Check with the Better Business Bureau to verify they are legitimate and compare prices. Watch for hidden fees, such as extra mile or weight charges.
2. Make a List of Businesses to Contact
Moving means a lot of switching from one provider to another, especially if you’re going into a different service area. You’ll want to make a list of your current utility providers and find out who services your new home as soon as possible.
Keep in mind that most companies aren’t going to have a 24-hour turnaround to shut your services off or turn them on.
If you’re moving into an apartment complex, they may already provide certain utilities. Call and ask if there are specific companies that they work with and if anything is included with your rent.
Some amenities your new home provides could save you money. For instance, communities like Christopher Todd offer free fitness facilities and security systems, so you can cancel those services if you have them.
You should also contact your bank and any other important businesses and update them with your change of address.
3. Go Through One Room at a Time
It’s tempting to throw stuff in boxes randomly just to get it all done. But it’s better to have a strategy.
Pack one room at a time, making a list of what you’re putting in each box as you go. This is a perfect time to declutter and organize your belongings to make unpacking easier.
As you pick up an item, take a second to think about whether you need it or not. Is it something you could sell or donate? Put your unwanted things in a donate/sell pile. After you’ve gone through each room, find a donation center or an online site to make some extra cash.
Tape the list you made to the front of the box and label the room you want it to be placed in using a thick Sharpie. This will ensure the box gets to the right place when you move.
4. Clean As You Go
Boxing everything in your house up a little at a time gives you a chance to spot clean and fix any minor repairs that you see. If you can get the little things done while you’re packing, it’ll save a lot of time and headache later.
Before you consider a room “ready,” make sure you:
- Clean the fan blades
- Run a duster over the molding
- Look for holes, nicks, or scrapes in the wall and repair them
- Dust the blinds
This same list should be used before you move anything into your new home. It’s easier to clean the basics if the room is empty.
5. Separate Your Essentials
You aren’t going to unpack and organize everything the first day you move in, and that’s okay. But you do need to know where your essentials are so you can get those taken care of first.
Keep these essentials separate and right at your fingertips:
- Bathroom toiletries, shower curtain, and towels
- Kitchen utensils and dishes
- Your bedroom linens, pillows, and blankets
- Personal toiletries
- Pet supplies
Anything you know you’ll need to get through your first couple of days should be prioritized. If you hired a moving company, consider keeping all of the essentials with you and not on the moving truck.
Conclusion
We all need reminders to keep our busy to-do lists organized, especially when we’re doing something major like moving. Follow this checklist as you go through the steps to move into your new home, and you won’t have to worry about forgetting something important!
