Moving is stressful; that’s a fact. The best way to stay sane pre-move, during the move and post-move is by planning accordingly and creating a moving calendar you can commit to.
A moving calendar is a document that helps you list important tasks and prioritize them accordingly by indicating when each particular task needs to be accomplished. The key to creating this checklist is to copy a general template and customize it based on your specific needs. After doing so, you must remember to stick to it to make your relocation more manageable.
To help you create your very own moving calendar, here is a list of important tasks you need to accomplish and the period (before the move) when you should do them:
8 Weeks
- Start a moving calendar.
- List prospective home removal companies for your move. Rate them according to customer reviews and their overall reputation above the cost and choose the best one.
- Have a digital or actual folder ready which will serve as your go-to document for recording all the estimates, receipts, and other important documents for the move.
- Purge your belongings. Donate or sell the things you no longer need or use to help make packing easier.
- Prepare an inventory list for what you will bring with you to your new place. This can be a physical list or a digital one, depending on what type of folder you decided to have.
6 Weeks
- Start getting your dental and medical records together. This is also a good time to look for a new doctor or dentist in your new location. To make it easier, you can ask your doctor for referrals.
- If you are moving with children who are studying, now’s a good time to prepare their credentials and process their transfer to another school in your new neighborhood.
- Keep a record of measurements of the actual space you’ll be moving into. If possible, get a layout or floor plan of the new house to help you determine where you’ll be putting your belongings and if you need to reduce your inventory further.
- Start buying packaging supplies and begin packing. By the end of the fifth week before your move, you should have already begun packing some of your possessions, particularly those that you don’t regularly use.
4 Weeks
- This is the perfect time to deal with items which require special attention in packing. This includes liquids, furniture, and electronics. Additionally, remember to check with your removal company for a list of items they can and cannot transport in their vehicles.
- Pack an “open first” box that should contain basic necessities for your first day. This includes clothing (especially uniforms and underwear), bedding (blankets, pillows, and bed sheets), dining essentials (cutlery, plates, and drinking glasses), a small toolbox, kettle, and medicine (medication and first-aid).
- Label boxes appropriately. Don’t forget to put “fragile” stickers on those boxes containing breakables. It is also wise to establish a coding system (color coding per room is highly recommended) to help make unpacking easier when you arrive at your new house.
- Deal with your subscriptions by changing the address or canceling them altogether.
- Process changes in address for your social security, credit cards, employer, car registration, and other important correspondence.
3 Weeks
- Make sure to file for the disconnection of your utilities in your old home on the date of your move and apply for your new place.
- Hire someone to deep clean your old apartment to bring it back to its original state. This will ensure that you can claim your deposit.
2 Weeks
- If you have pets or small children who need to be taken care of during the move, arrange for a sitter to keep them out of the way when the removal company does their work.
- Finalize everything with the moving company to ensure that you’re on the same page about matters involving the move. Verify all the things you expect them to do and those that you ought to do yourself to avoid any misunderstandings.
1 Week
- Start disassembling large furniture to expedite your packing. Make sure to keep all of the hardware for each item of furniture together and label everything appropriately.
- Do some final cleaning before your move out.
- Plan and shop for food items for your first 24-hour stay in your new house.
2 Days
- Defrost your fridge to avoid unpleasant smells and liquids from leaking during the move.
- Make sure all your valuables are in one place. Never pack them with your other possessions.
Day of the Move
- Set a reminder for the scheduled time of your move.
- Have a checklist ready for all of the things which need to be moved.
- To make sure that everything is in order and packed for the move, check every room of your old home before you go.
- Read all of the documents presented to you before you sign them.
Get Moving
Whether you’re relocating for work overseas or looking to start anew with your family in a new neighborhood, moving should be a time of celebration and not one filled with stress.
Make sure you have everything planned and ready before you relocate by having a moving calendar of your own.
Once you’ve moved into your new home, be sure to have a look at how to furnish your home without breaking the bank.
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