Organizing a cross-country move will be much easier to do if you have a detailed moving to-do list by your side to help you track the progress of your relocation and have all the tasks listed in one place. For that reason, we’ve prepared the ultimate checklist for relocation to help you keep everything organized and under control seamlessly.
If you want to have full control over your relocation tasks, make sure to create a to-do checklist and track the progress
Is There a Checklist for Moving? What Is the First Thing to Do When Moving?
When you start with preparations for the long-distance move, one of the first things you should do is to create a list of things to do when moving. It should include all the tasks related to organizing your move. Although it won’t be possible to get to all the tasks right away, it will still be very useful to have it by your side, add new projects to it, and track the progress of the relocation. Also, it will help you create an easier packing schedule for relocating and have a punctual timeline that will help you move efficiently and seamlessly to your new address.
How to Create a Moving List of Things to Do?
There are various ways to create a plan of all things to do. The crucial point is to have it by your side at all times, so you can always be up to date with tasks that have been fulfilled or should be added. Creating it using Google Sheets or some specialized app is definitely a better option than keeping this information on paper. This way, you’ll be able to share it with other family members who could help you. No matter which option you choose, things you forget to do when you move will definitely be reduced to a minimum. Here are all the details you should include to help you stay organized and avoid all the relocating mistakes that could trigger anxiety about moving out.
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10-8 Weeks Before the Move: A List of Things to Do When Moving into a New House
If you’ve been asking yourself How do you prepare to move to a new house and How much in advance should you begin with preparations, here is the answer! Ten weeks before your planned relocation date is just enough time to organize the whole process and get everything ready for the next tenants.
Notify the Landlord About the Move and Find a New Home
If you’re leaving an apartment, this would be the perfect timing to inform your landlord that you’re about to move out. This period will also be great for starting a search for a new place you’ll call home. If you are about to move to another apartment and looking for a way to cut costs, consider finding roommates. Don’t forget to write down the questions to ask potential roommates to know if they are your perfect match. If you’re relocating to another apartment and plan to live alone, inspecting the place and signing the lease should take place now as well.
Inspect the House and Schedule Repairs
Although you’ll hopefully inspect the house before you sign the contract, when it comes to final preparations to move into the property, there will definitely be a few more tasks. Scheduling the painting, small renovations, or pest control before the planned move-in date will give you enough time to organize everything.
Notify Your Employer About the Upcoming Change
No matter if you’re relocating for a job and better position to a new city, or you simply want to move away and start over, notifying your employer at least 10-8 weeks in advance is usually mandatory.
Notifying all the parties involved about your relocation is of utmost importance when organizing a move
8-6 Weeks Prior to Your Relocation: Find Reliable Cross-country Movers
One of the most crucial steps of organizing a relocation is to find a reliable cross-country moving company that can provide you with all needed cross-country moving services. Whether you need assistance to pack your household and research the packing services they provide, or you want to take your car with you and need to book auto-transport services, finding a long-distance relocation company that can organize every detail of your move is of essential importance.
However, make sure to check the reputability of long-distance movers and compare relocation quotes from a few different companies before scheduling the relocation date. Scheduling relocation dates way in advance will help you not only to have better time management but also to save your relocation budget from unnecessary costs of last-minute relocations. Also, another helpful tip when it comes to choosing among the hundreds of relocation companies is to check the reviews and explore the experiences of other customers.
Relocation companies offer different services, so make sure to choose one that can provide you with complete assistance
The 7th Week Before the Relocation Date Is for Creating a Moving Inventory List
If you’ve ever wondered How early should you start packing to move, the answer is seven weeks prior to the relocation date. This will give you just enough time to organize everything without a rush and prepare your household for relocation. Doing a home inventory, deciding what to keep and what to get rid of, and coming up with packing strategies are definitely a must-do in this period. However, keep in mind that boxing up is only about to begin, and it will take at least a couple of weeks.
Organize Decluttering and Downsize Your Household for a Move
Downsizing your household is a must if you want to pack efficiently and take only the items you’ll actually use in your new home. Decluttering means making many decisions, and since you’ll be dealing with your personal belongings, it can be a pretty emotional process. Begin with the items that are least important to you and areas you rarely use, like storage places. Decide what you will do with unwanted appliances, explore charities where you can donate clothes, shoes, and other items you don’t need anymore and learn how to have a successful garage sale. Dedicate a few boxes that will help you sort out these items, and the whole process will go much faster.
If you need more tips on how to organize decluttering, take a look at the video below!
Start Packing Your Household 6-4 Weeks Before the Relocation Day
Once you’re done decluttering and have a final moving and packing list, it is the right time to get down to work. The best and fastest way to organize this is room by room because it will make sure you don’t miss anything important. Creating a “Pack Zone” in the house is another great way to keep the process under control. Lastly, putting all the packed stuff in one room will provide enough space for the movers to walk around the house.
Acquire All the Needed Supplies to Box Up Your Items
Once you’ve made a final inventory and decided on a packing strategy, the next step is acquiring all the needed supplies for boxing up. Finding the best-sized boxes, getting enough packing paper, bubble wrap, blankets, plastic foil, wardrobe boxes, and sturdy tapes, exploring how you can save using these materials, and getting some cheap relocation supplies are definitely tasks you should pay attention to.
Here’s another essential detail – don’t forget to label the boxes to keep them safe from any damage. As a bonus, this way, you’ll always know what each box contains. Also, the moment you start to pack, you will learn that there are some items movers won’t move, so learn how to ship live plants, for example, or how to organize transportation for your pet, in case you’re relocating with pets.
Prepare your household and move quickly and efficiently
3 Weeks in Advance – Its Time for Final Preparations
Now that the household is gradually getting packed, it is about time to tackle some other tasks and cross them off the to-do list for moving. Here are all the duties to deal with:
- Learn how to prepare your car for shipping,
- Schedule the final car check with your mechanic,
- Book your travel arrangements and all the flights and/or hotels,
- Book transportation for your pets and visit the vet to get essential information on how to make relocation less stressful for them.
Contact All Your Insurance Providers
Remember to contact your medical insurance provider and auto insurance company and inform them about your change of address. Also, consider buying a moving insurance policy to ensure reimbursement for all your items in case of damage. Although your long-distance relocation company is obliged to provide mandatory liability coverage which is automatically included in the price, if you need a full-coverage policy for your belongings, then third-party insurance will definitely be the right solution for you.
Organize final details for your relocation
2-1 Week Prior to the Relocation Day
Now that the relocation day is becoming closer and the tensions start to rise, don’t forget to take the following steps in order to organize a perfect relocation and ensure your list contains those tasks too.
Organize Important Documents and Inform All Relevant Parties About the Relocation 2 Weeks in Advance
Organizing important documents means you should pack all the paperwork and bring it with you. Create a relocation binder and keep your documents in it. It will make things easier if you divide them into categories such as:
- Personal documents,
- Children’s documents,
- Job-related documents,
- Medical records,
- Tax records,
- Utilities and other important bills.
Also, when in process of dealing with documentation, make sure to change your address with all related parties, from USPS to the IRS. Also, update the driver’s license, IDs, Social Security, utility service providers, and any subscriptions you have. Changing the address with all parties is usually free, so you won’t have any extra costs related to this issue. However, be ready to set aside some free time to dedicate to updating all the data.
Book the Final Cleaning
Leaving your house in perfect condition for the next tenants is something you should definitely take care of. If you don’t want to waste precious time but still want to be sure that everything is clean, consider hiring a professional cleaning company to take care of your household and every corner of it.
Pack a Bag of Essentials
Having a bag of essentials when traveling to your new home is of the utmost importance if you want to have a more comfortable experience. This bag should contain all the personal and other important documents, spare clothes, medicines, supplements, snacks, and anything else you find important to have by your side. If you’re relocating with kids, don’t forget to pack some of their toys to keep them animated during the trip.
having a to-do checklist is important because it will help you not forget anything
What to Do on the Relocation Day?
The big day is here! If you’ve decided to follow our ultimate checklist for relocation, we are sure you’ll be fully prepared and ready for the relocation day. Once your long-distance movers load all the items into the truck and start rolling and before you hand the keys to your previous home, make sure to go through the house once again and check if everything has been packed and if all the windows and doors are properly closed. The moment you ensure that everything is the way it is supposed to be, you can begin the trip to your next home.
