Moving Company Checklist

Relocating your home is no small feat – it's akin to a mountain of tasks that feels as if it perpetually reaches new heights. We've all felt that sense of being swamped with an endless list of things to do before the momentous day arrives.

It’s quite comforting, then, to remember that you’re entitled to certain protections - such as receiving a written estimate from your moving company after they’ve conducted a comprehensive survey of your belongings.

Our meticulously designed checklist is here to shepherd you through each phase with ease, ensuring nothing falls by the wayside. Let us accompany you on this journey; it's time for a fresh start!

Key Takeaways

• Begin planning your move about 8 weeks in advance by gathering quotes from moving companies and setting a budget.
• Make sure to cancel utilities and services at your old home and set them up at your new place, starting this process 3-4 weeks before the move.
• Pack essential items separately so they are easily accessible during the move, including important documents and daily necessities.
• Confirm all moving day details with your movers one week in advance and let neighbors know there might be noise or disruption on the day.
• Once you arrive, clean your new home first then unpack essentials to help settle in smoothly. Keep an eye on belongings for safety.

Planning your Move

Once we've made the decision to move, it's time to start planning. Creating a digital folder for all moving-related documents and contracts will help keep everything organised and easily accessible.

Getting estimates from different moving companies, setting a budget, and reviewing all necessary paperwork are also key steps in the planning process.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5Igx80lPps

Create digital folder for moving day

We think it's smart to put all our important moving files into a digital folder. This means we won't lose any contacts, receipts, or plans for the big day. Google Drive and Dropbox are great places to keep these things safe and handy.

We can get to them from our phones or computers anywhere.

We start putting this folder together about 8 weeks before we move. It holds everything: company quotes, dates, and lists of what we're taking with us. As we gather more information, it all goes into the digital folder.

This keeps us from getting mixed up and makes sure nothing gets left behind.

Having everything in one place helps us stay calm during the move. We can check on details quickly and share info with family or movers as needed. Plus, after the move is done, having a record of expenses could come in handy for things like tax returns or reporting problems.

Get estimates from moving companies

Let's find good moving companies and ask them how much it will cost. We'll call them or use their online forms. Friends and family might know some trustworthy ones too. It's important to pick movers that others say are great.

We have the right to get a clear price written down after they look at our stuff in person or through a video. They should tell us if the price is just a guess, fixed, or has a max limit they can't go over.

Let's make sure we understand what kind of estimate they give us so there are no surprises with money later on.

After getting different prices, we can compare them. This will help us decide who to hire for moving day without spending too much. Getting these estimates helps us plan our budget and keeps everything on track for a smooth move.

Set a budget

We need to know how much our move will cost. That's why we make a moving budget. We list all the things we'll spend money on, like movers, boxes to pack our stuff in, and maybe even a place to keep things we can't move right away.

It's not just about guessing; we have actual numbers so there are no surprises.

We think about every part of the move when planning our budget. This includes hiring people to help us carry our furniture, renting a truck if we need one, buying supplies for packing everything up safely, getting insurance in case something breaks, and figuring out if we'll need extra storage space.

Keeping track of these costs helps us stay in control of our money during the move.

Review documents and contracts

Let's take a good look at the papers we get from moving companies. It's key to check every detail in these documents. We're talking about costs, dates, and what they will do for us.

If anything seems off or confusing, it's best to ask questions right away.

Making sure all is clear with contracts before signing is a must-do. This saves us from surprise fees or mix-ups on moving day. Let's keep copies of everything in our digital folder too.

That way, if we need to double-check details later on, we have them ready at hand.

Now that our papers are sorted let’s move ahead confidently!

Preparing 3-4 Weeks Before Moving Day

Schedule cancellations of utilities and services, give notice to necessary parties, and start decluttering and packing to make the moving process smoother. Read on for more detailed tips on how to prepare for your move!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1yLxfvVFu0

Schedule cancellations of utilities and services

We need to cancel our utilities and services early on. Doing this 3-4 weeks before the move makes sure we have no hiccups.

• List all the utilities and services we currently use. Think about water, gas, electricity, phone, and internet.
• Call each company to tell them our move date. We'll ask them to stop service the day after we leave.
• Ask for a final bill or check if they can send it to our new address.
• Keep records of cancellation confirmations. It's smart to have proof in case there are questions later.
• Update our address with these companies if needed. This way, any last bills or notices find us at our new home.
• Double - check if we've paid everything off. We don't want surprise charges popping up later!
• Take a final meter reading on the day we leave. We can send this to the companies so they know what we used up until moving out.

Give notice to necessary parties

• Landlord: If we're renting, our landlord needs a heads-up. We confirm our moving date one month before and give them four weeks' notice.
• Work: Our boss should know we need time off work for the big move. We tell them as soon as possible so it's easy for everyone.
• Schools: If kids are with us, their school must know about the change. We talk to their teachers and office staff.
• Post Office: To get our post at the new place, we fill out a change of address form.
• Utilities: Companies that supply us with water, gas, and electricity need to know when to stop service at our old home and start at the new one.
• Internet and Phone Providers: We don't want to miss any calls or emails. We set up a transfer date with these companies.
• Insurance Providers: For car, health, or renter's coverage, they need our new address right away.
• Bank and Credit Card Companies: To keep our money safe, they must have current information.
• Voter Registration: So we can vote without trouble, we update our address with the department of motor vehicles or other local services.
• Subscriptions and Memberships: Magazines or gym memberships should follow us to our new place.

Start decluttering and packing

After letting the right people know we're moving, it's time to tackle our stuff. We need to sort out what goes with us and what doesn't.

• Look around and decide what we really want to keep. Only the things we love or use often should come to our new home.
• Make piles for "keep," "donate," "recycle," and "throw away." This helps us clear out things we don't need anymore.
• Plan a garage sale or list items online that we can sell. This gives us extra cash for our moving expenses.
• Drop off donations at charity shops or arrange for them to pick up larger items. It feels good to help others while we lighten our load.
• Get free boxes from local stores or friends who've recently moved. It saves money and is a great way to reuse boxes.
• Order packing supplies like tape, bubble wrap, and markers early. We'll need these to keep our things safe during the move.
• Measure furniture so we know it will fit in our new place. It avoids the trouble of moving big items that won’t have a spot in our new home.
• Start packing things we don’t use daily, like books, out-of-season clothes, and decorations. Little by little, each box filled brings us closer to being ready.

2 Weeks Before Moving Day

- After obtaining necessary permits, it's time to start purchasing packing supplies and getting everything ready for the big move. This step will ensure that you have all the essentials needed for a smooth transition to your new home.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R95TK0esQ2Q

Hire a moving company (considering availability and booking process)

When looking for a moving company, it's essential to start the search at least two months before your moving date. This allows enough time to research different companies and consider their availability, as well as the booking process.

Getting estimates from multiple movers can help in making an informed decision about which company aligns best with your needs and budget. Be sure to check reviews and ratings to ensure you choose a reputable and reliable moving company.

After selecting a few potential candidates, reach out to them to inquire about their availability on your desired moving date. It's important to ask about their booking process, including any necessary paperwork or deposits required to secure their services.

Obtain necessary permits

Before the moving day, it's vital to check if we need permits for residency, work, or vehicles. We should start this process at least 2 weeks before the move. We must be proactive and get the necessary permits ahead of time to avoid complications on moving day.

Some permits like work or residency may take time to obtain, so starting early is best. Failing to get these permits could cause delays or extra charges, so staying informed and organised is crucial.

Planning ahead and getting the required permits well in advance helps ensure a smooth and stress-free moving experience.

Purchase packing supplies

When preparing for a move, it's important to purchase packing supplies well in advance. We should ideally start looking for moving boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper about six weeks before the moving day.

Professional moving companies often offer special moving boxes that are sturdy and reliable. It's essential to ensure that we have all the necessary materials ready to securely pack our belongings and avoid any last-minute rush.

We need to make sure that we have ample time to order or source these necessary materials as having enough high-quality packing supplies can significantly ease the stress of the moving process.

1 Week Before Moving Day

Confirming move details, notifying neighbors and arranging for utilities and internet at the new home is essential in ensuring a smooth transition. These tasks will help to alleviate any last-minute stress and ensure that everything is in place for moving day.

Confirm move details

We need to make sure that everything is set for our move. Contact the movers a week before moving day and confirm all the details with them. Double-check the date and time of the move, so there are no misunderstandings.

Also, get written confirmation from the mover about the moving date and all related costs.

After confirming our move details with the movers, we can have peace of mind knowing that everyone is on the same page about our moving day plans. It's important to avoid any last-minute surprises or issues by having a clear understanding with our moving company beforehand.

Notify neighbors

We should inform our neighbors about our upcoming move one week before the moving day. We can let them know about the potential noise or disruption they might experience due to the moving process.

This will help maintain a good relationship with our neighbors and avoid any unnecessary inconvenience for them.

Arranging for utilities and internet at our new home is crucial as well, ensuring a smooth transition into the new place. Let's make sure we have everything in order to settle in comfortably once we arrive at our new neighborhood.

Arrange for utilities and internet at new home

After notifying our current utility providers of the move, we need to arrange for our internet and other utility services at the new home. It's important to start this process at least one week before the moving day, giving us enough time to ensure that everything is set up and ready for when we arrive.

By beginning early, we can avoid any last-minute stress and ensure a smooth transition into our new home. This will also give us peace of mind knowing that essential services like electricity, water, and internet will be readily available as soon as we move in.

With these arrangements in place, we can focus on settling in and making our new house feel like a home.

Day Before Moving Day

On the day before moving, it's crucial to clean the old home thoroughly, pack personal essentials and make sure you're prepared for travel and transport. For more detailed tips on preparing for your move, be sure to read our full checklist!

Clean old home

Before moving, we need to ensure that our old home is tidy and clean. This involves cleaning the floors, surfaces, and appliances. We should also dispose of any items we no longer need or want to take with us.

It's important to make sure everything is in good condition as well to fulfil any requirements from the landlord or new occupants.

After cleaning the old home, it's essential to pack our personal essentials and get ready for travel and transport before moving day arrives. This will help us stay organised and prepared for a smooth transition to our new home.

Pack personal essentials

In preparation for moving day, it's essential to pack personal essentials. These items should include toiletries, emergency phone and chargers, and other necessities you might require during the transition period.

It's also wise to prepare a Trip Kit containing food, clothing, important documents, and passports for easy access while in transit. Additionally, creating a moving day box with drinks, snacks, cleaning products, phones and chargers can help ensure a smooth move.

Prepare for travel and transport

Before the moving day, it's important to plan for travel and transport. Ensure to pack personal essentials, like clothing, toiletries, and any necessary medications in a separate bag or suitcase for easy access during the move.

Also, remember to gather important documents such as passports, identification papers, and any relevant moving paperwork. Finally, make sure to confirm all travel arrangements if you're relocating long distance.

On the moving day itself, keep important items close at hand during transit to your new home. Double-check that all essential documents are secure before setting off on your journey.

Moving Day

Confirm move details with the movers and inform your neighbors of any potential disruptions. This will help ensure a smooth moving process and maintain good relations with those around you.

Confirm move details with movers

We should make sure to double-check all the moving arrangements with the movers. It's important to confirm both addresses and provide them with our contact details for coordination.

When the movers arrive on the moving day, let's carefully review all the paperwork to ensure that everything is correct according to what we agreed upon. We need to have written confirmation of our moving date, costs, and other necessary details from the moving company.

Additionally, be sure to check if we've booked packing dates with the movers if needed.

Inform neighbors of potential disruptions

Let neighbours know about the upcoming move to avoid any surprises. This can help minimise disruptions and maintain good relationships with them, as moving trucks and activity may cause inconvenience.

Sharing information about the moving date and any potential disturbances will enable neighbours to plan accordingly.

Consider posting a friendly notice or speaking with neighbours directly to inform them of the scheduled moving day to ensure a smooth transition for everyone involved.

Once You Arrive at Your New Home

Upon arriving at your new home, it's important to clean and unpack essentials to make the space feel comfortable. Keep an eye on your belongings and ensure everything is in its rightful place as you settle into your new neighborhood.

Clean and unpack essentials

When we arrive at our new home, it's important to have easy access to cleaning supplies and snacks. We make sure to keep basic cleaning products such as cloths, sponges, and scrubbers handy for a quick clean-up before unpacking.

Safety is also a priority so we take care to keep dangerous items like cleaning supplies and glass separated from other boxes for everyone’s protection.

Unpacking essentials involves setting up the basics first - beds, linens, kitchenware, bathroom necessities, and any urgent personal items. We find that having these essentials ready makes settling in much smoother.

Keep an eye on belongings

When moving, it's crucial to keep a close watch on your belongings. This includes safeguarding your possessions from potential damage during the move and ensuring their security upon arrival at your new home.

Be attentive to temporary hazards such as sharp corners and heavy lifting during the moving process to prevent accidents or damage. Additionally, once you arrive at your new home, stay vigilant about standard safety concerns like securing valuable items and installing smoke alarms for added protection.

To avoid any mishaps when settling into your new place, make sure you carefully unpack and organise your belongings. Keep prescription medications in a safe place and ensure that all doors and windows are secure.

After Moving Day

- Return keys to previous home

- Settle in and get to know your new neighborhood

Return keys to previous home

Before leaving the previous home, make sure to return all keys and related documents as part of the moving day checklist. It's vital to plan ahead for this task, ensuring a smooth handover by confirming the move date with the removal company.

By organising and preparing in advance, returning keys becomes an easier part of the relocation process. Being systematic about this step helps reduce stress during what can be a challenging time.

We prioritise keeping track of belongings while also remembering to leave no trace behind at our former residence.

Settle in and get to know your new neighborhood

Upon arriving at our new home, we make it a priority to settle in and become familiar with our neighborhood. Meeting our neighbors is an essential part of feeling connected and establishing a sense of belonging.

It's an opportunity to learn about local resources, stay informed about the area, build a safety and security network, and even gain potential support from nearby residents.

Engaging with our new community helps us feel more at ease in our new environment. Attending local events or joining community groups can provide valuable connections while exploring the neighborhood allows us to understand its layout and amenities better.

Conclusion

In conclusion, planning and organisation are key when preparing for a move. Our checklist offers practical and efficient strategies to ensure a smooth relocation process. Have you considered creating a digital folder for moving day to stay organised? What steps will you take to secure your preferred moving date? Remember, starting the moving process early can significantly reduce stress.

By taking these practical steps, you can ease the transition and settle into your new home with confidence. Start today and experience the positive impact of an organised move!

FAQs

1. What should I include in my moving checklist?

Your moving checklist should have tasks like giving notice to your landlord, measuring furniture, arranging home repairs and cleaning, buying moving supplies, and planning for a housewarming party.

2. Why do I need to measure my furniture before moving?

Measuring your furniture helps you make sure it fits in your new home. You don't want to carry something big only to find out it won't go through the door!

3. Should I think about renting a storage unit when moving?

Yes, if you have more things than space or need somewhere to keep stuff safe while settling in, think of getting a storage unit.

4. Do I need to sort out anything with my prescriptions before I move?

Make sure you get all your prescriptions before you move so that you have them handy at your new place without any stress.