We’ve all been there before: moving from one home to the next.
Though moving can be stressful—and even more so if you don’t have a plan—it doesn’t have to be. When you plan ahead, you’re more likely to have a less stressful time moving.
People move for all kinds of reasons. Some individuals relocate for job opportunities, like you may have done. For others, family or personal circumstances force them to relocate.
Whatever the reason, moving and packing a household is a daunting task that requires a lot of effort. Below, you’ll find a moving checklist to use when you’re planning a move. This way, you won’t miss anything important and you’ll have a smooth setup in your new home.
Hire a Professional Moving Company
If you’re planning a move, you need to make sure you have a checklist to ensure everything goes smoothly. Hiring a professional moving company is one of the most important things you can do to ensure your move is successful. Here’s a checklist of what you need to do to hire a professional moving company:
Start by getting quotes from different moving companies. Make sure to get at least three quotes to compare prices, and be sure the company is licensed and insured. This is important in case anything gets damaged during the move.
Ask the company if they offer any discounts. Many companies offer discounts for seniors, students, and military personnel.
Get an estimate of how long the move will take. This will help you plan for other things, like taking time off work or making arrangements for your children.
Make sure you understand the company’s policies about canceling or changing the date of your move. You don’t want to be stuck paying for a move you can’t use.
By following this checklist, you can be sure you’re hiring a professional who will make your move as stress-free as possible. Check this out to see more tips about professional moving companies.
Get Your Financial Affairs in Order
When you’re planning a move, it’s important to get your financial affairs in order. This means getting a clear picture of your income and expenses, as well as your current debt.
It also means getting all of your paperwork in order, including your lease or mortgage agreement, utility bills, and any other important documents. Once you have your finances in order, you can begin to look for a new place to live and start the process of packing and moving.
You’ll need to create a budget for your move, including the cost of renting a moving truck or hiring a moving company, as well as any other associated costs like storage fees or pet boarding.
It’s also important to factor in the cost of living in your new location. If you’re moving to a more expensive city, you’ll need to adjust your budget accordingly.
Finally, don’t forget to cancel any recurring bills or subscriptions in your old home and set up new ones in your new place. By getting your financial affairs in order, you can make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Planning a Move: Start Packing Up Your Non-essentials
Start packing up your non-essentials a few weeks in advance. This will make the packing process much less daunting and will help you get a head start on the packing procedure.
Make a list of everything you need to pack and categorize it by room. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you don’t forget anything.
Create a packing schedule and stick to it. This will help you stay on track and avoid getting overwhelmed.
Set aside a box or two for last-minute items. This way, you won’t have to worry about forgetting anything important.
Label all of your boxes with the contents and the destination room. This will make unpacking much easier and will help you avoid any mix-ups.
Last but not least, is to get plenty of rest and fuel up on healthy snacks and meals. This will help you stay energized and focused.
Make Arrangements For Your Pets
When you’re planning a move, it’s important to make arrangements for your pets in advance.
Choose a pet-friendly destination: If you’re moving to a new city, research whether there are any pet-friendly apartments or neighborhoods.
Arrange for pet transportation: If you’re driving to your new home, make sure your pet has a comfortable place to ride. If you’re flying, look into pet-friendly airlines and crate options.
Update your pet’s ID tags and microchip: Make sure your contact information is up-to-date in case your pet gets lost during the move.
Schedule a vet visit: Before you move, take your pet to the vet for a check-up and to update their vaccinations.
Set up a pet care plan: If you’re moving to a place where you can’t have pets, figure out who will take care of your pet while you’re gone. This could include a friend, family member, or professional pet-sitter.
Notify Everyone Of Your Change Of Address
The first step is to notify everyone of your change of address. This includes your family, friends, landlords, utility companies, and businesses. You should give your new address to each person or organization, along with a moving date.
In the weeks leading up to your move, start packing non-essential items and decluttering your home. Create a packing plan and make sure to label all boxes with their contents and the room they belong in.
Arrange transportation for your large items and pets, if you have any. Make sure to book your moving truck or van well in advance.
On moving day, pack an essentials box with items you will need right away, such as toiletries and a change of clothes. Be sure to double-check that all doors and windows are locked before you leave your old home.
Be Prepared
When it comes to planning a move, being prepared is key to making the process as smooth as possible. This checklist will help you plan and execute your move so that you can avoid any stressful surprises. By following these steps, you can ensure a successful and stress-free move.
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