Moving is a lengthy process frequently requiring extensive planning and physical labor. Considering its inconvenience, no matter how many times you’ve done it, it never seems to get easier. Making decisions about what to do and when to do them is one of the most challenging aspects of traveling.
Things To Consider In Moving
Indeed, you’re aware you’ll need to notify your service providers of your new address. However, if you wait too long, you risk incurring fees. To assist you, here’s what you need to know about moving to a new home:
Two Months Before The Moving Date
It’s recommended you begin planning two months before your transfer date. Although at this point, the big day may seem distant, and you may be tempted to put off some tasks until then—don’t fall into this trap! The eight weeks will easily fly by.
Moving day will arrive before you know it, and you’ll find yourself rushing through critical tasks supposedly completed weeks ago. So which items can you prioritize now you have two months until your move-in date?
- Start decluttering.
Beginning the decluttering project in advance enables you to work in manageable chunks, making the task far less daunting. In addition, working in one room helps you stay on track with this project because it enables you to monitor your progress. Decluttering is critical because you probably own more than you realize and you don’t want to bring everything with you to your new home.
Eliminating items you no longer need saves you time in the long run as there will be fewer items to pack, transport, and unpack in your new home. Decluttering is also cathartic, and you’ll feel better afterward.
- Notify your landlord of your intention to vacate the premises.
Certain landlords may require up to three months’ notice before evicting you. Therefore, it’s critical to keep the landlord informed, so they can quickly locate potential tenants. Examining your lease agreement two months in advance will allow you to address any issues with your current residence.
For example, maybe the wall has a few too many nail holes or the carpet has a dirty stain. If you check your lease agreement with your landlord, you’ll be reminded of their requirements, and you’ll be able to begin planning your home for the final walkthrough before you leave.
- Conduct an internet search for moving companies.
It’s one aspect of preparation that’ll save you the most time and effort in the long run. Ask referrals from friends and family members who have previously used a moving company. Supplement their recommendations with feedback on social media platforms and search engines if you want to be thorough. In case you don’t get any referrals from relatives and friends, it’s easy to find professional movers online with a reliable website and solid background.
When conducting your research, make a note of each company’s service definition and pricing, so you can compare them all at the conclusion. Then if you’ve chosen a company, schedule an appointment and obtain a contact phone number.
- Conduct research on your new neighborhood.
Discovering your new neighborhood is an excellent way to acclimate to your surroundings, and it can be accomplished by reading neighborhood newspapers or newsletters, searching for local social media groups, or visiting the community website if one exists.
It’ll be easier for you to settle in and feel at ease if you have additional information about the location of your stay. If you lack access to a vehicle, investigate local public transportation options. If you have pets or children, look for parks and community facilities in your neighborhood. Investigate the city’s entertainment, dining, and shopping options.
While you’re studying, read reviews of child-related programs such as doctors and schools, and decide which ones you’d like to use once you’ve relocated. You’ll need to migrate your records to these new services, and you should be aware of your options in advance.
- Notify your service companies.
Create a list of all current service providers and check them off as you speak with them. Then, you can notify them immediately if you wish to cancel specific services such as your landline phone or internet. Failure to do so will result in additional work in the future dealing with nagging billing issues.
- Begin by assembling packing materials.
You should begin collecting packing materials as soon as possible before your transfer. Once you’ve started organizing, it’s unlikely you’ll want to make a memorable trip to replenish your supplies. Therefore, when contacting a removal company, enquire about the availability of cardboard boxes and other materials. Additionally, they could sell used containers for less than what they’d cost elsewhere.
One Month Before The Moving Date
It’s been a month since you started planning, and you’ve already checked off a significant portion of this moving checklist. You’ve begun decluttering your home, coordinated your move with your landlord, notified your utility providers of your impending move, and reserved a moving company for the big day. The following is the schedule for the next four weeks:
- Organize your files.
Have you ever felt panicked because you believe you’d forgotten to bring a vital document with you? Unfortunately, it’s easy to lose track of what you’re supposed to save. To avoid this, spend a few minutes sorting all documents, mail, official letters, and anything else accumulated in drawers over the years. You can organize them in a folder, binder, journal, or on your tablet, depending on which method works best for you.
Organizing these critical documents such as phone numbers and names to remember will assist you in avoiding their loss during the transfer. In addition, everything will be in one location, and you’ll have quick access to it if the need arises.
- Maintain contact with businesses.
Inform taxing authorities of your address change, then register to vote, contact your new community council, or visit the authorized website to update your information and send an email with your new address.
To avoid packages being delivered to your previous address by mistake, update your address in any online shop. In addition, if you pay with a credit card, debit card, or other payment methods, contact your bank or customer service to update your billing information.
Contact the driving and vehicle license authorities to obtain a replacement driver’s license and vehicle registration certificate. If you’re considering it, contact your auto insurance provider to inform them. The last thing you want is to be penalized for not keeping your address up to date. To quickly and easily complete it, visit the government website.
- Start deep cleaning your home.
You don’t need to go on a full-fledged cleaning spree immediately before the transfer, but one month before the transfer is an excellent time to begin inspecting areas requiring special attention. Clean the interior and exterior of cabinets, including the tops if they don’t reach the ceiling and the interior of closets and any other built-in shelves.
It’s time to begin packing seasonal products. Consider holiday décor, hats, and gardening tools. Prepare numerous boxes for gifts and items to sell and recycle, just as you did during the decluttering process. Ensure your boxes are clearly labeled, so you know what’s inside! Make a list of everything you own as you pack.
- Ensure you have adequate relocation insurance.
When you purchase moving insurance, you can be assured you’ll be protected during the relocation process. In addition, your inventory list will prove helpful if you choose to insure your possessions.
Two Weeks Before The Moving Date
This stage of your move is all about verifying critical information in advance of the big day. If your removal company doesn’t offer additional services such as disconnecting washing machines, disassembling and reassembling furniture, or packing, now is the time to arrange for them. You may wish to leave children or pets with family members on the day of your transfer, so you can concentrate entirely on getting things done.
- Confirm your moving schedule.
Confirm with the removals company the arrival and departure times, emergency contact information, parking, and directions.
- Prepare medications.
If you’re relocating, ensure you have sufficient medication for the duration of the move.
- Ask for assistance if needed.
Arrange for child and pet care on the day of your transfer. Notify friends and family in advance if you require assistance.
- Finish packing and cleaning.
Employ individuals to perform tasks such as house cleaning, flat pack furniture disassembly, dishwasher, and washing machine plumbing your removal company doesn’t execute. Both flammable materials and hazardous liquids should be disposed of safely since the moving company isn’t permitted to transport dangerous liquids. Avoid frozen foods and other perishables.
- Pay your bills and change your current address.
Cancel all municipal programs and pay any outstanding bills. Consider subscription boxes and magazines, in addition to newspapers, gardeners, cleaners, window washers, and oil deliveries.
Moving Day
Finally, moving day has arrived! You’ve planned, organized, selected the best moving company, packed everything, donated what you don’t need, and you’re now prepared to vacate your previous home or apartment.
- Get up at a reasonable hour in the morning.
Whatever the season, you’ll need to get up early on moving day. Even if you’ve packed and organized everything, you’ll still need to complete a few last-minute tasks. Allow ample time before the movers arrive at your home to avoid unnecessary tension.
- Bring any last-minute items with you.
Even if you pack everything before moving, some items will inevitably be left behind. After you shower, fill all of your bathroom items first, and then your perishables in the kitchen. Anything likely to melt or spoil during your transfer should be discarded.
- Introduce yourself to the movers.
When the movers arrive, give them a tour of your home or apartment, pointing out any fragile boxes or disassembled furniture. While clearly labeled boxes are ideal, it’s always a good idea to communicate your needs to your movers rather than assuming they’ll understand how you want everything packed. Additionally, provide them with water and show them where your bathroom is located as they may require it during the move.
- Maintain a consistent flow.
Keep an eye out for your movers as the boxes are loaded. They may have concerns about the transfer, so monitoring how the items are loaded into the moving truck will help you relax.
- Take a last look.
After everything’s been loaded into the moving truck, take one final look around your house. You may have trash to dispose of or be expected to clean your home before departure in some instances. If you genuinely want to clean it yourself, consider hiring a cleaning service or enlisting the assistance of some friends. Finally, after you’ve completed all of your tasks, lock your door and proceed to your new home.
- Proceed to your new location.
It’s time to relocate to your new residence! Maintain contact with your movers throughout the process. For example, they may have become stuck in traffic, required a detour, or desired to eat lunch. It’s critical to maintain contact throughout the process, so you’re aware of when they’ll arrive at your new home.
- Provide instructions for the movers.
Before giving the movers a tour of your new home, wait for them to arrive. They should be instructed on which room to place each box in. You’ll want to ensure your movers have access to food and water throughout the process.
- Consider tipping your movers.
After you’ve unpacked all of your boxes and reassembled your furniture, it’s time to tip your movers. While this is an optional measure, it’s an excellent way to wind down after a long day of lugging, lifting, and assembling your furniture. Additionally, the movers work as a team, with the driver splitting the tip evenly between them. Bear this in mind as you evaluate their performance during the moving phase.
- Take out your first-day essentials.
After your movers have left, begin unpacking some of the essentials you’ll need in the evening or the following day. It’ll almost certainly include bathroom essentials such as toothbrush, toothpaste, quick wash, and soap, as well as kitchen products, pajamas, and day clothing.
Takeaway
Moving can be stressful, but you can make the process easier by having a complete checklist to help you stay organized throughout the whole moving process. If you’re having troubles with your move, consider using the list above and have a stress-free moving day.
