Moving is a big job, but with the right organizational tools, it doesn’t have to be a stressful one. Now that the countdown is on, use a moving checklist to keep you on track and ensure no detail goes overlooked.
Professional Organizer Avery Amante of Simply Organized, says, “”It’s important to have a game plan and to be sure everyone in your family is looped in. Create a timeline, assign tasks, and post your plans in a place where everyone can see it.”” Utilize a digital task manager like Asana or Todoist, and use the printable moving checklist below to help you get started.
8-10 Weeks Before Your Move
- Research and hire quality movers if needed.
- Conduct walk-throughs of every room for a first pass of sorting items.
- Begin decluttering and purging items you no longer want or haven’t used in over a year — donate or give away what you can.
- Make a list of valuables that may need extra insurance coverage or special packing consideration.
- Begin listing items you want to sell on Craigslist or virtual yard sale sites, or host your own garage sale.
Pro Tip: Virginia Brown, professional organizer and owner of Miami Neat, offers this trick for the sorting and purging phase, “”Ask yourself, ‘Will I use this in my new place?’ If the answer is no, then it has to go.””
6-8 Weeks Before Your Move
- Designate a low-traffic area of your home for staging where you’ll keep packed boxes, supplies, and other necessities for your move.
- Begin packing non-essential items, such as seasonal belongings or the stuff in your storage closet.
- If you’re facing a long-distance move, make any necessary travel arrangements.
4-6 Weeks Before Your Move
- Obtain measurements of the rooms, windows, and doors of your new home for planning purposes.
- With your initial sorting and purging complete, take a second pass and begin packing items like décor, toys, books, and clothing that don’t see frequent use.
- Remember to label every box with the corresponding room in the new house.
- Take pictures of valuables that are slated for the moving truck. Irreplaceable keepsakes should travel with you in your own vehicle, if possible.
- If desired, make arrangements for someone else to care for your small children and pets on moving day.
3-4 Weeks Before Your Move
- Continue packing each room as you’re able.
- Call utility companies and set up service stoppage and start dates for both your current home and your new one.
- Fill out a change of address form with the post office, and update your mailing address where needed, such as with your bank and employer.
- Plan meals that use up items in the freezer, fridge, or pantry that will be difficult or inconvenient to bring with you.
Two Weeks Before Your Move
- Confirm your moving date with your movers.
- Schedule any services, such as house cleaning or carpet shampooing, for either your current home or your new one.
- Begin gathering important documents, and pack these in a VIP box that will travel in your own vehicle on moving day.
- Finish packing everything except essential items.
One Week Before Your Move
- Pack remaining items in each room.
- Pack overnight bags for each member of your family, plus other immediate-need essentials, such as toilet paper and an extra phone charger. These will stay with you in your own vehicle during the move.
- Make a final donation drop-off, including any nonperishable food items to a local food bank.
Pro Tip: Amante says, “”Many people experience a very stressful crunch at the end, and the biggest culprit is last-minute items. Don’t underestimate the time needed to sort through a junk drawer or pantry, to unhook electronics, or to corral bathroom essentials.”” Keep your printable moving checklist and planner handy to help you stay organized.
Final Days Before Your Move
- Get keys to the new place.
- Confirm once again with the movers, including arrival time and any other important information.
- Disassemble furniture.
- Clean your home.
Don’t let your moving to-do list overwhelm you. As Brown says, “”Keep your sense of humor, think positively, and remember change is good!”” Now that you’re armed with a detailed printable moving checklist, you can tackle each task like a pro.
As you’re juggling moving tips and checklists and schedules, consider lightening your load by renting furniture so that your new home is move-in ready upon arrival. CORT Furniture Rental can handle everything so you can concentrate on your relocation.
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