The Ultimate Moving Checklist: How to Plan and Organize Your Move

By: Harrison Gough Last Updated: Mar 22, 2023

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Moving can be a daunting task, but having a thorough moving checklist can help you stay organized and reduce stress. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide on how to plan and organize your move, from pre-move preparation to post-move tasks.


The Ultimate Moving Checklist: How to Plan and Organize Your Move

Moving can be a major life event, whether you’re moving across town or across the country. Regardless of the distance, moving requires a significant amount of planning and organization to ensure a smooth transition to your new home.

In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive moving checklist to help you stay organized and reduce stress during the moving process.


In this article


Pre-Moving Checklist

1. Research and Planning

Before embarking on any move, it’s important to do your research and plan accordingly. Here are some essential tasks to complete during the pre-move planning stage:

2. Researching moving companies

The first step is to research moving companies and compare quotes. Look for reputable companies with a good track record and positive reviews from past customers. You can start your search online or ask for recommendations from friends and family.

3. Budgeting for the move

Moving can be expensive, so it’s important to budget accordingly. Make a list of all potential expenses, including the cost of hiring movers, packing materials, and any additional services you may need.

4. Creating a moving timeline

Create a moving timeline that outlines all the tasks you need to complete leading up to the move. This will help you stay organized and ensure that everything gets done on time.

5. Researching the new city or town

If you’re moving to a new city or town, it’s important to do your research beforehand. Research the local schools, healthcare providers, and other essential services you’ll need once you arrive.


Organizing and Decluttering

Before you start packing, take the time to organize and declutter your belongings. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Creating an inventory of items

Creating an inventory of your belongings will help you keep track of everything and ensure that nothing gets lost or left behind during the move.

2. Decluttering unwanted items

Moving is the perfect time to get rid of unwanted items. Sort through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, or sell.

3. Organizing belongings by category

Organize your belongings by category (e.g., clothing, books, kitchenware) to make packing and unpacking easier.

4. Donating or selling unwanted items

If you have items you no longer need or want, consider donating or selling them. This will not only help you declutter but also reduce your moving expenses.


Packing Checklist

Packing is one of the most time-consuming tasks when moving, but with a checklist, it can be a breeze. Here are some items to include on your packing checklist:

1. Gathering packing supplies

Gather all the packing supplies you’ll need, including boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper.

2. Packing fragile items

Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or packing paper to protect them during transport.

3. Labeling boxes

Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in. This will make unpacking much easier.

4. Creating an essential box

Pack an essential box with all the items you’ll need on the first night in your new home, such as toiletries, a change of clothes, and important documents.


Notify Services and Organizations

It’s important to notify all relevant services and organizations of your move. Here are some important ones to remember:

1. Updating your address with the post office

Update your address with the post office to ensure that your mail is forwarded to your new address.

2. Notifying utility companies

Notify all utility companies (e.g., gas, water, electricity) of your move so that they can transfer or cancel your services.

3. Notifying banks and credit card companies

Update your address with all banks and credit card companies to ensure that you receive all important financial information and statements at your new address.

4. Notifying healthcare providers

Notify all healthcare providers of your move so that your medical records can be transferred to your new provider.


Moving with Pets

If you’re moving with pets, it’s important to plan ahead to ensure their safety and comfort during the move. Here are some tips to help you:

1. Finding a pet-friendly moving company

Look for a moving company that is pet-friendly and has experience moving pets.

2. Acquiring pet health records

Make sure you have all necessary pet health records and medication for the move.

3. Preparing a travel kit for pets

Pack a travel kit for your pets, including food, water, toys, and any necessary medication.

4. Setting up a safe space for pets

Set up a safe space for your pets in your new home to help them feel comfortable and secure.


Moving Day Checklist

1. Moving Day Preparation

On a moving day, it’s important to be prepared. Here are some tasks to complete before the movers arrive:

2. Confirming the move with the moving company

Confirm the details of the move with the moving company to ensure that everything is in order.

3. Preparing the home for movers

Prepare your home for the movers by clearing a path and protecting floors and walls.

4. Preparing yourself for moving day

Get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and dress comfortably for moving day.

5. Reviewing the moving plan

Review the moving plan with the movers to ensure that everyone is on the same page.


Loading and Transporting

During the loading and transporting stage, it’s important to keep a close eye on everything to ensure that nothing gets lost or damaged. Here are some tips to help you:

1. Assisting movers with loading

Assist the movers with loading and unloading items to ensure that everything goes smoothly.

2. Securing items during transport

Make sure all items are secured during transport to prevent damage.

3. Tracking the shipment

Keep track of your shipment and make sure it arrives on time.

4. Being present during the unloading

Be present during the unloading stage to ensure that everything is placed in the correct room.


Unpacking and Settling In

Once you arrive at your new home, it’s time to start unpacking and settling in. Here are some tips to help you:

1. Unpacking and organizing items

Unpack and organize your belongings by room to make the process easier.

2. Setting up essential systems and utilities

Set up essential systems and utilities, such as internet and cable, to make your new home feel comfortable.

3. Checking for damages

Check for any damages or missing items and report them to the moving company.

4. Getting to know the new community

Take some time to explore your new community and get to know your neighbors.


Post-Moving Checklist

1. Finishing Touches

After the move, there are still some tasks to complete. Here are some important ones:

2. Cleaning the old home

Clean your old home thoroughly before leaving to ensure that you get your security deposit back.

3. Completing a final walkthrough

Complete a final walkthrough of your new home to ensure that everything is in order.

4. Collecting deposits and refunds

Collect any deposits or refunds owed to you from your old home, such as your security deposit.

5. Completing address updates

Complete any remaining address updates to ensure that you receive all important mail and information at your new address.


Staying Organized

It’s important to stay organized after the move to ensure a smooth transition. Here are some tips to help you:

1. Keeping track of receipts and documents

Keep all receipts and documents related to your move in a safe and organized place.

2. Organizing new belongings

Organize your new belongings by category to make unpacking and organizing easier.

3. Creating a new routine

Create a new routine in your new home to help you adjust to your new surroundings.

4. Planning for future moves

Start planning for future moves by creating a moving binder with all important information and documents.


FAQs

What should be included in an essential box?

An essential box should include items you’ll need on the first night in your new home, such as toiletries, a change of clothes, and important documents.

How early should I start planning my move?

It’s a good idea to start planning your move at least two months in advance.

Should I hire professional movers or do it myself?

It depends on your budget and personal preference. Hiring professional movers can be more expensive but will save you time and effort.

How do I prepare my home for movers?

Clear a path for the movers, protect floors and walls, and remove any fragile or valuable items from the movers’ path.

What should I do with unwanted items?

You can donate, sell, or dispose of unwanted items before the move to reduce your moving expenses and declutter your home.

How far in advance should I start planning my move?

It’s recommended to start planning your move at least 8 weeks in advance.

How can I save money on my move?

To save money on your move, consider decluttering your home, packing your own boxes, and getting quotes from several moving companies.

Should I hire a professional moving company or do it myself?

This depends on your budget and the size of your move. If you have a lot of belongings or are moving long distance, it may be worth hiring a professional moving company.

How can I make sure my belongings are safe during the move?

To ensure the safety of your belongings during the move, consider purchasing moving insurance and labeling your boxes with their contents and room destination.

What should I do if I need to move at the last minute?

If you need to move last minute, try to stay organized and prioritize essential tasks. Consider hiring a professional moving company to help reduce stress and ensure a smooth transition to your new home.


Happy Moving Day!

Moving can be a big step in your life, and it’s important to make sure everything is organized and planned to ensure a smooth transition. With the help of this comprehensive moving checklist, you can take the necessary steps to prepare for your move and make sure everything is in order.

Remember to stay organized, take your time, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed. With these tips, you’ll be on your way to a happy moving day and a successful transition to your new home.