So, you’re planning on moving. But, does it seem overwhelming? Are you scared of forgetting something? Are you putting it off? Well, that’s where a moving checklist comes in! A moving checklist is the best way to stay organized and stay on track. There are too many moving parts when it comes to moving – you can’t keep it all in your head! So, start crafting a moving checklist as soon as possible for a move of your dreams. But, you might think, if there are so many things to do, how can one person remember all the things a moving checklist needs? However, you’re not alone. There are plenty of resources to help you achieve what you need.
It’s important to plan everything in advance if you want a perfect moving checklist.
If you start on time, everything will be fine. But, most people procrastinate out of fear or being overwhelmed, which makes the actual process worse. So, if that’s you, just take a deep breath and focus on details instead of the overwhelming big picture, and go from there.
So, go through your items and start deciding what you’ll keep, what you’ll donate, and what you’ll just throw away. Moving can cost a lot – you don’t want to pay shipping for items you’ll just throw away upon arrival! So, it’s important to sort before packing.
You’ve sorted your items, thrown away or donated what you don’t want, and now it’s time to pack. Ah, packing, the bane of many a person moving. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Maybe you have the extra funds to purchase a packing service, where the experienced, professional movers come and pack your items. But, if you don’t, it’s not the end of the word! You just have to take it slow and focus.
It can be difficult to know where to start – you have to pack your entire house! But it’s doable. Just start systematically, and go from there. If you start early enough, you can just devote half an hour to an hour a day for packing, and barely feel it! So, decide on what works better for you – can you work with a vague instruction like ‘pack up the living room’? Or do you function best with ‘pack up the dishes’? Go with what feels easiest to you. But don’t forget to label!
Also, don’t forget to stock up on moving supplies beforehand! No matter if you’re buying them from your mover, renting them, or getting them for free, the last thing you want to do is rush out in the middle of packing to grab that extra box. Of course, some things you’ll have to buy, like tape and packing peanuts. But, you don’t have to buy all of your moving boxes! So – do you want free moving boxes? Hit up grocery stores, liquor stores, and bookstores for their delivery boxes!
Make sure to pack an essentials bag with things you’ll need directly after the move! It can go in a suitcase for easier access.
So, it’s crunch time. You’ve researched your mover and read their reviews, you’ve selected the moving plan that works best for you, you’ve packed most of your things… what else is there to do? Well, surprisingly, quite a lot! There are the tiny details like letting your fridge defrost in time, and refilling any prescriptions you might need until you get set up with a new doctor. Oh, and definitely things like canceling or rerouting subscriptions! You don’t want to pay for your old house to get your newspapers, right? Plus, if you’re moving cities and have a gym or a pool membership, you’ll have to cancel it in time so they don’t charge you when you can’t access them. Don’t forget making sure the USPS has your new address and doesn’t keep sending your mail to your old place. However, don’t be afraid to check in with your old neighbors just in case there’s still missing mail.
Having a moving checklist that you can actually tick off items at, is surprisingly effective at motivation!
Congratulations, you’ve successfully moved! Now what? Well, a proper moving checklist extends to a little bit after the move is complete. After all, there is a lot to do if you want to get your new place up and running! Hopefully, you’ve scheduled utilities properly, and won’t be lacking electricity or water or God forbid, internet. So, where do you start with unpacking? The answer is simple – the bathroom and the kitchen. The bathroom is obvious – after all, you’re going to want to shower and use the restroom. Put up your shower curtain, stock the bathroom with toilet paper and soap. The kitchen is so you can cook while unpacking – so you won’t have to rely on takeout! Your essentials bag should help you while you’re adjusting. It will have a change of clothes, a towel, plate cutlery and cup, and something you can easily prepare to eat.
