With the right preparation and attitude, you can get through it without any hiccups. To help make sure you've got everything taken care of, use this ultimate moving checklist.
1. Gather Your Supplies: Make sure you have enough boxes, packing tape and markers to get the job done.
2. Change Your Address: Visit your local post office or go online and change your address so all your mail is directed to your new home.
3. Plan Your Move: Decide how you'll get your belongings from point A to point B. Will you rent a moving truck? Rely on friends and family for help? Hire professionals?
4. Make a Moving Inventory: Create a list of all the items you're moving. This will come in handy both during the move and when unpacking.
5. File a Change-of-Address Form: Visit the nearest government office or website and fill out the necessary paperwork.
6. Pack Strategically: Start with rooms that are used less often and pack bulky items first. Use padding or wrap to protect fragile items.
7. Clear Out Your Fridge and Pantry: Thoroughly clean out all food from your refrigerator and pantry.
8. Defrost Your Freezer: Unplug the freezer and allow it to defrost completely before packing.
9. Take Care of Utilities: Make sure to schedule utilities such as internet, gas and electricity for your new home.
10. Label Your Boxes: Clearly label each box with what items are inside and what room they should go in.
11. Get a Pet Carrier: Make sure your furry friend is ready for the trip ahead.
12. Make a Room-by-Room Plan: Designate a specific area for each room’s contents so you know exactly where to begin when you arrive.
13. Book Hotels or Airbnbs: If you’re making an interstate move, it might be easier to book a hotel room rather than driving long distances in one day.
14. Back Up Important Documents: Digitalize important files and back them up on the cloud or an external hard drive.
15. Sell or Donate Items You Don’t Need: Cut down on the clutter and donate or sell items you don’t need.
16. Purchase Insurance: Be sure that your belongings are covered in case anything is damaged during the move.
Moving can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, but if you take the time to plan ahead and prepare, you can make it as smooth and hassle-free as possible. By following these 16 steps, you can ensure that your move runs smoothly and without any hiccups.
Start by gathering all the necessary supplies, such as boxes, packing tape, and markers. Next, change your address and file a change of address form at your local government office or website. When packing, make sure to start with the least used rooms first and don’t forget to label all the boxes. Take care of utilities such as internet, gas, and electricity, and make sure to back up all your important documents. Also, sell or donate any items you no longer need, and purchase insurance to ensure that your belongings are protected during the move. Finally, if making a long distance move, consider booking a hotel or AirBnB, so you won’t have to drive long distances in one day.
All in all, while moving can be a daunting and overwhelming task, it doesn’t have to be if you plan ahead and follow the tips mentioned above. Start with organizing all the necessary supplies, change your address, and pack strategically. Once all of that is done, take care of any pending utility bills, and purchase insurance for your belongings. Lastly, if making a long distance move, consider booking a hotel or AirBnB. Taking all these steps will help to make sure that your move goes as smooth and stress-free as possible.
This article was contributed on Nov 16, 2023
