Many have hailed moving as one of the most stressful things you can do in life. Most moves end with a declaration and oath that it will be the last. However, life sometimes has other plans. If another move is on your horizon, we have good news. There are ways to make it less stressful, really.
The most effective way you can destress a move is with proper planning. Most moves are stressful because they are unorganized. It’s a big job and most people just don’t know where to start.
Developing a moving checklist is a great way to reduce the feelings of overwhelm and start taking charge of this job. A moving list will help you better visualize what needs to be done and when.
We have developed the ultimate moving checklist to help you tackle your next move. Let’s jump right in.
Two Months Till Move
Moving doesn’t start on moving day. In fact, if you wait to organize your move till moving day, or even moving week you will be in for a rough ride. Two months before your move you should start with the following moving tasks.
Sorting and Purging
You are not taking everything with you. Repeat this to yourself a few times before you start the purge. You should go through every single room in your home, purging, decluttering, and reorganizing. This gives you a good idea of what is going with you. This will also streamline the physical amount of stuff you will need to deal with.
Find Your Movers
Movers book up quickly. You need to research movers, pick one, and book them for your moving day. Think you don’t need a mover? Think that your friends and family will gladly pitch in on exactly the day you need them for exactly the hours you need them? Realistically, a moving company will be able to provide the services you need in the time frame you need them. No guilt involved.
Make a Binder
Use a binder to keep track of your expenses, dates, phone numbers, and a working inventory of the items you need to move.
Deal With the School
If you have children, now is the time to inform them of the move, fill out the necessary paperwork, and get transfers in motion. You do not want to be dealing with this right at moving time.
Six Weeks Till Move
A little closer now, and it’s starting to get real. The following tasks should be done approximately six weeks before you move to ensure you are properly prepared on moving day.
Order moving supplies
This will include your boxes, packing material, tape, bubble wrap and plenty of permanent markers. Don’t forget about specialty boxes such as book boxes, dish barrels, or containers for valuables. Order these now to ensure availability.
Use Up
If you have a lot of frozen foods or other items that will not move well, start using them up now, so that you are not bogged down with waste.
Start Measuring
Measure pieces of furniture and compare them to the dimensions of your new space to ensure everything will fit.
Two Weeks Till Move
Your list for moving is getting a workout and the big day is getting closer!
Confirm Your Movers
Reserving movers a head of time is only useful if they are confirmed and ready to go. Scheduling mix-ups can happen. You do not want to find out about one the day of your move. Confirm, confirm, confirm.
Start Packing
This should not be too overwhelming since you have already purged and organized each room. Pack according to room and put alike items together. This will ensure a smooth unpacking experience when you get to your new home.
Label
Make sure each box is clearly labeled for easy unpacking later. Labeled boxes can be quickly placed into the proper new room for quick access. Make sure your label includes the room it should go to as well as the specific category of items inside.
Complete Change of Address
If this is put off too long, you might miss important pieces of mail. Be sure to have this done at your local post office now.