MOVING AND STORAGE BLOG

MOVERS CHECKLIST - WHAT TO DO TO PREPARE FOR MOVING

23

Sep

Let’s admit it, moving is a daunting task. For this reason we’ve created an amazing moving checklist in the moving history to help you stay on track.

We’re here to assist you figure out exactly what you should be doing before, during, and even after your move. Moving all your belongings from one place to another is hard, and so is relocating your life in total.

Read on to find out what your checklist must look like.

Let’s not forget that moving to a new place is an exciting time! With some guidance to your upcoming move, you’ll be sure to have everything done between now and the big day, leaving you plenty of time to celebrate.

Here are a list of things that should be found in your moving checklist.

2 months before your move day;

So, you’re 8 weeks out! Close, but not too close. It’s important for you to start planning ahead for every aspect of your move.

The good news? We’ve got you covered. We’re not going to lie, there’s a lot to be done for you to be prepared. Yet, you’ll be thankful you started early and had this epic moving checklist to ensure you stay on top of your to-do list.

 

1. Create a “relocating” file or folder on Google Drive to store up quotes, receipts, and records related to your move. For example, how much is moving company A quoting you? Was that price for 10 or 15 boxes? You’re not going to be able to remember all of the details. So save them up in a document for easy reference and remembrance.

 Creating a folder for documentation of a move.

2. Schedule in-home estimates with an Updater Certified Moving Company such as Victory Van. Make sure you hire someone you feel you can trust by clicking the button below.

 

3. Read over documents from your movers before signing anything. Don’t let contracts intimidate you by learning about the documents you’ll be receiving ahead of time. We can’t emphasize enough how important this is for your move.

 

4. Request time off work for moving day. If you can, plan to take off on your move day, telling your employer that you planned supervising the move personally. That gives your employer an ample time to be aware of your absence and enough time to get you organized. Nice tip, right?

 

5. Choose a school for your children. Need a little help in the research department? Great Schools can help you choose the best school that is of good standard in your new area.

 

6. Along the same line, contact your children's school for your kid's transcripts for their new school. Regardless of how far you are moving, the new school your child attends will need these to assess your child's level of education. Arrive prepared so your kid(s) can settle in on time and don’t get left behind. Contact new schools for enrollment and record-transfer procedures.

 

7. Plan how to move fragile or unusual items, such as guns, pianos, fine art, pool tables or safes. The list goes on and on.

The movers you hire may not be qualified to move some larger (or more expensive) items, so you may need to hire a specialty mover to do the job. Make sure you’re aware of exactly what the movers you hired will and will not move.

 

8. Confirm that your moving company is licensed and insured by verifying their Department of Transportation number (also referred to as a DOT number

 

6 weeks before you move:

When you’re six weeks out from a move, it’s important to make sure you’re getting all your eyes dotted. If you’re moving out of town, you’ll need to do stuffs like spend quality time with family and friends.

You would also begin to organize your belonging (and life in general). There are dozens of tasks that must be addressed in this time, so keep reading our epic moving checklist to discover all you need to do.

9. Make time for friends and relatives before moving day. Squeeze in a few last memories in your current home by throwing a simple sent-forth dinner party. It doesn’t have to be elaborate to do the trick and will leave a long-lasting memory for everyone.

 

10. Collect free boxes from restaurants liquor, grocery, and office supply stores. You can also pay a visit to your local bookstore. They have more boxes than they know what to do with and will be more than happy to hand them over for free.

 

11. Order packing supplies. Purchase standard boxes in various sizes; bubble wrap; packing paper; packing tape; and specialty containers, such as wardrobe and dish-pack boxes.

 

12. Label your moving boxes using different colored stickers/tape for each room. This will make your life a whole lot easier when you’re all moved in and ready to start unpacking.

 

13. Create an inventory sheet of all your valuables before they go on the moving truck. Also, keep a private list of which boxes you packed your valuables in to avoid damages. Keep a running list of each packed box, its contents and what room it belongs in. Later, you can match this against your moving company’s inventory sheet.

 

14. Mark moving boxes that are fragile. You don’t want textbooks stacked on top of your grandmother’s flower vase.

 

15. Take photos of all electronics before unplugging and dissembling them. This will help jog your memory when you’re reconnecting things such as your TV and stereo.

 

16. Put all your hardware in labeled baggies for easy furniture reassembly.

 

17. Gather socks, t-shirts, towels, and linens to use as free packing supplies. Wrapping water glasses in dish towels? Why didn’t we think of that!

 

18. If you’re moving into an apartment, find out if there are any moving day requirements for your move.

 

19. Address minor home repairs before moving out. If you live in an apartment, this might be the difference between getting your security deposit back, or not.

 

20. If you’re moving cross country, have your vehicles serviced. The last thing you want is to deal with a breakdown mid-move!

Measuring the height and breadth of a house before moving.

 

21. If your move requires shipping your auto, don’t leave anything in it! Spare tires, extinguishers and jacks might go missing.

 

22. Make travel arrangements. Book hotel stays if you’ll need lodging on the road or before your new home’s ready; book any necessary flights to avoid disappointments. If you’re moving long distance, plan your route and book hotels.

 

23. Contact your doctors. Obtain copies of medical records for all family members, or have the records sent to your new physicians. Haven’t found new ones yet? Ask your current doctors for recommendations.

 

24. Contact insurance agents. Find out whether your move necessitates changes in your medical, dental, vehicle or personal property insurance.

 

25. Last but not least for this section, pack a little every day. You don’t want to find yourself packing all of your belongings the night before, that would be stressful.

1 month before you move:

Four weeks out – you’ve officially hit the one-month mark! Now’s the time to start gathering important documents that you’ll need to bring with you to your new place. You should also start doing things like selling and donating items. It will be a lot easier to complete items on your moving checklist when you’re not bogged down in possession that you neither want nor need.

 

26. Start packing. Begin with items you use only rarely or seasonally (e.g., fondue pot; pool toys); save items you use frequently (e.g., TV remote; your toothbrush) until just before moving day. Snap photos of valuables and pack them separately; you’ll carry those items with you.

 

27. Label, label, label. Mark each box with its contents and the room it’s destined for in the new house. The only exception: Don’t list contents on a box that contains valuables, to avoid theft.

 

28. Measure. Ensure that all of your belongings can make it out of your old home and into your new one; measure any tall, wide or oddly shaped items, as well as any doorways or tight spaces they’ll need to fit through, so there are no surprises on moving day.

 

29. Update your computer. Download any necessary software updates and ensure that all of your files and photos are backed up to an online cloud storage service or an external hard drive that you’ll carry with you.

 

30. Make arrangements for your pets by doing the following;

  • Booking a pet sitter or care facility for moving day.
  • Ensuring your pets have ID tags for their collars.
  • Requesting for copies of vet records and any necessary pet medication.
  • Ensuring your pets have all necessary vaccinations if moving out of the country.

31. Contact utility companies. Instruct existing utilities to disconnect services the day after your move; direct new utilities to install services at least a day before you arrive.

 

32. Consider storage. If your new home won’t be ready when you leave your old one, research storage options in your new community.

 

33. Clear the freezer. Start using up frozen food items that will be a hassle to move. Then, tackle the pantry and fridge.

 

34. Visit an auto mechanic. Get an oil change, tire fixes and any necessary tune-ups to ensure that your car survives the move.

 

35. Alert important parties. Notify the following people of your move;

  • Banks
  • Credit card companies
  • Subscription services
  • Brokerage firms
  • Your employer’s human resources department
  • Magazine and newspapers you subscribe to
  • Utility company
  • Friends and family.

36. Purchase moving insurance to cover all your belongings during the move.

 

37. Confirm parking options for your moving truck – you may need a permit for moving day.

 

38. Gather all financial and legal records in one place.

Parking and sorting out household equipment during a move.

 

39. Gather birth certificates and passports for everyone in your home. Then, carry important documents on your person during your move.

 

40. Find a landscaper and snow removal service in your new neighborhood.

 

41. Return your borrowed items including the library books, movies and video games.

 

42. Pick up clothes from the laundry.

 

43. Update your voter registration status!

 

44. Shop around for cable, internet, and phone bundles. Then, schedule installation and/or cancel your old services.

 

2 weeks before you move:

The big day is almost here! You’re two weeks away from moving and it’s time to update your accounts and records for your new place and address. You also want to take these two weeks before your move to plan ahead packing, meals, medication, pets, and children.

Moving day is a BUSY one. Make sure to have everything on your moving list checked off for this two-week point. Trust us, you’ll be glad you did!

 

45. Clean out your safe-deposit box. If you’ll be changing banks, remove the contents of your safe-deposit box and any lockers you might have at a gym or community center and put them in the safe box that you’ll take with you on moving day.

 

46. Recycle or dispose of corrosives, flammables, and poisonous items. Make sure you’re disposing of toxic items properly.

 

47. Remove light bulbs from all lamps you plan to move.

 unplugging out equipment when parking for a home relocation.

48. Prepare a list of emergency service technicians and preferred providers. You don’t want to be googling plumbers while your toilet is overflowing in your new home.

 

49. To keep little ones safe during a move, line up a babysitter or make arrangements for a play date.

 

50. Find somewhere safe for pets to go during your move. Look into doggy daycare or ask a friend to watch them for a day – who wouldn’t love to dog sit your cute pets!

 

51. Transfer your homeowners or renters insurance to your new home. Here’s what happens to your homeowners insurance policy when you move.

 

52. Cancel or transfer your membership at the gym, yoga studio, Crossfit facility, etc.

 

53. Update your address for newspaper and magazine subscriptions.

 

54. Update your driver’s license.

 

55. Update your address with any monthly subscriptions boxes you receive.

 

56. Change your address for your auto insurance and car registration.

 

57. Clean outdoor furniture before it's moved.

 

58. Confirm your move. Contact the moving company and double-check your plans. Make sure the insurance in place is enough to cover your valuables.


1 week to your move day:

A week to your move day has come! It’s time to make sure you sort your belongings, finish packing, and clean your old home. Make sure everything’s squared away early. It’ll allow for a stress-free moving day – and who wouldn’t want that?

 

59. Finish packing. Aim to complete your general packing a few days before your moving date. Then pack suitcases for everyone in the family with enough clothes to wear for a few days.

 Parking during a move should be in a checklist.

60. Pack your bag. Your last bag should contain at least one change of clothes — or more, if you’re moving out of state — for each person in the family, as well as all of the basics (e.g., phone charger, toilet paper) you need to survive for a few days without the items on the moving truck.

 

61. Visit the pharmacy. Refill any prescriptions you’ll need for the next month, and arrange to transfer prescriptions to a pharmacy in your new community.

 

62. Disconnect and clean any large appliances (e.g., washing machine, fitness equipment) you’re moving; contact a professional to;

  • Unplug your fridge and freezer to defrost the night before or at least 24 hours before the move, making sure you lay a towel in front of it to absorb any water that leaks.
  • Drain water hoses to your washing machine and ice maker.
  • Empty oil and gas from grills, heaters, lawn mowers, and snow blowers.

 

63. Donate unopened food by asking your moving company if they work with organisations such as 'Move For Hunger'.

 

64. Clean your current home for the next resident.

Cleaning up a house should be in a checklist for a move.

 

65. Make sure nothing is hiding on shelves or in closet corners.

 

66. Watch the weather channel and prepare for rain or snow.

 

67. Pack an essentials box with everything you’ll need for your first 24 hours in your new home.

 

68. Make a worst-case scenario plan in case your movers disappoints you.

 

69. Take photographs of your empty place to prove it’s in move-out condition.

 

70. Withdraw cash to tip your movers.

 

71. Clean your new place. A lot of times, the previous homeowners are only required to sweep their house or apartment. Don’t you want your new place to be in tip-top shape and sparkling from head to toe?

A Few Days Before your move day;

 

72. Triple-check the details.Reconfirm the moving company’s arrival time and other specifics and make sure you have prepared exact, written directions to your new home for the staff. Include contact information, such as your cell phone number.

 Calculating what it would take to move.

73. Plan for the payment. If you haven’t already arranged to pay your mover with a credit card, get a money order, cashier’s check, or cash for payment and tip. If the staff has done a good job, a good tip would go a long way to encourage them. If your move was especially difficult, you might tip each mover up to $120. Remember refreshments are always appreciated.

 

74. Get the keys. Arrange to receive the keys to your new home, or schedule the realtor or landlord to meet you on moving day.


Moving day:

Moving day is here! All your moving preparations has led you to this awaited moment. You’ve checked off a lot of items on this moving checklist to get you to this point.

On the day of your move, make sure you get an early start. Start the day off right and get moving. The earlier you move in, the more time you will have to start unpacking and settling into your new home.

The Don’t Pack List

Keep these items off the truck and close to you on moving day:

  1. Jewelry
  2. Flashlight
  3. Tape measure
  4. Toolbox
  5. Trash bags
  6. Paper towels
  7. Cash
  8. Important documents (e.g., passports, marriage license, birth certificates, any records containing bank account information or Social Security numbers)
  9. Checkbook
  10. Credit cards
  11. Medication
  12. Phone and charger
  13. Laptop and charger
  14. Toilet paper
  15. A change of clothes (one for each member of your household)
  16. Snacks and water (for kids and pets)
  17. A child’s special toy or blanket (if they can’t bear to pack it)

 

75. Rise and shine! Set an alarm and get up early on moving day.

 

76. Meet the movers. Greet the moving crew and ensure that all workers are representatives of the moving company you hired.

Make sure that the moving truck and other items that shows up is from the company you hired: The USDOT number painted on its side should match the number on the estimate you were given.

Additionally, you can check if the moving truck has the company's branding, or vehicle number that was listed in your confirmation. Scams are not unheard-of so beware.

 

77. Say goodbye. Take time to say a proper “so long” to your old house before things get hectic. Children, in particular, benefit from some closure.

Walk through the house recalling fond memories you have, and talk about what fun you’ll create in your new apartment.

 

78. Supervise the load-in. Assign a helper to watch the moving crew stack your belongings inside the truck, keeping an eye out for damage.

 

79. Clean the old house. Tidy up rooms as the moving crew empties them, or consider hiring a cleaning service.

 

80. Make a final walk-through. Lock your old home’s windows and doors, turn off lights and ceiling fans and make sure nothing’s left before you leave for good.

 

New Home

81. Roll out the carpet protector. Lay down plastic carpet protector at the new house, if your movers haven’t already done so.

 

82. Show the moving crew around. Point out specific rooms so boxes end up where they belong.

 

83. Watch for damaged and missing items. Your movers will make an inventory sheet, called the “bill of lading,” that notes the condition of your items, including damage to any boxes or furniture.

 

84. Pay the movers. Complete the transaction using the payment method you agreed to when you confirmed the move.

 

85. Get it in writing. Before the movers leave, sign the inventory sheet/bill of lading — and make sure the mover in charge signs it, too and keep a copy as well.

 

86. Assemble furniture. Grab your toolbox and start reassembling furniture; don’t wait until your helpers have gone home.

 

87. They’ve worked hard for you all day, so tip your movers.

 

88. As soon as your movers leave, make your bed and unpack your shower curtain and toiletries. This makes a nap and a shower so much easier. And let’s face it, it’s the first thing you’ll want to do post move.

 

One week, post move:

 

You’re moved in! You’ve checked off almost everything on your moving checklist, but you’re not done yet. Now is the time to start making your new place yours. Unpack, decorate, and have fun personalizing your new home.

89. Get to know your neighbors!

 

90. Go grocery shopping. At this point, you’ve eaten enough take out. Having food in the house will also prevent you from unnecessary spending and diseases.

 

 Shopping for grocery after a move should be on your checklist.

91. Don’t have curtains or shades yet? Cover your windows with sheets for privacy for your first night. This will help you sleep more comfortably, trust us.

 

92. Thank your real estate agent or broker. They’re the reason why you’ve moved into your beautiful new home. A simple thank you note goes a long way.

 

93. Don’t have curtains or shades yet? Cover your windows with sheets for privacy for your first night. This will help you sleep more comfortably, trust us.

 

94. Leave a detailed review of your experience with your moving company.

 

95. Clean the carpets in your new home.

 

96. Sweep your chimney before you use it.

 

97. Make sure your home’s address is visible from the street.

 

98. Install a new home security system.

 

99. Explore your new neighborhood – local shops, supermarkets, libraries, cafés, grocery stores, and restaurants.

 

100. Send thank you notes to friends and family who helped you move.

 

Two weeks, post move:

 

Make sure you’ve completely settled in by now. Now that you’re comfortable, take a night off and call a babysitter or a nanny!

 

101. Aim to unpack all your stuff within two weeks of moving in.

 

102. Last, but not least, make copies of your new keys for the babysitter, nanny, and dog walker.

 Making new keys for a new home-moving checklist

Alas we are done with this huge move! We're out of breath. But congrats, you survived!

We believe that our epic moving checklist has been a great companion. Was it helpful? Call or Contact Victory Van for your move. And as always, we would make your relocation a memorable one!

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