You will be surprised at how much is involved in the moving process. Even with experts on hand, getting ready for your move will always take longer than you think. With this in mind, we thought it might be a good idea to give everyone who reads our site some handy advice which, if followed, can help make the whole process go a lot smoother.
Six Weeks Before Your Move
Start De-cluttering. Don’t waste money paying to have stuff you never use moved to your new property. This is the time to throw out or give away anything that you have never used or forgot you had. If you pack early, then your relocation company will have a better idea of how many boxes you have and will give a more accurate price.
Start using foods and cleaning supplies that can’t be moved.
Clean all closets and drawers.
Have antiques, pieces of art, and other valuables appraised if needed.
Ask your doctor or health plan provider for referrals, and obtain all medical records.
Start researching your local area by reading local newspapers, blogs, or community websites.
Check your home insurance policy to make sure your things are covered during the move and the day you move in to your new place.
Plan your moving sale. Remember to check with local authorities about permits.
Four Weeks Before Your Move
If you are packing yourself, make sure to order and have your packing boxes and supplies.
Arrange extra storage if required.
Notify the relevant utility companies of your departure.
Collect your important records – Gather personal and family records, including medical and dental, veterinary and school records, legal and financial documents, birth certificates, passports and insurance documents.
Hold your moving sale.
Two Weeks Before Your Move
Have your car(s) serviced, particularly if you are moving long distance.
Arrange for someone to look after children and pets if possible to make it easier to pack.
Notify your newspaper company that you will be moving and arrange a date for the service to stop.
Start using up freezer foods.
Properly dispose of items that can’t be moved, such as flammable liquids.
Transfer prescriptions and make sure you have enough medicine on hand.
Prepare auto registration for transfer (if moving from one state to another).
One Week Before Your Move
Confirm arrival time and final arrangements with your moving company, including directions or postcode of your new property and any access issues.
Arrange for the professional disconnection of gas appliances, washer and dryer and any other appliances you’re taking with you.
Start disassembling any furniture or large items.
Change your address – One week before you move, send change-of-address cards to everyone who will need to contact you.
Three Days Before Your Move
Any spare keys should be clearly labeled and left where they will be seen on moving day.
Pick up laundry if applicable.
Pack a travel kit. Put aside critical items like a checkbook, credit cards, ID, flashlight, keys, toiletries, tools, paper plates, cups, towels, pen and paper, aspirin, bandages and games for the kids, corkscrew and of course a bottle of champagne!
Don’t forget to pack a suitcase with clothing and other personal items.
Two Days Before Your Move
Defrost and dry out your fridge / freezer.
Pack valuables and documents and put them in a safe place. Do not pack these in a box – put them in your car with you for easy access.
Confirm with your real estate agent or landlord when you will be getting the keys to your new property.
Close and empty your safe deposit box.
Settle any bills with local businesses.
One Day Before Your Move
All packing should be done apart from essential items in the kitchen and bathroom. Don’t forget to leave out the “must have” items, including bedding to sleep on for the 1st night.
Charge your mobile phone, as you will need it.
Do a final check of cabinets, closets, attic, basement, and sheds, so that nothing is left behind.
Set aside anything that will travel in your car, so that it will not be loaded on the truck.
Moving Day
Read your bill of lading and inventory carefully before signing. Keep this paperwork in a safe place.
Welcome your relocation team and show them all items that are going and anything that’s staying.
Drop the children off or organize a corner of the house with some of their toys and a few snacks. Older children may want specific jobs, such as packing their own personal box.
Do a final cleanup of the house.
Make a note of all meter readings.
Do a final walk around of the property, including the garage and yard.
Lock all windows and doors, and leave any information that may be useful to the new occupant (i.e. where are the shutoffs, electric/ gas meter, fuse box).
At Your New Home
Be there when your relocation team arrives, so you can show them where you would like items and boxes to go.
Be on hand to answer any questions.
Check your belongings carefully and note on the inventory paperwork any damaged items.
Be prepared to pay the driver before your possessions are unloaded.
Supervise unloading and unpacking.
Be prepared to pay your move with cash, certified check, or cashier’s check unless other arrangements have been made in advance.
Make sure all services – electric, water and gas – are working.
Have bottled water on hand for your relocation team when they arrive.
Make sure your locksmith arrives to change the locks, if you’re not handy.
When your relocation team has finished, check the inside of the truck thoroughly; it is your responsibility to make sure all of your belongings are removed.
Order a pizza or Chinese delivery, and open the champagne and relax.
