Moving Checklist
FOR HOME SELLERS
8 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING: PREPARING FOR A SUCCESSFUL MOVE
ChooseYour Moving Method:
- Research Options: Decide whether to hire a professional moving company, rent a moving truck, or handle the move yourself.
- Get Estimates: If hiring movers, get at least three quotes. If renting a truck, compare prices and book early.
- Budget Planning: Outline your moving budget, including movers, packing supplies, and any potential travel or storage costs.
Declutter your Home
- Room-by-Room Purge: Start with one room at a time, separating items into categories: Keep, Donate, Sell, or Discard.
- Organize a Sale: Hold a garage sale or sell items online to lighten your load and add extra cash to your moving budget.
- Donation: Contact local charities for donation pickups or drop-offs.
Gather Packing Supplies
- Essential Items: Purchase boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, markers, and labels.
- Specialty Supplies: Consider wardrobe boxes, dish packs, and mattress covers for specific items.
- Specialty Supplies: Consider wardrobe boxes, dish packs, and mattress covers for specific items.
Notify Relevant Parties
- Schools and Employers: If you have children, notify their current and new schools of the move. Inform your employer if your commute will change.
- Medical Providers: Request copies of medical records and transfer prescriptions to a new pharmacy if needed.
6 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING: STARTING THE PACKING PROCESS
Pack Non-Essentials
- Seasonal Items: Begin with items you won’t need before the move, like off-season clothing, holiday decorations, and rarely used kitchen gadgets.
- Label Everything: Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to in your new home.
- Inventory List: Keep a running inventory of packed items to help with unpacking and insurance claims if needed.
Notify Service Providers
- Utilities: Contact your utility providers to schedule service termination at your current home and connection at your new home. This includes electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable.
- Subscription Services: Update your address for magazines, meal delivery services, and any other subscriptions.
- Financial Institutions: Notify your bank, credit card companies, and insurance providers of your upcoming move.
Arrange Moving Insurance
- Review Coverage: Check your homeowner’s insurance to see if it covers your belongings during the move.
- Additional Coverage: Consider purchasing moving insurance if using professional movers to protect against damage or loss.
4 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING: FINALIZING DETAILS
Confirm Moving Plans
- Reconfirm with Movers: Double-check all details with your moving company or truck rental service, including the date, time, and any special requests.
- Temporary Storage: If needed, arrange for temporary storage for items that won’t fit in your new home or need to be stored before your move.
Pack Fragile and Valuable Items
- Careful Packing: Use bubble wrap, packing paper, or blankets to protect fragile items like glassware, dishes, and artwork.
- Valuables: Keep important documents, jewelry, and small valuables in a separate, secure box that you’ll personally transport.
Prepare Your Vehicle
- Maintenance Check: If you’re driving to your new home, ensure your vehicle is in top condition with a service check-up.
- Travel Arrangements: Plan your route, book accommodations if needed, and prepare for any travel with children or pets.
2 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING: PACKING AND PREPARATION
Pack Essential Items
- Moving Essentials Box: Pack a box with items you’ll need immediately upon arrival, such as toiletries, a few days’ worth of clothes, basic kitchen supplies, and important documents.
- Final Packing: Begin packing up rooms that are used less frequently, leaving out only what you’ll need for the last week.
Confirm all Details
- Reconfirm Appointments: Double-check all arrangements with movers, utility companies, and service providers.
- Review Plans: Go over your moving plan, inventory, and any special instructions with your moving team or family.
Dispose of Hazardous Materials
- Safety First: Safely dispose of items that movers won’t transport, such as paint, chemicals, and flammable materials.
- Donation: Consider donating unopened food items to a local food bank or shelter.
1 WEEK BEFORE MOVING: FINAL PREPARATIONS
Finish Packing
- Room by Room: Complete packing all remaining rooms, making sure each box is clearly labeled and inventory lists are updated.
- Disassemble Furniture: If necessary, begin disassembling large furniture pieces like beds, desks, and bookshelves.
Clean and Prepare Your Home
- Deep Cleaning: Clean each room thoroughly after it’s packed. This may include vacuuming, dusting, and wiping down surfaces.
- Final Repairs: Make any necessary repairs or touch-ups to ensure your home is in top condition for the new owners.
Prepare for Moving Day
- Essentials Ready: Keep your “Moving Essentials” box, important documents, and valuables in a safe place for easy access on moving day.
- Kids and Pets: Arrange for childcare or pet care on moving day to keep everyone safe and stress-free.
MOVING DAY: THE BIG DAY IS HERE
Supervise the Move
- Be Present: Be available to oversee the loading process, ensuring that items are handled carefully and placed in the correct order for unloading.
- Final Walkthrough: Before leaving, do a final walkthrough to make sure nothing is left behind, checking closets, cabinets, and storage areas.
Say Goodbye
- Farewell: Take a moment to say goodbye to your home and neighbors. Leave behind any keys, garage door openers, or instructions for the new owners.
- Moving Documents: Ensure all moving-related documents are signed and retained for your records.
Arrival at your New Home
- Direct Unloading: Upon arrival, direct movers on where to place boxes and furniture in your new home. Begin by setting up essentials like the kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms.
- First Night: Unpack your “Moving Essentials” box and enjoy a restful first night in your new home.
AFTER THE MOVE: SETTLING INTO YOUR NEW HOME
Unpack and Organize
- Room by Room: Unpack and organize your new home systematically, starting with essential areas like the kitchen and bedrooms.
- Decorate and Personalize: Take your time to make the space your own by arranging furniture, hanging artwork, and adding personal touches.
Update your Address
- Final Updates: Make sure all your services, subscriptions, and accounts are updated with your new address.
- Meet Neighbors: Introduce yourself to your new neighbors and explore the neighborhood.
Enjoy your New Space
- Relax and Celebrate: Take a moment to appreciate your new home. You’ve earned it!
- Feedback: I’d love to hear about your moving experience. Your feedback helps me improve my services for future clients.