Moving is a pain. In spite of the excitement of a new adventure, a new home, or even just a new space to decorate, the physical act of moving is exhausting and the mental toll it takes is palpable. We have rounded up three of the most comprehensive and detailed moving checklists that may help to alleviate some of the stress...
Roundup: Moving Checklists
The first place we went for resources in simplifying a move is Real Simple. Always a great resource for tips and strategies on organizing just about anything, we found some great moving resources, as well as a very clear and easy checklist with links to resources for many of the steps.
Our next stop was Martha Stewart---a maven of home and organizational how-tos. Martha Stewart Living featured a great article on Simplifying the Big Move which breaks down a huge task into manageable portions. It also comes complete with tips on packing--which we always appreciate.
We also wanted to include this last list. Published by Real Estate Pro Articles, this list is as comprehensive as we've found. Perhaps more so than necessary--it lists, for instance, all of the possible people and businesses that you may have to send a change of address to! But we actually like the idea of having a list that we can look at, at least once, that hashes out every single detail, because we inevitably forget something in our move. Perhaps we won't use this as our main checklist, but it's a great resource to use at least once to feel like we've covered all of our bases. We don't have a Snow Removal Service or a Chiropractor, but if we did, we wouldn't want to forget them!
Images: Jim Franco for Real Simple
Comments (8)
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UGH! We're in the process of moving right now. We close on our home in 1 more day, BUT we've been living in a hotel for almost a month!! After the whole deal, I frankly cite the mental toll and disarray as the hardest part... but the list-making and organization should be done asap- before the mental toll, because then you wont care lol. It helps to be able to look forward to designing your new place though...
http://cozylittlecave.blogspot.com
view CozyLittleCave's profile
UGH! We're in the process of moving right now- we close on the house in 1 more day, but we've been in a hotel for more than a month! List making helps SO VERY much (I support over-organization in moving), but you have to get all that organization done ahead of time I think... before the mental toll and disarray get you! It's nice to get to plan out your design for the new place though... http://cozylittlecave.blogspot.com
view CozyLittleCave's profile
Great! I won't be moving for about 10 months, but it will be a cross-country move from California to NYC with a dog, cat, fish and 11 year old boy. I need all the tips and hints I can get!
view Maleaab's profile
Biggest issue I had in moving was not canceling my utilities in time (including internet and cable) and I ended up paying more than necessary... the sooner the better!
view ephcee's profile
Partways through every move, I turn to my partner and suggest simply burning the old place down next time. I'm no pyro of course, but making that joke cheers me up.
view tam-tbag's profile
I just moved. I packed by myself because my boyfriend was touring the country for a month and a half... He was supposed to be there to help, but our landlord changed our move in date on us. She did get me one helper. But besides that all I had was family for one day and their trucks. It was the most stressful experience of my life, I had constant stress and miniature anxiety attacks for a month. It was horrible. No moving tips or lists helped me. Nothing I read or no matter how efficiently I packed made it any better. Moving sucks. Period. No matter what you do to prepare for it.
view cassielynn's profile
Hi there,
I just wanted to pop in and say that when it comes time to sell or buy and move - I may be able to help you with some things. Would love to talk with you if interested. Moving IS tough...maybe I can help simplify that. I agree - it can be a major pain.
http://movinglinks4you.com --> helping everyday working folks simplify this aspect of their lives.
My best,
ReloMary
view ReloMary's profile
I thought I'd share the work I did. I went through all three TO DO lists and got this master list. ENJOY!
TWO MONTHS BEFORE
— Sort & purge your stuff
— Research moving companies
— Create a moving binder/folder
— Order supplies (boxes, tape, box cutters, tape dispensers, wrapping material, blankets, mattress bags)
— Use up perishables
— Take measurements in new home (to make sure things will fit)
MONTH BEFORE
— Choose mover and confirm arrangements
— Begin packing
— Label boxes with its contents
— Set aside stuff to go in car (essentials like bedding, towels, toiletries, TP, basic tools, cleaning supplies, medications, snacks, a few dishes, coffee maker, dish detergent & sponge, scissors, tea kettle, shower curtain)
— Separate valuables & document what they are (to go in car)
— Change of address form
— Notify banks, employer's HR, magazines, credit card companies, insurance companies, utilities, accountant, cell phone provider)
— Arrange for pet care/sitting
TWO WEEKS BEFORE
— Arrange to be off from work
— Tune up car
— Contact moving company and reconfirm
— Notify utility services (cable, cell phone, electricity, gas, internet)
— Hire a cleaning company
— Return anything that isn't yours
— Pick up anything outstanding (dry cleaners, repair shops, etc)
ONE WEEK BEFORE
— Refill prescriptions / order contacts
— Pack suitcase
— Turn on utilities at new house
— Print out an info sheet for movers with addresses, phone numbers, etc
FEW DAYS BEFORE
— Double check details
— Plan for payment (how much cash, etc)
MOVING DAY
— Charge phone!
— Verify the truck is the company you hired
— Sign bill of lading/inventory and keep a copy
— Try to get as much street parking as possible
— Give keys to landlord
— Take out all garbage
— Give movers your contact info & get theirs
view tiboutoo's profile