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Moving Checklist Moving week is as chaotic or serene as you make it. With a few weeks of preparation and a checklist to keep you on track, your move will go like clockwork; wait until the last minute, though, and you could face a frantic rush to get everything packed and loaded in time. This checklist will help streamline your move and let you enjoy the excitement of your new home.

Two Months Prior

Giving yourself as much lead-time as possible before your move is smart. Two months is a good time frame to start planning your move in earnest. You won’t be doing much packing during this phase, but you’ll prepare yourself for the whirlwind of activity to come.

If you plan to hire professional movers, this is the time to start calling companies and getting quotes. Before you call, decide whether you need a conventional full-service move that includes packing and wrapping, merely specialized service assistance or if you want to do your own packing and let the movers handle transportation. Ask about in-home assessments when you inquire about a quote; one-size-fits-all prices won’t necessarily reflect your moving needs, especially if your decor is minimalist. Or if you have unique household items that may take a specialized moving company, it’s important to take into consideration when choosing your movers.When getting your quotes, note specifics about insurance, weight and size limitations, meeting minimums and any additional charges. A quote that seems like a bargain may wind up being the costly alternative when you factor in essential services that are priced as extras.

The two-month mark is also a good time to clean house. When you clean, you clear the way for you or your moving team to transport items quickly and efficiently. Sell or give away items that you don’t plan on taking with you. A garage sale could give you extra moving money while ridding you of unnecessary items.

One Month Prior

A month before the move isn’t too soon to start boxing infrequently used items. Gather more packing supplies than you think you need; it’s always better to have too many boxes than too few. When you don’t have enough boxes, you’re tempted to overload the ones you have, making them challenging to carry safely. With enough packing materials, you avoid that problem and keep boxes easy to handle.

Don’t forget the tape, bubble wrap and packing peanuts that secure fragile items safely in their containers. Add indelible markers to the list too; you’ll need them to write contents and destinations on boxes. Color-coded stickers can also help you stay organized. Routing everything with the same stickers to specific rooms makes sorting simpler when it’s time to unpack.

Utilities generally ask for a minimum of a month’s notice before a move. If you haven’t already arranged transfers or service cessation with your utilities providers, now is the time.

Obtain and fill out your change of address forms with the U.S. Postal Service. The organization makes it easy with online forms, but you’ll still want to handle this task with sufficient lead-time to ensure that you get your mail at your new residence without interruptions or delays. If you subscribe to magazines or monthly mail-order services, notify them as well. Also, if you have children and you’re moving into a new school district, make sure you forward the appropriate credentials to your child(s) new school.

Moving Week

Pack the rest of your belongings aside from the things you need every day such as toiletries and clothing. You’ll have enough to do over the next week, so make easy menu plans or arrange to dine out for the latter part of moving week. Using your kitchen less lets you pack pots and pans well before moving day. You will probably want to move small valuables such as jewelry yourself, so pack these items in a suitcase or carry-on bag that stays with you throughout the move.

Having a survival kit packed for your first few days in your new home is a great idea. Think of all the things you’re likely to need and won’t want to rummage through boxes to find on those first days and have them ready to go. Toiletries, snacks and a change of clothing might be part of your kit.

Don’t forget pets during a move. Smaller family members don’t always adjust well to change, so plan to give them extra time and attention this week even if it makes scheduling tight.

Moving Day

No matter when your movers are scheduled to arrive, wake up early. You’ll need the extra time for a walk-through of your home to ensure that you haven’t forgotten to pack anything. If you’re having your home professionally cleaned after moving, call and confirm the appointment with the service.

Keep cash on hand to tip the movers and cover any last minute or unforeseen expenses. It’s almost inevitable to forget an important purchase such as light bulbs or pet bowls, but with cash available, you won’t have to make do.

If you’re using a professional mover, be on hand in your new home to direct traffic if possible. You’ll have an easier time unpacking if the movers place furniture and boxes in the rooms where they will eventually be assigned.

Brandon iss a shipping and logistics writer working with Craters & Freighters

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