Having a good moving day is all about the planning you do in the weeks and months leading up to it! There’s simply so much work to do – on top of managing your job, family and daily life – that moving to a new house can easily become overwhelming. This checklist will help make sure that you’ve got everything under control as you head towards the big day, making the process easier and less stressful.
Two Months Before Moving Day
If you are planning to rent a home, then now’s the time to start looking in the areas you like. Draw up a list of your requirements and preferences, and connect with rental agents in your chosen area. If you are buying, now’s the time to start getting serious about finding a home. Make sure all your finances are in place and that your information is with local real estate agents. If you are looking to buy a home that’s a great bargain or a fixer upper, be sure to look at your local cash for houses company too.
In addition, you should make an inventory of your belongings and decide what you want to take with to your new home and what you’d prefer to sell or donate to charity.
Six Weeks Before Your Moving Day
Research local professional moving companies and gather quotes for your moving costs – and remember to speak to friends and neighbors for word-of-mouth referrals. Also consider a DIY move to see if that’s more suitable for you, and speak to a few truck rental companies to get an idea of their costs. Once you’ve made a decision, book for your preferred moving day. Keep in mind that some days (weekdays or the middle of the month) can be more affordable than others.
If you are moving to a new city, start looking for health providers and new schools in your chosen area. If there is a Facebook group for your new community, join that for word-of-mouth referrals and general information.
Start informing people that you are moving, including your children’s schools, your doctor, your bank, and your current landlord (if you are renting).
One Month Before Moving Day
Collect your family’s medical and school records, and take your pets for their vet checkups (if needed). Start getting rid of any unwanted items, whether you’re having a moving sale or donating items to charity. There are companies who will host a moving sale for you if you have a lot of items you need to sell. Also, start cancelling or moving any subscriptions to your new address.
Now’s the time to start packing, so you’ll need packing supplies like bubble wrap, boxes of various sizes, tape and markers. Make a list of what’s in each box as you go and label each box clearly on multiple sides with the room it should go into. This will make moving day and unpacking a lot easier!
Two Weeks to Go
If you are moving long-distance, now’s the time to service your car (if you are driving) or book flights along with shipping for your vehicles. Change your address with the US Postal Service and if needed, arrange a parking spot and elevator access for movers for your moving date. Don’t forget to transfer utilities so that your old home is disconnected the day after your move and your new home is connected the day before.
One Week Before Moving Day
Confirm with your moving company or truck hire company that everything is in order for your moving day. By now, your home should be mostly packed up with just a minimal number of day-to-day items that still need packing. Many people pack up their entire kitchens at this point and use disposable or borrowed plates and cups for the last few days.
Make plans for kids and pets for moving day, whether they can stay at a neighbor or family member’s home or you need to hire a sitter for the day. Moving day is a very busy day and it’s almost impossible to keep children and pets secure, safe and calm with so much going on!
Make sure you’ve made all your collections and returns, whether it’s picking up clothes from the dry cleaners, returning library books or returning borrowed items to friends and family.
Plan all your farewells, whether they’re in person or if you’re holding a big farewell party.
48 Hours Before Moving Day
At this point, everything except the very bare essentials should be packed into labelled boxes. The only items that should be left out should be a few changes of clothes, some toiletries, essentials for the kids and pets, and cleaning supplies to leave your old home looking great after you go. If cleaning is going to be too much work on top of your move or doesn’t fit in your schedule, consider getting a professional company in to handle it – especially if you have a deposit on the line.
It’s Moving Day!
Try to get a good night’s rest the night before and remember that, while moving day is going to be stressful, you’ve done everything you can – you can handle it! Double check each room in your home before the movers arrive, and make sure you have some refreshments on hand for all of you to handle this busy day. Carefully read any additional paperwork you may receive and be sure to check with the driver that they have the correct address for your new home.
Once they are done, walk through your home and make sure everything is as it should be. Now’s the time to clean it thoroughly from top to bottom and make minor repairs according to your rental agreement. If you are renting and don’t have time to do a walk-through with your landlord, take photos of every room and appliance in the house to record its condition against any claims.
Moving Out of Your Home in Dallas or Fort Worth? Our Cash for Houses Team Can Make You an Offer Today!
The Shiny Key Properties team is a leading property agency in the Dallas and Fort Worth Area. If you’re interested in selling your home quickly or want to buy a new home in the area, contact us today.