No matter how excited you are about your new place, moving can be stressful. Having a pre-move checklist can help you feel more relaxed an in control. Consult this previous blog post to create your own moving list.
Before the move:
- Schedule cancellations: Notify utility providers and cancel service. Schedule new services at your new place if possible. Remember:
- water department
- internet and cable services
- electricity
- natural gas/propane
- trash and recycling pickup
- homeowners or renters insurance
- gardeners, landscapers, snowblowers, cleaners
- gym
- Give notice: Renters need to give landlords notice as per the lease agreement. Homeowners may need to notify homeowners associations.
- Declutter: Sort through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, or discard. Consider furniture size and weight when deciding if it's worth moving. It helps if you take one room at a time. Try to give yourself one week for each room. Look at each item and think: do I like this enough to wrap it up, pack it in a box, then pay someone to move it to the new house. Will you feel excited when you find it in the box? For furniture, it can make sense to sell or give away older pieces then buy new furnishing that perfectly suit your new place.
- Choose movers: Get quotes from different moving companies and choose one that fits your needs and budget. Always get recommendations from friends and neighbors as not all movers are created equally.
- Get supplies: Purchase or find free packing materials like boxes, tape, and bubble wrap. People who have recently moved often list their moving supplies on places like Facebook Marketplace for free or at a discount.
- Change your address: Notify USPS, voter registration, financial institutions, subscription services, and relevant others about your move.
- Request time off: Don't schedule anything for moving day and consider care arrangements for children or pets.
- Eat through your food: Use up perishables to avoid the hassle of packing and transporting them. See how creative you can be in creating new combinations.
Moving week:
- Confirm move: Contact movers or rental companies to confirm arrangements. Remember to request a parking permit or elevator access at the new and old homes, if necessary.
- Warn neighbors: Let neighbors know if you'll be blocking driveways or need them to move their cars.
- Schedule utilities and internet: Confirm appointments for installation of utilities and internet at your new place.
- Clean the old place: Clean and repair any damage, especially if you're expecting to have a security deposit returned.
- Pack essentials: Pack a separate bag with clothes, medication, and toiletries for easy access.
- Remind neighbors: Give one last heads-up to neighbors and say goodbye to those with whom you're close.
- Get cash: Have cash on hand for tipping movers or pizza delivery people -if that's how you're compensating helpful friends.
- Treat yourself: Enjoy a last meal at your favorite restaurant or celebrate with a drink.
- Relax: Do something relaxing to manage stress before the big day.
Moving day:
- Choose job: Decide first thing that you will maintain a sense of humor all day. Remember that no matter what happens, it could be worse.
- Keep an eye on things: Oversee the move, check for any damage, and offer snacks and drinks to helpers.
- Close up shop: Double-check rooms, close windows, turn off lights, and lock doors in your old place. Read this article for help in removing personal data from Smart devices.
- Return your keys: Don't forget to return keys to your landlord or realtor.
- Prepare: If you're planning to sleep in your new house the first night, set up the bed first, before you're exhausted.
By following these tips, you can ensure a smooth and successful move to your new home.
This article was the original inspiration for this blog
Fruit Flies - Ugh!
