The process of buying a home can be daunting, but chances are if you are reading this…you’re nearing the end of it! Now the real fun begins!
From transferring your medical records, and packing up all of your earthly possessions to move them from point A to point B…..we promise that its possible to get all of it done without losing your mind.
Checkout this ultimate checklist that will take you from “We’re moving!” to “We’re home!”
8 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING DAY
– SORT. Walk through every single room, and open every drawer. Now is the time to decide what to take to your new home and what you can toss so that moving day is a little less stressful. Make a list of your keep items and prep if any of them will require special packaging or extra insurance coverage.
– PURGE. Believe it or not, this doesn’t have to be something that happens once a year. In fact, we suggest doing it multiple times over the next few weeks. Take note of the things that you actually use on a consistent basis, and donate and/or sell those items that have been sitting in the back of your closet for 2 years.
– HIRE MOVERS. Research moving companies in your area, and in the case that you are moving out of state, also be sure to check how far they travel. Be sure to ask for the movers license number if you are moving out of state, and request in-home estimates to receive the most accurate pricing.
– CONTACT SCHOOLS. If you have children, now is a good time to notify the school that you are moving and obtain copies of your children’s records.
6 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING DAY
– MAKE THE TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS. Book hotel stays if you’ll need lodging on the road or before your new home is ready to go.
– ORDER PACKING SUPPLIES. Purchase standard boxes in various sizes, bubble wrap, packing paper, packing tape, and any specialty packing materials for things like your wardrobe and dish-pack boxes.
– GET YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS. Obtain copies of your medical record for you and any family members, or have them sent to your new physicians.
4 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING DAY
– LABEL. Mark eaCh box with its content and the room that it will belong to in your new home. The only exception to this is don’t label anything with your valuables, to avoid any theft.
– MEASURE. Be sure that all of the belongings you plan to take can make it out of your old home and in to your new one. Measure any tall, wide or oddly shaped items as well as any doorways or tight spaces that they will need to fit through.
– MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR PETS. Book a pet sitter or a care facility for moving day. If you’re moving out of town, be sure to make travel plans and check with your vet to make sure they are safe to travel.
– CONTACT UTILITY COMPANIES. Instruct existing utilities to discontinue service the day after your moving day, and direct the new utility companies to start services at least a day before you arrive.
– CONSIDER STORAGE. If your new home won’t be ready when you leave your old one, or you won’t be able to move everything into your new home at once, research storage options in your new community.
– CLEAR THE FREEZER. Start using up your frozen items, and foods that will be a hassle to move. When you grocery shop, keep in mind what may not travel well.
– VISIT AN AUTOMECHANIC. Get an oil change, tires rotated, and any necessary tune ups to ensure that your car survives the move. This is super important, especially if you are moving a long distance away.
– CHANGE YOUR ADDRESS. Visit USPS.gov or your local post office to officially change your address and to have any mail that may show up forwarded to your new address.
– ALERT ANY IMPORTANT PARTIES. Notify your employer, banks, credit card companies, subscription services, etc.
2 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING DAY
– CONFIRM THE MOVERS. Contact the moving company and double check your plans. Make sure that the insurance in place will cover your valuables.
– TAKE TIME OFF. Estimate how much time you’ll need to make the move and be sure to request that time off with your employer.
– GETTING ORGANIZED As you pack, gather warranty information, manuals and other house specific information in a binder for the new owners.
1 WEEK BEFORE MOVING DAY
– FINISH PACKING. Aim to finish all the general packing for the household a couple of days before moving day.
– PACK YOUR BAG. Your last bag should contain at least one change of clothes.
– UNPLUG. Disconnect and clean any large appliances you’re moving. If you are moving your fridge, defrost the freezer and clean it at least a day before moving.
– MAKE YOUR LAST DONATION PILE. Gather together the last of the items you have decided you won’t be taking with you to your new home and make one last trip to donate.
A FEW DAYS BEFORE
– CONFIRM THE MOVERS…AGAIN. Triple check the arrangements with the moving company and verify how much you’ll owe on moving day, as well as what forms of payment are accepted. Ask for a cell-phone number for a day-of contact and confirm the crew’s arrival time.
– GET THE KEYS. Arrange to receive the keys to your new home, or schedule the realtor or landlord to meet you on moving day.
– DISASSEMBLE FURNITURE. Place screws, brackets and fasteners in a small plastic storage bag and label it. Keep all bags in a safe spot to transport to your new home.
MOVING DAY
– SAY GOODBYE. Time to take the time to say a proper goodbye to your old home and thank it for all of the good memories it gave you. Walk through the house to recall fond memories you have.
– MEET THE MOVERS. Greet the moving crew and ensure that all workers are from the moving company that you hired. Be sure the moving trucks license number matches the one you took down earlier.
– CLEAR THE OLD HOUSE. Tidy up rooms as the moving crew empties them.
– KEEP VALUABLES WITH YOU. Be sure the movers don’t mistakenly load boxes containing your laptop, jewelry, passports, and any other irreplaceable items.
– MAKE A FINAL WALKTHROUGH. Lock all the windows and doors in your old home, shut off the lights and ceiling fans, and make sure there’s nothing left before you leave for good.
– Madison Sanders
