Having a checklist to help guide your packing and moving process can help break down the process into single steps. Starting a few months early will give you enough time to take on one item at a time, and will make the months leading up to your move more peaceful and organized. When you check an item off your list, just move on to the next one. Check ahead on your list to see what is coming up next and you can finish before you know it. A checklist can help you not forget any step in the moving and packing process. Hiring a moving company to do the packing for you is a valuable option if you think you cannot find the time to pack. Planning a move takes foresight and organization, and you may want professionals to take care of your packing and moving for you.
8 Weeks Before Your Move
- Determine how you will move and what size truck you will need come moving day.
- Pick your moving day and enlist friends and family to lend a helping hand.
- Check with moving companies and compare the quotes you receive.
- Create a moving budget and keep it updated.
- Start learning about your new location and what it has to offer.
- Consult an accountant to determine if any of your moving expenses can be written off as tax deductions.
6 Weeks Before Your Move
- Organize household items and decide what you will move to your new place.
- Begin compiling newspapers, boxes and other packing and moving supplies you will need.
- Find a new doctor’s office if you are moving out of the area, and have your medical records transferred to your new location.
- The same applies to your veterinarian. Schedule one last trip to your veterinarian and have your pet’s records transferred to your new veterinarian clinic.
- Have your children’s school records sent to your new school district and notify each of your changing address.
- Purchase or order any packing supplies you need to start packing your items.
4 Weeks Before Your Move
- Begin to look for new owners for your plants that can’t be transported.
- Have routine maintenance and service done on your vehicle(s).
- Notify the USPS of your upcoming change of address.
- Pack any kitchen items that aren’t needed during the one month prior to your move.
- During the packing process, stay organized and keep track of what you are packing in boxes. Keeping a written record along with labeling the box itself can help.
- If you are moving locally, plan for a babysitter on the day of your move. Scheduling this date as early as possible will help avoid not finding a sitter.
2-3 Weeks Before Your Move
- Arrange for shut-off dates of your water, electric and gas utilities.
- Television service, home security, landscaping services, newspapers, and internet service should be cancelled or planned to relocate to your new house or apartment with the provider.
- Notify doctors, veterinarians, accountants, etc. of your impending change of address. If you are moving out of their area, thank them for their years of service and wish them well.
- Contact your car insurance provider and notify them of your address change. You may have to change companies after you move.
- In Virginia, you have only 60 days to transfer your out of state driver’s license to a Virginia license.
- Registering a vehicle must be done with the DMV inside of your first 30 days as a new resident.
1 Week Before Your Move
If you are moving out of an apartment, schedule a walkthrough with the landlord. Make sure you have repaired any nail holes, stains, and smells from the apartment before you have your walkthrough.
- Call your babysitter and make sure they are still available on your moving day.
- Try not buying groceries, and try to exhaust the items in your pantry. Eat up all that oatmeal and canned vegetables during your last week. You don’t want to move these foodstuffs, so get creative with your meal choices.
- Clean your place from ceiling to floor and do your best to remove stains and dust.
- Wash clothes and bleach whites that you will use in your new place. Starting off fresh in your new home or apartment will let you enjoy your first weeks that much more.
- If you are moving out of an apartment, schedule a walkthrough with the landlord. Make sure you have repaired any nail holes, stains, and smells from the apartment before you have your walkthrough.
1 Day Before Moving Day
- Pack a first night bag or crate of essentials. Be ready with extra changes of clothes and towels.
- Finish your packing and exhale a sigh of relief. Go to bed early because you have a big day ahead of you tomorrow.
- Clean out your refrigerator and let it defrost for at least an entire day.
Moving Day
- Get a good night’s rest, and start your morning off slow and steady. You have a long day ahead of you, so think marathon not sprint.
- Do one last sweep of your rooms, closets and cabinets to make sure you haven’t forgotten to pack anything.
- Pack healthy snacks and water for the road if you have a longer distance to drive.
- Hit the town your first night and explore what your new location has to offer.