Moving is consistently listed as one of the most stressful experiences a family can go through. When I was bouncing between apartment complexes every year, each and every move was a struggle. There are hundreds of tasks to manage in a short period of time.
This is our in-depth moving checklist. Since situations vary considerably, go through this list and cross off tasks that don’t apply to your situation. Utilize this however you’d like and good luck on the new chapter in your life!
Create a moving folder Keep track of receipts, estimates, dates, tax-deductible expenses, and photos. Start a physical folder as well as digital folder that can be easily accessible from the cloud.
Research moving services Ask about cancellation policies, liability coverage, and check the BetterBusiness Bureau status as well as their Google reviews.
Visit your new community
Budget for your move
Research schools
Find a roommate
Give notice to your landlord (often 60 days before move)
Discuss move with children Respect their feelings as they might be overwhelmed by a move, especially if it is outside of their current community. Make note of everything they might need or things they want to do before moving.
6 Weeks Before
Schedule Move
~Hire professional movers
~~Verify their Department of Transportation number
~Ask friends to help and schedule a date with them
~Book a rental truck
~Reserve a storage unit
Collect moving supplies Order your supplies online and/or get your boxes for free from local stores. Liquor stores are a great option!
Make travel arrangements
Notify schools
~Enroll in new schools
~Organize and transfer school records
Take measurements for large items at your old and new home
1 Month Before
Use up frozen, refrigerated, or other foods that you don’t want to transport
Pack up items that aren’t often used
Sort items into keep, sell, donate, and toss
Organize a garage sale
~Donate gently-used items after garage sale
Sell appliances or schedule appliance moving services
Update all memberships This includes your gym, organizations you are a member of, clubs, etc.
Schedule minor home repairs This might help you get a full return on your deposit! Most rental homes and apartment complexes will not charge you for a repair if you request it to be completed before you move out.Most rental homes and apartment complexes will not charge you for a repair if you request it to be completed before you move out.
Purchase moving insurance
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No offers, no showings, no repairs! We offer straight-forward pricing and buy your home as-is. Let us save you time, without anything taken off the top so you have more money in your pocket.
Begin packing Write detailed descriptions of what is in each box – color coding works best. Keep hardware together in labeled bags that are easy to access.
~Take photos of electronics so you know where cords go
~Gather warranty information, manuals, and instructions
~Collect all small valuable items and personally transport them
~Collect all important documents
~~Birth certificates
~~Medical files
~~Passports
~~Important financial files
Dispose of hazardous items (propane, paint, fertilizers, etc.)
Confirm moving date with moving company and/or friends
Secure temporary housing or hotels
Make arrangements to move your vehicle if moving separately
~Clean your car of all belongs including spare tires
Secure new insurance (health, car, homeowners, renters, etc.)
Forward medical records
Secure a parking spot for a moving truck (permit if necessary)
Schedule maintenance and painters for new home
Make a moving day playlist (or cross-country drive playlist)
1 Week Before
Order new furniture and decor
Clean old home
Clean all appliances
~Defrost the freezer if moving it
~Drain hoses to washing machine and ice maker
~Empty oil and gas from grills, heaters, lawn mowers, and snow blowers
Clean outdoor furniture
Finish last-minute tasks
Plan week of meals (without need for appliances)
Complete a final inspection with landlord
Take picture of your old home once it is cleaned
Pack essentials in easy-to-access locations
Secure final trash and recycling collection
Properly dispose of large items that you need to toss
Refill prescriptions and transfer future prescriptions
Backup computer and other digital documents
Drop off donations including furniture and unopened food
Day Before
Pack suitcases and final essential items
Get cash for a tip for movers
Get bottled water
Take inventory of belongings
Take photos of fragile items for insurance purposes
Plan payments (credit cards, money orders, cashier’s check, etc.)
Remove all light bulbs from lamps
Moving Day
Protect floors and carpets for move
Order food for friends if you’re DIY-ing your move
Do a final sweep
Hand over keys
Verify the Department of Transportation number day-of with the one you were given during scheduling
After Move
Clean new house
Unpack
Check on security deposit from previous home
Change the locks to your new home
Make note of trash pickup days
Check smoke alarms
Schedule pest control
Update driver’s license
Register to vote
Baby-proof and pet-proof the new home
Register your pet
Go grocery shopping
If you are located in Washington State and looking to sell your home quickly, we're here to help. We can close homes in as few as 7 days without any repairs or even cleaning. And, if you're moving locally, we'll help cover the cost of the move as well. We want to make relocating to a new home in Washington as quick and easy as possible.
*The featured image was generated by an AI with Dall•e 2.
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