There are many of elements that go into moving into a new house. From filling out change of address forms and making sure important files and documents are ready for the move to actually packing, it’s hard to keep track of everything! Stay on top of all tasks this with this helpful timeline to help you get organized before the move!
TWO MONTHS BEFORE THE MOVE
- Sort Through Belongings and Purge: Room by room, go through all of your belongings and decide what you’re keeping and what you can get rid of. Also, if there are any items that will require special packaging for the move, make a note of it. This will help you know what supplies you’ll need to purchase!
- Start Researching Moving Companies: Choosing a moving company is extremely important when moving. Investigate a bunch of different moving companies, get quotes, and request an on-site estimate. Don’t forget to get the estimate in writing from each company and confirm that it has a USDOT (U.S. Department of Transportation) number, especially if you are moving to a different state. To check if you need a USDOT number, click here.
- Organize School Records: Make sure you go to your child’s school and arrange for their school records to be transferred to the new school district where your new home is located. Getting this done early is great because you won’t have to worry about it during the busy days before the move.
- Create a Moving Binder: If you really want to stay organized and keep track of everything, you can always create a moving binder! Keep all of your estimates, receipts, lists, inventory, and important notes all in one organized place to stay on top of things and feel at ease.
SIX WEEKS BEFORE THE MOVE
- Start Ordering Moving Supplies: You’ll want to start ordering moving supplies six weeks before the move so you’ll know if you need to order anything else later down the line. From boxes and tape to bubble wrap and labels, make sure you have everything you need for a successful move.
- Use It or Lose It: Start using up any items that you don’t plan on moving, like frozen food or cleaning supplies, or you’ll end up throwing them away!
- Know Your Measurements: Before you move, make sure you know the measurements and dimensions of your new home. Knowing this will help you know if large furniture will fit through the door!
ONE MONTH BEFORE THE MOVE
- Choose Your Mover: About one month before your move, select a moving company and get a written confirmation. Make sure that the moving date, costs, and other details are on this written confirmation!
- Start Packing: Start packing room by room and pack the things you use infrequently first. If you come across any items of special value, make a note of them and ask for additional insurance from the moving company if you are worried about your belongings.
- Label Everything: Labeling makes moving SO MUCH easier. When packing make sure to label and number each box. Set up a system that works for you, and keep a detailed inventory of your belongings to stay organized.
- Separate Valuables: All the valuable items you move should be separated from other items and placed in safe files or boxes that you will personally move to your new house. This should include the mover’s estimate, which you will need for moving day.
- Fill Out a Change of Address: Before you move, you’ll want to fill out a change-of-address form. You can do this at your local post office or fill it out online! And if you are worried about any stray mail being delivered to your old home, ask one of you neighbors to look out for any mail after you move and check in with them two weeks after the move and again two weeks after that!
- Informing Important Parties: This is an important step that you shouldn’t forget about. Alert your banks, brokerage firms, employer, insurance, credit card, and utility companies, and any subscriptions about your move.
- Don’t Forget About Your Medical Records: Have your medical records sent to any new health-care providers or get copies of them yourself. Also, ask for referrals.
TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE MOVE
- Make Proper Arrangements: Depending on when you are moving, you’ll want to make proper arrangements with your employer so you can get off of work and supervise the move.
- Contact Your Moving Company: Make sure to reconfirm the moving arrangements about two weeks before the move to make sure everything is in order.
- Clean Out Your Safe-Deposit Box: If you are changing banks due to your move, make sure to remove anything you have in a safe-deposit box and place them in a safe box that you will transport yourself.
ONE WEEK BEFORE THE MOVE
- Stock Up Your Prescriptions: The upcoming move is going to be a whirlwind, don’t make this time even more hectic and refill any prescriptions for the next couple of weeks so you won’t have to worry about it while moving.
- Pack Suitcases: When packing, each person in the family should have their own suitcase filled with the essentials they’ll need for the first couple of days. You don’t want to pack everything and put it in the moving truck, especially if you’ll need it before the unpacking begins!
FEW DAYS BEFORE THE MOVE
- Defrost Freezer: Are you taking your refrigerator with you during the move? Make sure to empty it and defrost the freezer a few days before the move so it’s empty and clean and ready to move!
- Double-check all the Details: Call your mover again and reconfirm the arrival time and other specifics to your move. Go over any and everything with the staff and give them written directions and contact information to be safe and prepared.
- Prepare for Moving Payment: If you haven’t arranged the payment method with your mover, make any and all final payment plans now. Also, think about the tip fee for the staff and plan to have refreshments for the movers as well.
MOVING DAY
- Verify: When the moving truck shows up, make sure it’s the truck of the moving company you hired and the USDOT number for your move matches the number on your estimate. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
- Take Inventory: Don’t let the movers leave before signing the bill of lading/inventory list and make sure you get a copy!
- Unpack and Move In: While the moving company is unloading the truck, supervise and help where help is needed. Also, start unpacking whatever is in your boxes so you can enjoy your brand new home!
Are you looking to move into a beautiful brand new, new construction home? Check out Judd Builders! We build wonderful planned communities in sought-after areas that are perfect for the modern homebuyer. From bustling Siena Place to the quaint Meadow View Farms, you are bound to find the perfect community to move to! For more information, contact us! We’d love to hear from you and answer your questions!