Moving to a new home can be an exciting yet challenging life event. It’s a unique journey that offers a fresh start, new experiences, and the opportunity to make your new place your very own. But as thrilling as it can be, it also brings a plethora of tasks that can make it seem like an overwhelming endeavor.
The key to a smooth and stress-free local move is being prepared. Having a comprehensive plan and getting organized early can make a world of difference. Whether it’s your first time moving or you’re a seasoned mover, our local moving checklist will guide you through every stage of your residential move – from initial planning to settling into your new home.
Local Moving Checklist: Before The Move
Moving is divided into two main parts: the things you do before the move and what comes after. Let’s first focus on what you need to do before the move.
Two Months Before Moving
- Plan Your Move: Start by choosing your moving date. Remember, weekdays and off-peak times are usually cheaper and more convenient for moving.
- Take Inventory: Conduct a thorough home inventory. This process not only helps you decide what to take along but also aids in getting accurate moving quotes and determining the size of the moving truck you need.
- Declutter and Donate: Identify items you no longer need or use. Consider selling, donating, or recycling these items. This step could save you packing time and reduce moving costs.
- Hire Professional Movers or Decide to DIY: Research local moving companies and compare their services, costs, and reviews. If you decide to DIY, start gathering packing supplies and enlist help from friends or family.
- Begin a Moving Folder or Binder: Gather all your moving-related documents in one place. Include quotes, receipts, and an inventory of your items. Print this local moving checklist and mark the steps. This practice keeps you organized and can be a lifesaver when claiming moving expenses on your tax returns.
Six Weeks Before Moving
- Notify Important Parties: Begin to notify relevant parties about your upcoming move. This list can include your employer, schools, doctors, your bank, and subscription services.
- Order Packing Supplies: Purchase packing boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, tape, markers, and specialty containers for delicate items. If you are hiring movers in NYC for packing needs, you need to buy only packing boxes. Most NYC movers offer free bubble wrap, packing paper, tape, markers, and blankets.
- Start Packing Non-Essential Items: Begin packing items you don’t use daily. Label each box with its contents and the room it’s destined for in your new home. It’s also wise to note down which boxes contain fragile items.
- Organize School and Medical Records: Arrange for the transfer of school records if you have children. Gather copies of medical records for all family members and find new healthcare providers in your new area.
- Plan for Your Pets: If you have pets, start to consider what needs to be done for them. This plan might include finding pet-friendly accommodation for moving day and updating their microchip information.
Four Weeks Before Moving
- Confirm Your Moving Plans: If you’ve hired professional movers in NYC, get in touch to confirm your booking. If you’re doing it yourself, confirm your help and rent a truck if needed.
- Start Using Up Perishables: Begin using up items you can’t move, like frozen foods and cleaning supplies.
- Continue Packing: Keep up with the packing process, tackling one room at a time. Remember to label all boxes carefully.
- Change Your Address: Start the process of changing your address for bills, subscriptions, and other important services. Don’t forget to file a change of address with the postal office and banks before your local move.
Two Weeks Before Moving
- Continue Packing: Aim to have everything packed except for the essentials you’ll need in the last week.
- Service Your Car: If you’re driving to your new home, now is the time to get your car serviced to avoid any on-road mishaps. Most movers are quoted by hourly rate. If so, you don’t want to make them wait.
- Arrange Utility Services: Schedule a date to discontinue your current utilities and set up utilities at your new home.
- Pack Your Essentials Box: This should include everything you’ll need for the last few days before the move and the first few days in your new home.
- Plan Your Final Meals: The goal is to have nothing left in the refrigerator on a moving day.
- Confirm Moving Details: Double-check your moving plans. Confirm arrival times and make sure your movers have your correct new address and you haven’t missed anything form the moving checklist.
One Week Before Moving
- Disassemble Furniture: This will make moving day more efficient.
- Finish Packing: Aim to finish packing a few days before your moving day, except for absolute essentials.
- Deep Clean: Begin cleaning empty rooms or hire professional cleaners. This step is especially crucial if you’re moving from a rental property.
- Prepare Large Appliances: If you’re moving appliances, like a fridge or washing machine, make sure they’re cleaned, dried, and ready to go.
- Finalize Your Moving Day Plan: Confirm times with your movers and plan your travel route if you’re driving to the new location.
On Moving Day
- Supervise the Load-in: If you’ve hired movers, be present to supervise and answer any questions.
- Do a Final Walkthrough: Before leaving for the last time, check every room, closet, and cabinet to ensure nothing is left behind.
- Clean Your Old Home: Leave it in good shape for the next residents.
- Hand Over the Keys: Once everything is out, lock up, hand over or leave the keys, and say your goodbyes to the old place.
Local Moving Checklist: After The Move
Well done! You’ve successfully made it through the most challenging part of the moving process. Now it’s time to settle into your new place by following the next steps on our local moving checklist.
After Moving Day
- Unpack Essentials: Start with your essentials box. Set up the beds and bathroom first.
- Check Utilities: Ensure all utilities are working as they should be.
- Change Your Locks: For safety, change the locks of your new home.
- Get to Know the Neighborhood: Take a walk or drive around your new area to locate essential spots.
- Meet the Neighbors: Start building new relationships in your community.
- Continue Unpacking: Prioritize the kitchen and main living area, then proceed to other rooms.
- Host a Housewarming Party: Once settled, consider hosting a housewarming party to meet your neighbors.
- Register your Vehicle and Update your Driver’s License: If you moved to a new state, update the address on your license and register your vehicle.
- Enjoy Your New Home: Finally, take a moment to relax and appreciate your new surroundings.
Relocating doesn’t have to be overwhelming with our comprehensive local moving checklist. By planning ahead, your move can be smooth and less stressful. Remember, each move is unique, and you can adapt this guide to your needs. Allow for some flexibility to handle any unexpected hiccups.
Look at this as an opportunity for a fresh start, a chance to declutter and reorganize. Approach it with a positive mindset, and you’ll be settling into your new home in no time. Happy moving!
