Most people think they are prepared for moving day. They may have boxes and the truck scheduled, but they have yet to complete essential tasks to prepare for the big day of the move. If you are part of the 14.9 percent of the United State's population who will move this year, you must get prepared. Using this simple timeline, you can reduce the overwhelming stress of moving and prepare for an easy and efficient moving day.
A Few Months Away
Whether you have sold your home or know a lease is running out on your rental, you should begin the planning process a few months ahead of your moving day.
Use this time to start purging your home. Go through the attic, basement, sheds, garage, closets, drawers, and cabinets, and then donate, sell, or dispose of items you no longer want or need. This will reduce the time, boxes, and energy you will need to get started packing.
Use a smartphone to take photos of your home in its existing condition to help you decorate or set up items at your new residence. For example, if you have a gallery wall that you love and want to recreate in your new home, take a photo of it before taking the items off the wall to pack.
It is also helpful to take photos of electronics and components so you will know how to reconnect everything at your new home.
All moving services are different, but most companies require a few weeks of notice for your moving day. Consider scheduling the movers or moving truck at least 8 weeks in advance.
One Month Away
Once you have about a month left until your moving day, start packing. Work your way through your home, packing up items you do not use every day first. As moving day gets closer, you can pack up your everyday belongings.
Seasonal items, such as holiday decorations and apparel that will not be worn during the current season, should be packed first.
Collectibles, decorative items, books, movies, games, and toys can also be packed up early. Work on your kitchen during this time, as well. Pack away cookware, appliances, utensils, bakeware, cookbooks, and dishes that are not used every day.
When you are one month away from your moving day, contact your utility companies to cancel or move your services. Electricity, gas, cable, internet, telephone, water, waste disposal, and lawncare companies should all be advised of your upcoming move.
Schedule services to turn off a day or so after moving from the current home, since the extra time will allow you to finish moving and clean up the home. New services should be scheduled to turn on the actual day you will be moving in.
One Week Away
One week before your moving day, start packing up the leftover items. These will usually be the items you use daily. Dishes, utensils, cups, a few pots and pans, clothing, and personal items will need to be packed the last few days you are in the residence.
Use this time to pack a first-day box that will be helpful on the actual night you will be in your new place. The box should include toiletries, sleepwear, and a change of clothes for you and each member of the family. In addition, fill the bag with cleaning supplies, trash bags, paper towels, some snacks, water bottles, and juice boxes.
Contact your moving company to confirm your appointment one week before your moving day, as well.
Moving can be a tedious and stressful process, but proper planning and organization can help. By following this simple timeline that leads up to moving day, you will be physically and emotionally prepared for the moving experience.
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