Keeping the whole relocation process under control is the top priority when moving interstate since there are hundreds of different tasks to do. That’s why having a moving to-do list is the best way not to skip any essential detail, and here is everything you should include in it.
Create a List of Things to Do When Moving Into a New House Weeks in Advance
Is there a checklist for moving? Relocating to a new home means there will be some tasks related to preparing the living space according to your needs. No matter if there is a need for painting, small repairs, or choosing furniture pieces, all of those small tasks should be included in the moving list of things to do. Here are some essential details to take care of when preparing to relocate to another place.
What All Do I Need to Do When I Move? Perform the Final Inspection and Schedule All Repairs in Your Future Home
The first thing to do when preparing for relocation to the new living space is to make a final inspection. This check should entail:
- Pest control,
- Electrical and plumbing installations,
- HVAC system,
- Roof, foundation, and floors,
- Appliances that go with the house,
- Anything else you find important (like radon or asbestos check).
Since all those checks are complicated to perform, it is highly recommended to hire a professional home inspector. This way, you’ll get a detailed report on the property condition weeks prior to relocation day and have some idea of the amount of money you need to invest so your future home can meet your expectations.
What Is the First Thing to Do When Moving? If You’re Relocating With Kids, Make Sure to Adjust the New Living Space to Keep Them Safe
Relocating with toddlers usually makes parents think of any potential safety risks within a home and solutions to keep their little ones safe. Baby proofing a house is an essential step to make the living environment safe for kids, so ensure to check all the tips other parents shared in the video below and save yourself from unnecessary worrying!
Organize the Packing Process and Detailed Decluttering
The packing process is, undeniably, the most important part of organizing your move, and that’s why everything has to be perfectly planned. The tasks related to decluttering will take the greatest part of your relocation checklist. Here is how to organize it and efficiently pack all the items you can use in the new home.
Decluttering Is the Most Effective Way to Downsize for the Move
Deciding what to keep and what to get rid of is the very first step in creating a moving packing list. Decluttering is essential for a couple of reasons. First, the more items you want to bring, the higher the costs of interstate relocation will be. Second, there is no point in taking unnecessary things to the new living space and cluttering it from the get-go. Lastly, if you’re relocating from a house to an apartment, i.e., a smaller place, you’ll definitely have to minimize the number of items.
However, for many people, decluttering can be a pretty emotional process because they are attached to their stuff. Since this could be an emotionally draining process, it is highly advised to start the decluttering process at least six weeks in advance. This period will give you enough time to establish the decision-making process on what to keep or get rid of and finish everything before the relocation day.
Another great tip when it comes to decluttering is to start with the areas you rarely use, like basements, attics, or garages. Once you finish with those rooms, the next step is to go through all the clothes, shoes, and other items movers won’t move and decide how to get rid of them in the most efficient way. Charities, successful garage sales, and recycling centers provide a variety of acceptable solutions, so make sure to choose the most appropriate one.
Get All the Packing Materials You Need to Protect Your Items Properly
Getting all the packing materials you might possibly need and learning proper techniques to protect your stuff is a step you won’t be able to do without. Not only will it speed up the whole process, but it will also help you keep your items safe during transportation. So don’t forget to come up with a checklist of all materials to get that will be your best allies during this period:
- Bubble wrap,
- Foam peanuts,
- Hard cardboard boxes or plastic boxes,
- Already used cartons (liquor stores and local grocery shops are best places to get free boxes),
- Duct tape.
Designate a Pack Zone in the Home to Keep the Rest of the Area Neat
Keeping all your packed boxes in one place is the best way to avoid an unnecessary mess in the rest of the home. If you live in a two-story residence, make sure that this zone is on the ground floor and near the entrance. This will help your movers load the boxes into the truck more quickly.
Decide Whether You’ll Need to Rent a Storage Unit
If your living space is not big enough, and you don’t have room to create a packing zone, then renting a storage unit will be the right choice. This way, all your packed items will be ready to move, and you won’t be forced to live in chaos.
If you decide to rent a storage unit, keep in mind that many relocation companies offer free storage units for a certain period of time, as well as discounted rates after that time is up. So don’t forget to take advantage of this offer and decide what works better with your budget.
Don’t Forget to Create a Moving Inventory List to Claim Insurance in Case of Damage
Having a printable inventory listing of all possessions you plan to move is essential. In case any of your belongings get damaged, you’ll need to get a claim and prove the condition of the item at the moment of boxing up. Also, when it comes to some valuables, make sure to get photos or videos and record voice descriptions, so the condition of the item is presented in the best possible way.
Another useful tip is to check if an insurance policy is included in your quote since relocation companies offer free insurance when you use their services. If they offer an insurance policy, but you’re not satisfied with the covered sum, you can always go for an upgrade.
Hire Reliable State to State Movers and Schedule the Relocation Day at Least Three Months in Advance
Having a stress-free move is possible when professional movers are in charge of your relocation. Not only are they supposed to provide you with impeccable moving services, but they are also expected to lead you through the whole relocation process and give you all the necessary instructions and assistance.
However, finding a reliable company is a process in itself, so the best tip would be not to rush with decisions when hiring movers. Always make sure to check a few companies, compare their quotes, and check online reviews. Also, check their USDOT and MC numbers, and find out if they are fully licensed. Once all those conditions are met, it means it is safe to book a relocation with the company.
Check What Auto-Transport Options the Company Provides and Prepare Your Car for Shipping
Finding a company that provides auto-shipping along with other services is the easiest way to keep everything under control. Moreover, this will help you lower your costs because companies usually give special prices to those customers who combine those services.
Notify All Relevant Parties About the Upcoming Relocation and Deal With the Paperwork
Once you’re sure about when the relocation day is about to happen, another task to add to the checklist is to inform your employer about the upcoming relocation and set the last working day. Also, notify other parties when relocating and deal with the following paperwork at least two weeks prior to the relocation date.
Ensure to contact all utility providers and cancel or transfer utilities if they cover the area you’re relocating to. Also, change the address when you move in all your documents like:
- IDs,
- Driving licenses,
- Voter registration,
- Medical records (especially if you’re relocating with a newborn),
- Banks, accountants, and all other financial institutions,
- IRS.
And, of course, don’t forget to update the address with the USPS, because this is the only way to receive all your letters and packages on time.
Fun fact: Believe it or not, documents are the most commonly forgotten things to pack.
What Should I Do the Week Before Moving Day?
The week before the relocation date will be the most exhausting period that will require sharp focus and a lot of physical strength to deal with the relocation to a new state. Here are all the tasks to cross out from your to-do list for moving at the very finish of the relocation process!
Finish Boxing Up and Prepare a Box of Essentials
Having all the boxes properly packed, closed, and labeled is the finishing point of relocation. This is a perfect time to start to pack your kids’ belongings, toys, and all other trinkets.
Also, this is a great moment to pack the box of essentials which will be especially useful during the big day. Clothes, toiletries, linen, and towels, enough for at least two weeks, are necessary to be prepared.
Clean the Old and the New House
Detailed cleaning of both houses is a necessary step because you don’t want to leave a mess nor to move into a new place that has not been sanitized, cleaned, and perfectly neat. However, this requires real hard work, so consider hiring a professional cleaning agency that will help you with both properties. Also, you can divide this procedure into stages and do the cleaning over a few weeks since there is no way to clean the whole house in a day.
Prepare the Car for Shipping and Confirm the Pick-Up and Delivery Points
If you’ve decided to ship your vehicle, then there are a few preparatory steps to take. The first step is to clean it in detail and take out all the trinkets, documents, and other stuff. Also, getting your car to the mechanic to confirm that everything is functioning properly is another necessary step, so ensure to book this appointment in advance, too.
Another detail to keep in mind is to contact the auto shipping company again and confirm the pick-up and delivery points and times. So when creating a checklist, don’t forget to include all the tasks related to car shipping.
Interstate Moving Will Be Child’s Play if You Follow This Checklist
Moving state-to-state is everything but an easy process. But once you have a plan and a checklist, you’ll be on the way to becoming a real relocation expert! Just don’t leave anything for the last minute, finish everything on time, and keep up with the progress on your checklist. With the help of reliable movers, having control over the relocation to a new house won’t be that difficult at all.
