Moving is a lot of work – no question about that. Organizing it and putting the activities to perform in the right order though can diminish stress and save you time (and sometimes even money). When you have an apartment to move there are a lot of things to take care of. This guide contains a checklist that will guide you during your moving and you can also download it as a pdf file and use however you feel comfortable.
Moving Your Apartment Checklist
Here is the checklist itself. Every major task to be performed is broken down into specific steps. And of course you can also find a list of things to move at your home.
Begin the organization
- Plan your moving in detail. One of the ways you can optimize that is by using MyMove phone app which is free. You can use your mobile to make lists and take notes or look for a reputable moving company.
- Arrange the change of your address – this means post office, bank, school/ daycare, doctor, dentist, IRS, etc.
- Be flexible in your arrangements. Plan some extra time in situations where you can expect some delay. For example if you foresee a possible traffic at the time of arriving at your new neighborhood arrange another time if possible.
- If you want to leave part of your things at a storage separate them before packing and arrange their transportation first. That should give you more space to pack the rest.
Organize the packing
- Make an inventory sheet with what you are going to pack. Get rid of the rest – donate, give away or sell – however you decide.
- Pack room by room to avoid confusion between your belongings when unpacking.
- Prepare your packing materials. You can purchase them at a store or online or ask the movers if they can provide you with some.
- Do not pack valuable items like jewels – take them with you on moving day or place them in a deposit box for their safety.
Make a list with the items you are moving room by room - living roo, kids' room, bathroom, etc.
List of things to get rid of before moving out
- Anything broken, torn apart and worn out
- Clothes that don’t fit
- Broken shoes
- Perishable food
- Trash
- Flammable materials
- Gas (in the lawn mower or car if it is being shipped)
- Chemicals
List of things to pack for moving
Corridor/ Entrance-hall/ Foyer
- Shoe shelves
- Shoes
- Shoe polish
- Shoe brush
- Cabinet
- Wall mirror
- Hangers
- Jackets
Living room
- Table
- Chairs
- Couch
- Armchairs
- TV
- DVD
- Computer/ laptop
- Laptop case
- Radio
- Floor lamp
- Camera
- Cupboards
- Books
- Bookcase
- CD’s
- Curtains
- Bed
- TV
- Sheets
- Blankets
- Pillows
- Pillow cases
- Wardrobe
- Clothes
- Hangers
- Iron
- Ironing board
- Vacuum cleaner
- Alarm clock
Children’s room
- Bed
- Pillows
- Pillow cases
- Sheets
- Toys
- Books
- Textbooks
- Clothes
- Desk
- Chair
- Computer
- Desk lamp
- Window curtains
- Alarm clock
Kitchen
- Table
- Chairs
- Curtains
- Electric appliances
- Cupboards
- Hand towels
- Table cloth
- Cups
- Glasses
- Dishes
- Bowls
- Cutlery (knives, spoons, forks)
- Knife sharpener
- Cutting boards
- Vegetable peeler
- Cooking utensils (pots, pans, serving plates, ladle, tongs)
- Cookware set
- Measuring cups
- Can opener
- Any decoration – statuettes, figures, etc.
- Wastebin
Bathroom
- Rugs
- Mat
- Shower curtains
- Medicines
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrushes
- Hairbrush
- Toiletries (soap, shower gel, shampoo, hair conditioner)
- Cosmetics (body lotion, cream, face moisturizer, make up)
- Hair dryer
- Towels
- Scale
- Waste bin
- Clothes basket
- Drying rack
- Broom
- Mop
- Detergents
- Garbage bags
Garage/ Storage
- Fire extinguisher
- Tools (hammer, wrench, etc.)
- Lawn mower
- Flash light
- Batteries
- Christmas decoration
- Spare car/ lawn mower parts
Other
- Home decoration
- Cat/ dog/ other animal and its accessories
- Plants
- Wall paintings
- Antiques
- Boxes
Documentation
- Birth certificates
- Passports
- Mortgage/ doctor/ dentist/ school/ daycare/ vet records
- Car papers
- Insurance contracts
- Loans contracts
- Tax papers
- Credit cards
- Contracts with utility companies (at your new home)
- Moving insurance papers
- Your inventory sheet
- Parking permit
- The truck driver’s phone number (he should also have yours)
Finding the right mover
- Of course it all begins with getting a quote. This is how you can estimate which price is good for you. Also contacting a mover will allow you to see if their work is professional.
Choosing a company to move your apartment means finding one with good reputation.
- Remember that a mover has to be not only registered and licensed but also with a good reputation. Check for the performance of a moving company at the Better Business Bureau.
- Read some company reviews to save time and money – a new survey proves this point right.
- Preferably hire a mover with more experience. It won’t automatically guarantee you a perfect moving but it is one of the preconditions.
Moving
- Pick things up from the drycleaners and return DVD’s and books to the library.
- Make an “open first” box with some essentials you will need on the first day at your new home.
- Prepare all of your moving documentation in one file. When the movers arrive read before you sign. And don’t pay any money without a document that is binding. It may seem like obvious but sometimes it is exactly those little things that can be missed.
- Make a floor plan and give it to the movers. When unloading that is one of the ways to direct them where to place every box.
- Before you leave check every premise in your home to make sure you haven’t forgotten something.
Additional useful reading:
How to Avoid Moving Scams – Info & Guide
Moving Taxes Deduction
Finding Economy Moving Companies
What else do you think is important to put in your checklist when moving your apartment? Your are welcome to share your ideas!
