Moving is undoubtedly quite a job to do. You have to organize each step of the moving process meticulously if you want to enjoy a stress-free relocation. Take the lead and arrange your move to the very detail in advance. It’s all up to you whether you will experience a smooth move or a troublesome one.
Making a moving checklist is an essential step you can undertake to guarantee your successful moving trip. Sometimes disregarding even a small detail can turn a job into a nightmare. Lists are great way to organize all your activities, so use them. It would be perfect if you could take a few days off work or your other daily duties just to organize yourself the whole move, but can you afford it. This time we will say a word about how to make a moving checklist and turn your moving into a cool and pleasant job.
Moving Checklist Tips
Make a moving checklist regardless of what type of move you are performing – local, interstate or international. Plan your time, stick to the schedule.
Here are a few ideas on how to make a moving checklist:
- On Paper – You can write it down on a piece of paper, but you risk loosing it in the process.
- A Word document – You can start by drafting it in MS Word or Excel, but keep in mind that you’ll have to pack your electronics in a certain time during the process.
- Printable checklists – There are some pre-filled printable moving checklists out there you can use right away. They usually cover the most important items. The disadvantage is that you cannot add or modify items.
- In your phone – The best way is to have it with you all the time. This can be achieved by using an appropriate moving-related application. For example, if you own a smartphone you can download our My Move app for iPhone, Android and Kindle Fire for free. There is an inbuilt pre-populated moving checklist and the best thing is that you can add items of your own.
Once you select the most convenient option for you, you can start making your checklist. Here are some things to consider.
Moving Checklist and Household Items
Make a checklist with all the household items that are to be moved. Bear in mind that all fragile belongings such as electronics, antiques, china, or bulky items such as pianos need special handling. When contacting movers let them know if you have items that will need a professional approach.
Moreover, there are things that you are not allowed to pack and move. Plants and hazardous materials – acid, pesticides, motor oil, gasoline, all heat sensitive fluids etc. are prohibited to be transported unless they are secured in accordance with the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration safety regulations. If you want to transport such hazardous materials, you need to take care of them separately. You can dispose of them or you can look for a carrier that has the permit to transport hazardous materials.
Mind that your moving costs are based on the weight of the shipment if you are relocating interstate. Get rid of all your belongings you are not using anymore. You can organize a sale or give to charity all the items that are still usable. This way you will save money on your moving. Want to know how much your move will cost? Fill out the fast and easy moving cost estimator to have a better idea about your future moving expenses! Plan your move in advance.
Moving Checklist and Packing
All you need for your relocation at the simple click of a button. You can use the interactive moving checklist with the My Move app for iPhone and Android.
One of the most frustrating and time-consuming job during the move is packing. Your moving checklist must involve a list with all the belongings that are to be packed. If you are packing yourself, consider that you will need to get various packing supplies – from the boxes and coverings to the protective packing materials such as cushions, bubble wrap etc.
Also, let your movers, in case you are hiring a full service moving company, know about all the items that might need custom-made crating. If you have valuables such as paintings and sculptures to pack, you’d better consult a moving expert.
Regardless of who is going to pack your household items, make sure that your moving checklist covers the content of each box thoroughly. Write descriptive labels on the boxes and make the unpacking process less annoying.
Moving Checklist and Utilities
Your moving checklist continues with a list of all the important utilities and service providers you must give notice to about the change of your address:
- Government Offices - State/Federal Tax Bureaus, Social Security Administration, Department of Motor Vehicles, City/County Tax Assessor;
- Utility Companies – Electric, Gas, Water, Internet, Cable & Satellite;
- Personal Accounts - Bank/Finance Company, Credit Card Companies, Insurance Company;
- Personal service providers - doctors, accountant, lawyer, broker;
- Subscriptions – newspapers, magazines, journals;
In order to change your address you have to go to the Post Office or better fill their online form for address change. Here is more info on changing address when moving.
While making your moving checklist, do not miss to tell all your friends and relatives your new address.
Moving with Kids Checklist
If you are relocating with your kids, then your moving checklist must involve a list with all of your kids’ engagements – from the kindergarten and school classes to the leisure activities. You have to arrange all the paperwork with the new school in advance, so consider what the best time to move is. Relocation can be quite stressful for some children. Yours may need more time to adjust, so give them the time. The best thing you can do to make the moving more pleasant is to involve your kids into the whole relocation process. Encourage them. Fresh start is always a challenge.
Moving Checklist for International Moves
If you are about to relocate out of State, your moving checklist must include all the government contacts you have to make prior the move. Visit the website of the US Embassy and find out all the travel information concerning visas and passports for your international move. And if you have questions, contact a government representative.
Assign your employees with different tasks to help you with the office move.
Your moving checklist in case of out of state move must include contacts of the local US Embassy in the country you are about to move. If there is any problem with your passport you have to ask for assistance at the nearest Embassy Office.
Moving your Business – Checklist
Moving a business needs a lot more time to be executed as there are many people involved in it. First and most important is to plan your time and set a moving budget. Organize your employees to participate in the moving process. Include a list with all the assignments in your moving office checklist. Here is a complete printable list with the jobs you have to do prior moving your business. Download it and stick to it!
Moving Checklist App
You can significantly ease the whole moving process with the MyMove App. Manage every step of your moving – from the searching for movers to the calculation of your moving costs. You can add notes to remind you for the important tasks you have to complete. All the tips and guides for fast and easy relocation at your hand. Enjoy your smooth move!
Organize your time well. Time is the most valuable asset. Spend it reasonably.
Have another suggestion on how to make a moving checklist for your move? Make a comment! Have questions? Let the experts at MyMovingReviews help you.
