The Moving Countdown - What to Do and When to Do It
Moving is a major ordeal whether your living in a house, an apartment or even a dorm. Every time I’ve moved for about two months before the move I constantly had a feeling like “I know I should be doing something….but what? And when?” I think I’ve finally got it. “The countdown” will give you a good idea of all the tasks that need to be taken care of before the big day, and your timeline for doing them. Don’t get overwhelmed. If you break up your responsibilities over time your move can be much more relaxed.
Six weeks to moving day
■ Give notice to your landlord if you are renting an apartment or house. Even if your lease will expire at that time it is still a good idea to let the manager know. Even more important is if you are on a month to month lease agreement. In that case, even though a month notice is probably sufficient, the landlord will appreciate a six week notice. If nothing else, it could deter a legal battle in the future.
Five weeks to moving day
■ Decide whether you want to use a professional moving company. If so, this is the time to contact them to make arrangements. Research several companies, both local and national to find out what they offer and negotiate prices.
■ Start to weed through your stuff to get rid of the things you are absolutely sure you don’t want to bring to the new location. Although you may think five weeks beforehand is too early, you’ll be happy you did.
Four weeks before moving date
■ Have a garage sale or start bringing loads to a local charity. Once you get rid of all the “no’s” and “maybes” you’ll feel a lot more relieve and your space will be much easier to work in when cleared.
Three weeks to moving date
■ Start sorting your documents. This is something you’ll be doing at every step of the move but make sure that you have every document you need. You don’t want to get to moving day without documents that need attention in your current city. Put all paperwork in a safe place along with your legal, medical and insurance information.
■ Get boxes. You don’t necessarily have to pay for boxes. Go to your local grocery store and talk to the employees in the produce department. Apple boxes are the best because they have a top that covers the entire box and holes for ventilation. Usually, the store will set them aside for you, but remember to call the day before; most stores unload their shipments early in the morning. Plan on picking boxes up several times, they probably won’t have enough for you in just one visit, and chances are you won’t fit that many in your vehicle as the boxes are not broken down. If you don’t have the time to spend on getting your boxes this way, you can go to your local mail center (US Post Office, Mail boxes, etc., and stores of the like). They will typically charge between $1.00-$6.00 per box, depending upon the size.
Two weeks to moving day
■ Change your address. You can obtain a change of address notification form at your local post office or online.
■ Change all newspaper and magazine subscriptions. Inform family and friends of your new address.
■ Contact your utilities providers to discontinue services for the day after you move. Also, call new utility companies to ensure you will have service the day you arrive.
■ Get your car serviced. Most likely you’ll be doing a substantial amount of driving to your new location. Also, the first couple of weeks in your new home will be busy. Take care of your vehicle now so you don’t have to worry about it when you get there.
Ten days before moving day
■ Call the moving company if using one to confirm pick up and drop off time and location.
One week before moving day
■ Check again to make sure you have all important documents. It may be a good idea to stop by your dentist, doctors, lawyer and school offices’ to get a copy of any records. You may need them in your new location and it can be more of a hassle to obtain such documents if you’re not in person.
■ Use up perishable foods that will not be moving with you.
■ Contact your insurance company to ensure that your personal belongings are covered during the move. You also want to make sure to take any necessary steps to continue coverage to your new home.
■ Take an inventory of your belonging. Record serial numbers of electronics. It may be a good idea to take photographs of high value items in case of an accident caused by the moving company.
One week before moving day
■ put aside an extra bag or laundry basket for random items left around the house at the last minute. Make sure to reserve space for this in the moving truck.
■ Get maps for your journey. Either buy a map or print one out from mapquest.com or a similar service. If you don’t like using maps be sure to get exact driving directions. Compare routes with the movers, you don’t want to get there after they do.
■ Close your bank account. Withdraw some cash for odds and ends during the move. At the very minimum, you may want to offer a small tip to the movers or the people in which you recruit to help you.
■ Recruit help
■ Make arrangements for a place to stay the night before you leave. Your house will be empty.
■ Pack a separate bag that stays with your during the move. It should include:
Cleaning supplies.
Sheets and towels
A utility knife
Hammer
Screwdriver
Important documents
Light bulbs
A flashlight with extra batteries
Tape
If you own a cell phone, make sure to pack the charger or power cord
If you own a laptop, pack the computer and any cords necessary
An extra set of keys to your new house or apartment and vehicle
Important phone numbers, including the phone number for the moving company
If renting, the phone number of your landlord in case of any questions upon arrival
Pillow
Pajamas
At least one set of clothing
A travel sized shampoo and or conditioner
A bar of soap
One plate and set of silverware if you’re planning on eating in your first night at the new location
Paper towels and/ rags for cleaning
Broom or mop
The Day before the move
■ Get gas
■ Make sure your house or apartment is completely empty
■ Pack your car
■ Make sure a bag with all important documents and directions is near the passenger’s seat.
■ If you like to listen to music, pack all cd's in a place close to the driver’s seat
■ Make any last minute phone calls
■ Sleep at a friends house or hotel (at this point you shouldn’t have any beds, sheets, etc)
Moving Day!
■ Double check cabinets, drawers, closets and storage areas for forgotten items
■ Get to your new residence before the movers if possible. Usually they require payment before they unload, have a check ready
■ If you own any animals, keep them out of the way of the movers. Allow them to get adjusted to the new area before letting them off a leash
After moving
■ Update or transfer your drivers license, car registration and insurance
■ Find doctors, hospitals, veterinarians, dentists and other health care professionals.
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