- Purchase a journal or use a coiled binder, and keep notes on your move. Include "to do" lists, reminders, phone conversations and what you've already accomplished.
- Obtain a floor plan of your new residence, if possible, to help organize new furniture layouts and picture placement.
- Get familiar with your new neighborhood. (ex. location of local grocery stores, drug stores, gas stations, etc.)
- Take an inventory of all household goods, now is the time to go through your personal items and decide what will with you and what will be sold, donated, or thrown away.
- Decide if you're going to move yourself or hire professionals, and if so secure a reservation.
- Make a running list of contacts you need to notify of your change of address. Keep it handy (on the refrigerator) so you can add to it as the days tick by. Or print out the Change of Address checklist to ensure you don't miss anyone.
- Start collecting packing supplies you'll need (buy extras so ensure you don’t run out).
- Pack all important documents, such as wills, titles, stock certificates, medical records and prescriptions, and other one of a kind items (jewelry, photos, etc.) separately, and place in a safe location you will remember.
- Contact your insurance agent to transfer medical, property, fire and auto insurance.
- Complete any home improvements/repairs you have agreed to do.
4 Weeks Before Moving:
With a month to go before the big day, you may be feeling like you'll never get it all done, but trust me, you can! All you need to do is take a breath, stop looking at the big picture and start concentrating on the small steps.
Now, grab that red marker and let's get down to the things that should get done in the next two weeks.
Contact the Post Office for the Change of Address form or fill out the form on-line.
- Obtain a floor plan of your new residence, if possible, to help organize new furniture layouts and picture placement.
- Contact your utility and service companies to arrange the date when your service can be disconnected, and the date it is to be reconnected in your new home. This can include telephone, electricity, gas/heat, water, and phone/TV/internet. Make sure you ask that services be disconnected after your move date.
- Organize your move by deciding and making lists of what items you will pack/move and/or what items your moving company will pack/move.
- Keep packing! (or START packing). By now, you probably have a few boxes packed, maybe more, and they're starting to get in the way. If you have a spare bedroom or study or enclosed porch - any room that you don't use on a daily basis - designate that space as your "moving room". Boxes you've packed, items that need to be moved, can all be stored here. And if this isn't a space that's used much, pack its contents first so you'll have more space to work in.
2 Weeks Before Moving:
Two weeks to go... We're almost there! This is the most stressful period, when it feels like there will never be enough time to finish everything. Take a breath, you will get through it!
- Start eating items in your freezer and pantry. Try not to buy too many groceries right now or if you have to, only buy essentials and items that you'll eat in the next two weeks.
- Pack up your garage, storage space, and if applicable, basement. These areas sometimes take longer than expected so it's better not to leave them until the end.
- Continue packing. Try to label each box with what's inside, where it goes and any special instructions. Be as detailed as you can. This will make it easier when you're unpacking to know what needs to be unpacked first. You can even put a big bright sticker on the boxes that contain your essentials, for easy identification. Just make sure you put the sticker on at least two sides.
1 Week Before Moving:
With only 1 week remaining, you're probably feeling a little nervous, a little excited and very impatient. It's likely that you're running on very little sleep, so make sure you don't pack the coffee maker just yet. I find it's always one of the essentials that usually travels with me in the car, needing to keep good friends close at hand.
- Transfer bank accounts and close safety deposit boxes (if applicable).
- Pack a suitcase or box with clothes and toiletries you'll need for your move and the first night in your new home.
- Pack a box marked "Do Not Move" and use it to pack the items you'll need to survive a few days in your new home. Take this box with you in the car. Contents should include your daily essentials and items like toilet paper, paper towels, glasses/contact lenses, pet food, medication, etc., include ANYTHING you use on a day to day basis.
- Call the moving company or any other company you've hired to assist in your move. Confirm their arrival times and parking strategies and go over all arrangements to ensure everything is on track.
- Dissemble remaining furniture. Even beds can be taken apart and mattresses set on the floor. Any of the more difficult tasks you tackle now, the less stress as you near the end.
- At the beginning of the week, figure out a simple meal plan. Decide what or where you'll eat the night before your move and each night in between. Buy only those food items you need to get by.
- Finish the majority of the packing and that all boxes are clearly labeled with room destination, contents and instructions (Fragile!, This End Up!, etc...).
1-2 days Before Moving:
There are just one to two days left before you say goodbye to your old home and say hello to your new home. Probably by now you're ready to go, just wishing it would all be over, anticipating the new start. But hold on; there's still some things you need to take care of that need to be done in the next two days.
- Defrost your refrigerator and freezer. Clean it well then allow it to dry for at least 24 hours.
- Check to make sure you have all vital documents and items that you'll be taking with you: ID, directions, maps, cash, new keys, any agreements (if needed), etc... AND keep all documents related to your move within easy reach, yet where they won't get lost in the current chaos.
- Pack up a box of last minute items you'll need when you get to your new place (phone, cleaning supplies, snacks, etc.).
- Pack up your computer and all peripherals.
Moving Day!
Set your alarm early because it's moving day! This is the day you've been waiting and planning for for the past eight or so weeks and now it's finally here.
Make sure you get plenty of sleep, drink lots of coffee, and get ready for the final tasks in your soon-to-be old home.
- Pack up the remaining items such as the bedding and towels.
- When your movers arrive, go through your home with them to ensure that any fragiles or large items are identified. This will help the movers ensure your things are properly loaded and protected.
- Make sure you've placed all items not going with the mover in a separate place with all boxes well marked.
- Be available when the mover arrives and throughout the loading process (to make sure all items are loaded and in case of any questions). Make sure the moving company has your new contact info just in case. Make a final tour of your home. See that nothing is overlooked.
- Leave your new address and contact information for the new owners so that any stray pieces of mail can be forwarded.
- Take one last look around, lock all windows and doors, shut off all lights, say goodbye and lock your front door for the very last time.
- You've done it! You've moved! Congratulate yourself and get excited to make your new house your HOME...
Change of Address Checklist
Moving Tips: Moving with Pets
Take Your Time When Packing.
Stretch out your moving preparation time over several weeks. Avoid panic in the last days. Take steps to ensure that moving day is as relaxed as possible for you and your pets.
Don't Change - Maintain Your Pet's Routine.
Keep your pets' routines, such as feedings and walks, as normal as possible in the week before moving. Because dogs and cats need to feel in control, they might exhibit behavioral changes or even become ill when stressed. Treat them with the same level of attention you would ordinarily give them.
Make A Special Room For Your Pet.
A few days before moving, choose a small room to be the "pet room." Tape a sign to the door that says "Pets: Do Not Open." Make the sign large enough that friends or movers can see it easily. Move food and water bowls, as well as toys, into this room. Provide dogs and cats with sturdy carriers equipped with litterbox (for cats), chew toys, or favorite objects that have a familiar smell. Leave carrier doors open so pets can adapt to them before travel day. On moving day, keep animals in their carriers. As an alternative, consider boarding dogs and cats, or ask a friend to caretake your dogs during the last few days.
Get Tags And Leashes For Your Pets.
If you have a dog or an indoor/outdoor cat, buy or create identification tags with your new address and phone number. Be sure your pets are wearing them during the move.
Some Helpful Dog And Cat Care When Moving In:
Again, choose a small room in your new home to be the "pet room", where dogs and cats can feel secure as you move in furniture and belongings. As much as possible, have furniture, bowls, and toys in place before you let your pets out of their crates. Don't let pets outdoors without a leash until they've adapted to their new surroundings—several days to a week for cats; dogs adapt more quickly. Continue giving your pets water from home for the first few days. If your pets misbehave, consider ways to reduce their stress. If you suspect they may be ill, make a veterinary appointment. Don't punish your pets for initial misbehavior.
Cats especially will not understand, and distrusting you will only increase stress and stress-caused behaviors.
Clean up "accidents" immediately. Animals tend to repeat behaviors in the same areas, so remove odors as quickly as possible.
Moving Tips: Moving with Kids
Different children may react to moving in different ways. Some kids may become depressed and may keep crying for days because they feel they are in an alien climate. The key to making the move a success with kids is to GET THEM INVOLVED! Be upbeat from the start, and talk to your children as much as possible. Make them come up with ideas on how to make moving better and easier. Make your kids feel they are important members of the family moving team!
Expert Moving Advice for Kids of All Ages
Do not wait to inform your children about moving. Tell your kids about the move as soon as possible! It is pretty natural to assume that the less time kids have to think about moving, the easier it will be for your children. However, experts say it is actually the opposite. Kids need time to get used to the idea of moving. Don't put off telling them about moving.
Welcome your children's questions about moving.
Open lines of communication will go a long way toward helping your children feel comfortable with moving. And it's okay even if you can't answer all their questions right now. Your kid's questions can give you an idea of how they're feeling about moving — whether they're excited or uneasy. Some questions may also offer an ideal way to get them involved in the moving process, such as suggesting they get online to locate nearby libraries or parks.
Be positive and upbeat about the move.
Your attitude about the move will influence your children's attitude as well. If you dread moving, then the move will seem dreadful to them too. Be enthusiastic, upbeat, and positive about the new experiences and opportunities in store, and your children will be more likely to feel the same way.
Let your children know they can help with the move.
This is a good time to emphasize that the move is a family event and that everyone will be part of the planning, packing, and perhaps even choosing the new home. Start your kids on thinking of things they can do and how to get ready for the move. Assure your kids that their contributions, however small, will be valued and greatly appreciated. |
