Moving home is stressful, there’s no doubt about it. It can seem almost impossible to keep up with what to do and when to do it with so much to do. While most things can go in the “put it off until tomorrow” folder, house moving needs precision planning if you don’t want to be tearing your hair out near to moving day. Don’t worry though, help is at hand! Here is our guide to help you out – follow it carefully so you’re not frazzled with the big move!
6 weeks before the move:
It seems a long way off, but now it’s time to start taking stock of your possessions. Make an inventory of everything you own, throwing away and donating anything you don’t want along the way. Make a special inventory for precious or expensive items that you will either bring with you or send insured through a postal service.
5 weeks before the move:
Make travel arrangements, including flights, hotels, and car rentals. If driving across the country, it’s time to make sure your vehicle is in order by checking in at your local mechanic.
4 weeks before the move:
Choose a moving company. There may be items they won’t ship, so it’s worth checking with the company and making arrangements to send them separately.
Notify utility companies of your moving date.
Buy packing boxes, tape and labels.
3 weeks before the move:
Begin to pack any and all items you are not using and can live without for the time being. Label them carefully and clearly – you will also need to unpack in the correct order when you move in, so add a numbering system to your labels – you might want kitchen supplies to be unpacked first, for example.
2 weeks before the move:
Fill out any change of address forms, including bank accounts, doctor and dental, and subscription services.
Contact schools and transfer records.
1 week before the move:
Confirm dates for travel arrangements and with your moving company.
Make a box of essential items for the day and night of your move – items like toilet paper, towels, medicines and snacks should all be on hand for convenience when you first move in.
Pack your belongings, moving from room to room. As you pack, take photos of furniture with the potential to be damaged during the move – you may need to prove this later on.
Throw away or use any perishables such as freezer items and other food. Make sure this is gone quickly – if possible eat out or order in for the last few days before your move.
Moving Day
As your belongings are unpacked, cross them off your inventory.
Say hi to your new neighbours!
