The difference between a chaotic move and a successful one comes down to planning and organization. Moving can be stressful, but with these tips and a timeline to follow, you’ll have a smooth, organized move.
Moving Checklist:
6 Weeks Prior
- Research moving options and decide if you’re going to move on your own or use professional moving services.
- If you’ve decided to use professional services, book as soon as possible. The last three days of the month are the busiest for movers, so try scheduling six weeks in advance.
- Make sure you read your moving agreement, some movers will only move boxes. You’ll want to make sure you have purchased enough boxes or approved materials before packing your home.
- Do a home walkthrough to decide what you’re taking with you, donating or selling.
- If selling, be sure to visit ADT.com/resources/online-scams for safety tips on online selling. Don’t fall for online scams!
1 Month Prior
- Submit a change of address online at USPS.gov and have mail forwarded.
- Schedule service changes or stop dates on utilities and monthly deliveries.
- Go online or call your utility providers to start/stop or transfer services for your new home and transfer any existing subscriptions to the new address.
- Update your insurance information.
- You’ll want to make sure that before you move, you are protected at your new place.
- Contact ADT to set up or transfer service to your new location.
- Donate any unwanted clothing or furniture.
2 Weeks Prior
- Begin packing and start with your out of season items that you aren’t using so you still have access to your daily use items.
- Label all boxes clearly. There are several systems that can help you stay organized, like assigning a tape color label to every room, such as green for living room or grey for bathroom. Or, try numbering every box and having a corresponding spreadsheet that lists out each box’s contents.
1 Week Prior
- Verify moving information with movers if you are using a professional service.
- Schedule an off-site babysitter or care arrangements for children and pets.
2 Days Prior
- Finish packing. Only leave out items you can’t live without.
- Use a clear container for these items so you can quickly locate where they are when moving into your new home as well.
- Make sure you keep all valuables and important documents with you.
Moving Day
- Pack final items in a clear container.
- Greet your movers and walk them through the house to make sure there are no questions about any instructions or items that require special handling.
- Do a final sweep of your home and make sure all items are removed.
- Relax! You did it, and while there are lots of boxes to unpack, you’re organized and know exactly where things are in your new home. Order a pizza, get some fresh air or have some friends over to celebrate.
