When planning for a move, there is so much to do and the fact that it is a local move doesn’t make it any less stressful.
As overwhelming as it can be, however, moving doesn’t always have to be so. In fact, a lot of the stress associated with a move, bar the financial costs involved, has to do with planning (or lack of it rather).
When you take your time to properly research, plan, and organize your move, you would be surprised how smooth it can turn out.
And that’s where a moving checklist comes in.
Of course, if you are entrusting the entire process to NYC local movers in what is known as a full-service move that covers everything from packing on one side, to unpacking and arranging on the other end, you can put your feet up and let them handle things for you.
But even then, you’ll still need to come up with a plan because the moving company won’t handle everything for you per se.
For instance, only you know what items you want to take with you or donate, so the sorting of your possessions is up to you. The mover also cannot sell items on the flea market on your behalf, should you decide to sell some stuff.
Here is a simple checklist for local moving that isn’t a pain to put together.
3 Months Before Move
- Create a checklist
When the three months prior to moving day elapse as quickly as they’re bound to, you’ll be happy that you took the time to create a checklist early in advance.
- Start the purge
Now is the most ideal time to start combing through your belongings to determine what items you need to keep and what needs to go out. That charity or flea market idea we just alluded to? This is the part where you actualize it.
Consider holding a garage sale or choose items you can give away to your favorite charity or hold a garage sale. Dispose everything else you think warrants throwing out.
Trimming down on the items you’ll be moving will also trim down something else: your moving bill.
- Find a mover
Don’t wait until last minute to start your search for a mover.
Not only does booking a mover in advance allow for proper preparation (not to mention it’s considerably cheaper) but also the reputable, dependable ones tend to fill up their dates early which could leave you with dodgy outfits to choose from.
Opt for a mover with proper licensing, a good track record, and one who offers an array of moving services.
2 Months Before Move
- Create an inventory list
Now that you have sorted out your stuff and decided what you will be taking with you, make a list of everything for insurance purposes.
Do an estimate of how much your preferred moving insurance will cost by estimating the value of your possessions.
- Source your supplies
Whether you will be searching for these yourself or getting them from your mover, you need to start sourcing your supplies in advance.
It is at this point that you should also decide if you will be doing the packing DIY or have the mover do it for you.
- Change of address
To ensure your mail service is not interrupted when you move to your new place, fill out the change of address forms in advance.
- Notify school
If you have kids and are moving to a different neighborhood within your state, notify the current schools about the move and reach out to the new potential schools to learn about their enrollment process.
1 Month Before Move
- Start packing
Approach the packing process in a methodical fashion. Ideally, do it room-by-room, packing anything that will not be in use within the month before moving day.
This applies to everything from clothing to dishes, art and décor items, etc. Choose what items you will transport yourself (think jewelry and family heirlooms) and set them aside.
- Work arrangements
If you will be retaining the current job after moving house, make sure to make arrangements at work for the days you will be off duty.
2 Weeks Before Move
- Return items
If your move will take you out of your current city, organize for a return and collection of all borrowed items.
- Utilities
Reach out to all your utility providers and let them know which date you will be moving out/in to avoid a disruption of service.
Don’t forget to call your new location before your arrival to verify that everything is running as normal.
1 Week Before Move
- Travel bag
As much as you’re moving within your state, having a travel bag that carries each individual’s clothes that will be used on moving day and first day at the new place as you unpack can save you the frustration of rummaging through boxes.
- Move-in box
While the travel bag carries the clothing, a move-in box can be used to pack all items that will be needed right away once you get to the new house.
These include essentials such as cleaning supplies.
- Refill prescriptions
You surely do not want to run out of your medication during the move or the first few days at the new location, although this will depend on the accessibility of pharmacists in the area.
Still, it’s always best to be prepared, so make sure to refill any prescriptions you may have.
- Consult your vet
If you’re a pet owner, seek your vet’s advice about traveling with your animal friend. They can prescribe anti-anxiety or anti-nausea drugs to help keep your pet’s stress levels at bay.
- Gather your records
Don’t forget to gather all family and pet medical records before the move. As well, ask for referrals for your new location.
- Clean up furniture
The importance of dusting and cleaning your furniture pre-move is to avoid getting “dirty” furniture into your new home. You can always dust again when you move in.
Moving Day
- Beds
If you have hired a moving company, you can simply strip then leave the dismantling of the beds to them.
- Meet the movers
You need to be on location when the movers arrive or have a designated person meet them so all the relevant documents can be signed and have the work start right away.
Make sure the mover has the right address, and also confirm the delivery time at your new home.
- Check out the new place
In an ideal scenario, you would arrive ahead of the movers to make sure everything is okay before the movers arrive.
Conclusion
A local moving checklist doesn’t have to be a big deal.
With these key issues addressed, you’ll have covered the most important bases, which should make your move a smoother process.
