As a kid we moved a lot and I thought the moving process was fun! A new house and neighborhood to discover, sorting through and organizing things, and a new beginning. It was all a game to me. Then I moved when I was older and it wasn’t quite so much fun anymore. Such a list of things to do, items not to forget, not to mention all the time it took. Yes, I still enjoyed getting rid of things and the organization but it wasn’t quite the adventure I’d had as a child. So, I searched Pinterest and did plenty of Googling to discover ways to make this big task seem a little smaller and I’m now passing on my findings to you. You’ll find below a checklist/timeline of things to make sure you do and some helpful tips to make the moving process a little easier.

The essential things to do and plan in advance

  • Research and hire a mover 6 weeks before the big day.
  • Fill out a change of address form at the post office 2-3 weeks before.
  • Notify utility companies 2 weeks prior to your move. Schedule them to turn off at your old home the day after you move and turn on at the new home a couple days before the move in date.
  • Call a locksmith and schedule to have your new locks changed on moving day.
  • Arrange for a cleaning company to clean the new place a day or two before your move date.
  • Have records transferred to new schools.
  • Change address with creditors and financial institutions.
  • Research cable, internet, and phone providers in your new area and setup appointments for service installation.
  • Pre-order new checks with your change of address.
  • Fill and transfer prescriptions a week before.
  • Withdraw cash for unexpected expenses during the move.
  • Properly dispose of flammable items that can’t be transported.
  • Unplug and defrost the refrigerator 1-2 days before packing it into the truck.
  • Empty gas and oil out of your lawn mower and weed eater.
  • Backup all computers.
  • Take a family photo in your old home before leaving.
  • Enjoy the journey. It’s a new adventure!

Helpful tips to make the moving process easier

  • Keep your hanging clothes still on the hanger. Rubberband about 15 hangers together and cover the clothes with a trash bag.
  • Pack a first night box with these items:
    • Toilet Paper
    • Paper Towels
    • Scissors
    • Toothbrush and Toothpaste
    • Shampoo and Conditioner
    • Towels
    • Pajamas
    • Outfit for the next day
    • First aid kit
  • Pack a first day basket with disposable plates, cups, cutlery, and napkins.
  • Before you pack or during the process purge everything.
  • Use clothes, scarves, towels, etc. to wrap breakable items.
  • The first thing to do once you’ve unloaded the truck…make the bed.
  • Label the side of the boxes as well as the top.
  • Color code each box according to the room it will be moved into. Place a piece of matching colored paper on the door or door frame of each room.
  • If moving a short distance, take out the dresser drawers and leave clothes inside. Place a garbage bag over the clothes.
  • Keep kitchen items inside the drawers and cover with plastic wrap.
  • Pack socks into your boots and shoes.
  • Fill your suitcases with items that need to be packed.
  • Place books in rolling suitcases.
  • Pack cleaning supplies in their own box.
  • Tape screws and bolts on the back of furniture and hanging decor pieces.
  • Use toilet paper and paper towel tubes to keep wires and cables organized.
  • Put essential appliances (like the coffee maker) and food items (coffee) in a laundry basket to make sure they’re readily available.
  • Keep packing supplies in a basket that you can easily move from room to room.
  • Don’t stress and ask for help!