Moving in and of itself is going to feel like a daunting task, but when you’re relocating cross country, the stakes are infinitely higher. You can’t afford to leave anything behind or deal with unfinished business while going to your new home. There are many checklists, and to-do lists that you can use to inspire your move, and below is the one that we put together to help!
10+ Weeks Before Moving Day
It makes sense to prepare for your move weeks before the big day arrives. You need to start planning the moment you have set a date, and it all starts with taking care of the following:
- Start getting organized in regards to your move and make plenty of lists as well as take notes. Knowing what you still have to do and where you’re at with the move can make it easier when the final date rolls around. In fact, you can check things off as you go along.
- During the initial planning stages of your move, start deciding what items you want to keep and take with you as well as the items that can be sold for decent profit, and those that can be donated to charities. Bear in mind that moving cross country can be expensive, so the less stuff that you have to pay to pack, the better! Many people use this opportunity to downsize and get rid of the things that they no longer use.
- Start looking for cross country movers that can help you relocate your stuff. In this instance, it makes sense to shop around for a reasonably priced company as well as one that has a solid record. Most companies are willing to provide free moving estimates, which is something worth taking advantage of whenever possible.
- Call your insurance company or go online to update your insurance policy. You’ll need to ensure that your car, as well as all of your valuables, will be covered under your policy. It’s worth noting that most reputable moving companies also carry some form of an insurance policy, but having your own can set your mind at ease.
- Bonus tip: If you have the layout plans for your new home and know the square footage, use that information to plan your downsizing smartly. It makes sense to cull the items from your collection that won’t fit or mesh well with your new home.
6-8 Weeks Before Moving Day
When you have less than two months to go, that’s when you need to update records, deal with utility companies, hire the movers, and organize important documents.
- It’s important to keep the most up-to-date postal records, so fill out the necessary change of address form on the USPS website. It’s important that your mail start getting delivered to your new address. For safety reasons, you may also wish to rent a P.O. box to have someone handle your mail while you’re not able to.
- When you have less than two months until moving day, that’s when you need to make the final call on your cross country movers. Make sure to sign the contract and set a schedule with them to ensure that you won’t be left out of their rounds.
- Start canceling your utility services, but make sure that they disconnect the day after you’ve moved out. It’s wise to give companies plenty of notice, so they have time to process your request.
- Walk around your home and office to collect essential documents that you can’t be without. Many people forget the importance of keeping their documents separate from their stuff on moving day. Grab a large box and compile everything inside that you know is of importance.
- Some people wait for the moving company to do all of their packings for them, but if you pack some of the more accessible items yourself, you can end up saving quite a bit of money. Make sure to start collecting packing materials and recycling stuff you’ve never thought of. Boxes from local stores and even cereal boxes are helpful in protecting your stuff.
3-5 Weeks Before Moving Day
This is the stage where you start to take things seriously and finalize most of your plans for moving. You make plans to return items and let your moving company know what they’ll need to move with you.
- If you have any regular subscriptions, make sure to update them with your new address. This will also include halting subscriptions if they’re of no use to you at this point.
- Take inventory of the items that the moving company will need to deal with. Once you have the comprehensive list ready, send it to them.
- Start packing the things yourself that you know you can take care of. Make sure to use plenty of logic when grouping specific items and label all boxes on at least two opposite sides. Some people may even wish to include a quick list to know what’s exactly inside of the box.
- Moving with children is a bit harder, so arrange for a sitter to watch youngsters while you deal with the move. If you have older kids, you may wish to ask for their help when it comes to packing light items and labeling boxes.
1-2 Weeks Before Moving Day
- Re-confirm your moving date with your chosen cross country moving company. Making sure that you’re on the same page is important.
- Start contacting utility companies and banking institutions to update your profile with your newest address. This is an important step that many people seem to overlook in their hasty move.
- Separate your stuff into two piles: one pile will go with you, and the other will be taken with the movers. Make sure to pack a kit along with your stuff that will hold important items such as toiletries, a flashlight, a change of clothes, medications, and anything else you may need when you stop on the road.
1-2 Days Before Moving Day
- Disassemble furnishings to make sure that you don’t incur additional charges from the moving company. You should also touch base with the moving company for the last time to ensure they have your inventory list and your date is valid.
- Ensure all of your important documents are labeled as well as placed into a safe zone.
- Disconnect the electronics you don’t need anymore, and the ones you still need should be disconnected at the very last moment. Be prepared to take these things with you if you need to access them during your trip.
- It’s common courtesy to leave your old home behind in good condition for the new tenants. Try your best to get rid of everything you’re not taking with you and clean the areas where your stuff is no longer there. You don’t have to deep clean, but at least do some quick sweeping or vacuuming.
- Let your movers know which items are considered fragile and let them know to handle them as such. If you have something very near and dear to you, consider moving the item in your car to ensure safety.
The last step is always to pay the cross country movers once everything is in order!
Moving cross country is a stressful and daunting task for many people. It’s tough to plan ahead and imagine all of the things you need to do at once. However, by employing the use of a checklist, you can keep calm and make sure everything gets done according to plan.