Planning your move should start early. When you know you are going to buy a home, you should also get a head start on the moving process. Leave it to Martha Stewart to have the definitive moving instructions. Being on top of these tasks and organized well in advance will save you from the stress and anxiety that usually plagues a homeowner just before moving in. Check out Martha Stewart's Moving Checklists that helped me during my own move!
Clean, clean, clean
Just when you know you are going to be looking for properties, I found it is helpful to begin cleaning out the closets, cabinets, and garage. This is the perfect time to channel your inner Marie Kondo and sift through the belongings you have accumulated over time. Sort the extra stuff you don’t need anymore into three boxes: Donate, Sell, and Throw Away. After you complete these spaces, plan on having a garage sale and make a trip to your local Goodwill. If you have way too much to throw away I would recommend scheduling a pickup or finding out when you bulk trash day will be in your neighborhood.
Move yourself or hire a moving company?
You need to decide whether you will move your own belongings or hire a moving company. Using a professional moving company can help alleviate a lot of the stress and effort. Get multiple quotes from reputable companies and understand the services they provide.
For example, will you purchase supplies and pack your things, or do you want the moving company to pack for you? Are special packing boxes for large items like your 75" TV included in the quote, or will you need to purchase a TV box along with other boxes, bubble wrap, and foam sheets and sleeves? Taking these steps will help you find the best price and budget the upcoming expense to eliminates surprise costs around closing time when cash on hand may be a bit tighter. I have had so many clients rave about JK Moving Company.
Taking these steps will help you find the best price and budget the upcoming expense to eliminates surprise costs around closing time when cash on hand may be a bit tighter. I have had so many clients rave about JK Moving Company.
Start the countdown
A successful move requires planning and execution to ensure your belongings arrive safely to your new home. By taking these steps, you can avoid feeling the time crunch when moving day arrives. Let's look at the timeline, assuming your lease ends 3 months from now and you intend to become a homeowner.
3 months before moving:
2 months before moving:
1 month before moving: This is when things get real! Make sure to set up all your utilities and notify your current utilities of the move out date. For those who are brave enough to pack themselves, head on over to Home Depot or Lowes where the supplies are much less expensive than specialty shops. Schedule your change of address form with the post office and also set up an account to receive digital images of your mail in a convenient morning email from USPS.
2 weeks before moving:
1 week before moving: One great way of helping to organize your boxes in an easy to read way is to attach moving stickers to the boxes. This is a great way to clearly identify the location of the boxes making the delivery all the more easy. Notify friends and family of your move with a great email newsletter. I would wait to announce things on social media until after you are moved out and moved into your new diggs. Make sure you have delegated a 48 hour bag to have your necessities easy to find for your first night. Trust me, things can get overwhelming in a sea of brown boxes and piles of newsprint!
1 day before moving: Pack your first-night box.
On moving day:
□ Accompany the mover as he or she inventories your possessions and makes condition reports.
□ Sign the bill of lading (ensure that the address and phone number are correct) and inventory, and keep your copies in a safe place.
□ Lock windows, turn off lights, close doors, and take a final tour after the movers have finished to make certain nothing is left behind.
A month an a half before your move make sure you get the administrative items checked off your list. If you have children you will need to contact your current school to prepare a transcript and the new school to prepare for your arrival. Make sure to include any vaccination records and medical history. This is also the perfect time to inquire with you insurance company which doctors are in your network so you can begin reaching out and doing some research.
Take the next step
Download a printable version of Martha Stewarts' checklist to help you plan your move.
