7 Step Checklist For Moving
Moving can feel overwhelming, but with the right help and an organized plan you can ease the transition. At Lewis & Michael, we are a team of moving professionals. Work with our team to plan your move and simplify it along the way. Here’s our checklist featuring 7 steps for moving to get your mind thinking about your upcoming move. Questions? We’re here to help.
Plan and Organize Your Move
Now that you know where you’re moving, and have dates sorted out, you can start planning the inner workings of your move. A key part of planning is selecting moving partners and checking availability and services available. Some movers may offer full service packing and moving services, which can aid in a seamless and stress-free move. If you plan to pack your own things, strategize the rooms and things you can pack first to buy yourself extra time packing. Similar to a to do list, strategize what you will pack and when to create a realistic timeline. As you establish a timeline, consider milestones such as cleaning the old space before turning your keys over, patching or touching up walls, and other details you may need to complete. Part of the planning process can also include getting set up in your new space. Think about utilities you may need to transfer and things you may need in your new home or office.
Set a Moving Budget
Packing supplies, eating out while in transition, movers, storage, and other moving expenses can add up during a move. Thinking through planned expenses, and leaving some room for unplanned expenses can help you stay on track. As you list the things you’ll need to purchase, think about what you need to move such as shoes, artwork, glassware, and more. Movers may be able to provide some moving supplies such as wardrobe boxes or packaging for artwork, furniture and other items. Asking ahead of time can help you properly budget. Budgeting ahead of time can help you find the most efficient moving solutions. In addition, by preparing ahead of time you can spread out some of the costs too.
Declutter and Downsize
Planning ahead can offer you more time to execute your move. Oftentimes, as we move we uncover belongings that we no longer need. Going through all of your things can feel overwhelming, but with more time you can go through things and declutter on a manageable timeline. Whether you’re moving to a smaller space or bigger space, declutters can contribute to a fresh start (and less to unpack).
Gather Packing Supplies
Estimating how many moving supplies you need can be challenging. However, when you plan ahead you can benefit from more time to gather supplies. Whether you choose to buy moving supplies in smaller quantities to ensure you don’t over buy or find local sources that may be giving away free moving supplies, finding creative ways to gather moving supplies ahead of time can help cut down costs. With the supplies you need on hand, you can focus on uninterrupted packing.
Pack Smart and Label Everything
There is an art to packing. From maximizing space within boxes to evening out the weight of boxes, take a strategic approach to packing. Once your belongings are boxed up, label – and be specific. While you may know exactly where you put things in the moment, soon you’ll be low on sleep in a new environment. With clear labels, you can retrieve the things you need without fumbling around. Clear labels can also help movers place the boxes right where you want them when it’s time to move.
Arrange Your Moving Day Logistics
From departing your current location to arriving at your new destination, you may have a straight through move or you may have stop(s) in between such as storage. Consider your moving day path, stops, and distance and time between them ro create an efficient timeline.
Settle Into Your New Home
Welcome home! At last, you’ve arrived – but until you get all those boxes unloaded it might not feel like home. Just as you packed the boxes, prioritize how you unpack them. As we mentioned earlier, taking the time to properly label boxes can help movers make sure they land in just the right spot. Purchasings things you’ll need to get settled ahead of time can ease the transition. Items you may need are TV mounts, trash cans, trash bags, paper towels, box cutters, and so forth. Allowing yourself enough time to not only pack, but unpack too can help you get settled sooner.
