When you’re moving, there’s a lot to think about and remember and because of this, moving can be one of the most stressful things you’ll face in your lifetime. And you’ll most likely do it multiple times! Thankfully, we’re here to help you make sure you don’t forget anything with our ultimate go-to moving checklist. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!

Start Early - 8 Weeks!

When it comes to moving, sometimes it feels like you can’t start early enough. However, a good start day would be about eight weeks before you’re ready to move. Why? Because this is a good time to compile quotes, receipts and other moving-related paperwork in a folder on the computer or in Google Drive and make notes of closing dates, times and collect the contact information for the power company, babysitters and other potential helpers or emergency numbers and contacts. How much is the moving company quoting you? Make a note of it!

Getting There - 6 Weeks!

Six weeks before you make your super-move, make sure you’re spending time with the friends and family you might not be as close to after the move. Collect boxes from behind places of business if you can or from local package stores. You can go ahead and pack up things you know you won’t use and be careful to label EACH and EVERY box so that nothing goes missing or even just becomes camouflaged in a sea of boxes. It’s also a good idea to make a checklist of all your valuables BEFORE they go in the moving truck and then check them off as you unpack them. Take before and after pictures, too!

Almost There - 4 Weeks!

If you haven’t done it yet, we’d encourage you to invest in moving insurance at this point. This will cover all your belongings during the move and help you send your stress packing, too! Gather all of your personal and financial records and keep them together in an expanding file folder or a box by themselves. It’s also better if you take this in the car with you instead of sending it in the truck. Shop around for good cable, internet and phone packages and schedule the installation for either the day you move in or the day afterward. You can also go ahead and update your voter registration and have all of your mail forwarded to the new address and change it where it matters. Like your driver's license. You can also make moving day a little more fun by compiling a fun playlist to listen to while you’re packing/unpacking at your new place!

Only 2 Weeks!!

At this point, you’ll want to start using everything in the fridge and freezer and donating anything you won’t use. If you’re borrowing anything from friends or neighbors like books or DVDs, you’ll want to go ahead and return all of that, too. If you’re moving lamps, remove the lightbulbs and wrap them up in a separate box with any hardware you have from other items you’re moving. It’s also a good idea to go ahead and setup trash removal at your new home and either go ahead and cancel it, or set a reminder to cancel the current trash removal service. The same is true of your recycling service. Do you have any prescriptions left to fill? Go ahead and do this as well as transferring your renters or homeowners insurance to your new place.

Don’t forget to clean any outdoor furniture before it’s packed up in a truck for the move. You don’t want to be worrying about this on moving day!

The Big Day

It’s here! Moving Day is really here! There’s a lot to do, so don’t forget to set your alarm so you wake up and get moving on time.

Consider having frozen breakfast burritos or instant oatmeal for breakfast on paper products that can be easily tossed afterwards with no cleanup necessary. Maybe plan to set aside the money to eat out somewhere for lunch and do pizza for dinner to help minimize stress and also help with the fact that your kitchen might not be ready yet!

As soon as the movers are gone, you can unpack your bedding and make the bed as well as unpack toiletries and a shower curtain. Because who doesn’t need a shower and a nap after a day like you’ve had? It might take a day or two, but go grocery shopping! You can save a lot of money keeping groceries in the house instead of running out to eat everyday.

Congratulations, you did it! Don’t forget to write thank you notes to all of the people who helped you make it happen. Whether it be the movers, your real estate agent or the babysitter, a simple thank you note can go a long way. Happy Moving!