Moving your family can be a stressful and time-consuming endeavor. But with some preparation and the proper checklist, you can make your move smooth and successful. This checklist provides a step-by-step guide to help you plan and execute your family’s move, from packing and preparing to settle in.
4 Weeks Prior
- Hiring movers or moving by yourself. Request quotes from movers to determine how much your move will cost.
- Discuss the move with your children to ensure they understand what is happening and are comfortable with it.
- Arrange the school transfer to ensure your children are enrolled in their new school.
- Look for free moving boxes to save money on packing materials.
- Declutter your home of any unwanted items to reduce the number of things you need to pack and move.
- Start packing immediately to ensure everything is ready for the move.
3 Weeks Prior
- Get your children involved in the packing process for a smoother move.
- Rent a truck the right size for your move. Consider the distance and time needed for the move.
- When moving with pets, consider their needs and choose the best method of transportation. Options include boarding them at a kennel, hiring a pet transport service, or driving them yourself.
- Decide what to do with your furniture. You can sell, donate, or move it with you.
- Organize a moving sale to eliminate unwanted items before the big move.
2 Weeks Prior
- Schedule the disconnection of utilities at your old residence.
- Make a reservation for a moving truck.
- Change your address at the post office.
- Notify your friends and family of your move.
- Schedule a walk-through at your new residence.
1 Week Prior
- Evaluate if you will need any assistance with packing.
- Assemble a box of essential items for your children.
- Set aside a box of necessary items for your pets.
- Have your family vehicle inspected by a mechanic.
- Think about throwing a farewell gathering.
2-3 Days Prior
- Confirm your moving date and time with the movers.
- Backup all essential data on your computer.
- Make a list of items you’re taking with you and things you’re leaving behind.
- Disconnect and defrost your refrigerator.
- Collect any items you’ve borrowed from friends or family.
- Collect all keys to your old home and give them to the house owner.
- Pay any outstanding bills at your old home.
Moving Day
- Pack a necessities bag with items you need during the move, such as toiletries, medications, etc.
- Confirm the moving truck will arrive on time and that all your belongings are loaded.
- Begin loading your larger items, such as furniture and boxes, onto the moving truck.
- Do a final walk-through of the house to ensure nothing has been left behind.
- Stay in touch with the driver of the moving truck and provide them with updates on your arrival time.
Conclusion
Preparing for a family move is essential to reduce stress and ensure everything goes smoothly. Start by making a timeline and checklist of tasks that must be completed before the move. Leave plenty of time for packing, as this task is time-consuming.
