Posted on By Movers Mamaroneck

Moving Checklist: Your Guide to a Stress-free and Smooth Move

Are you planning a move shortly? Don't let the overwhelming tasks and endless to-do lists stress you out. With our comprehensive, we've got you covered. We have compiled a list of crucial actions and advice to simplify your relocation because we know how difficult and time-consuming moving can be.  

Our checklist covers everything from finding the right moving service to ensuring a seamless transition in your new space. So, sit back, relax, and let us guide you through each stage of your move, ensuring a stress-free and smooth experience from start to finish.

Moving Checklist: Moving Right

Use our moving checklist as a guide for the next few months.

Step 1: Strategize (8–10 Weeks Before Moving Day)

Most people begin the moving process by packing. There's a lot to do before even thinking about packing anything! It is only possible to move smoothly with a plan. So, while you have time, ensure your moving day is planned.

  • Choose a Good Day for Moving. Choose a moving day that saves you money. Mornings, weekdays, and off-season (late September to early April) are the most cost-effective moving times.
  • Create a Budget. Are you prepared to pay the moving costs? The little things like a roll of tape here, a tip for the movers there. Next, there is a higher cost. You'll pay between $80-100 an hour for a move of less than 100 miles if you hire two movers with a truck. For a move of more than 100 miles, you can expect to pay between $2,000 and $5,000. Whether you are moving across state lines or within the city, create a budget for your move with your spouse.
  • Choose if You’ll Move or Hire a Moving Company. A moving checklist is complete with a decision on whether to hire movers or do it yourself. That's right. Do it yourself. You can move yourself if you have a large network of trustworthy friends who can plan your move. You can hire a moving service if you are willing to pay the extra money and prefer to leave the heavy lifting up to professionals. You can also do a partial DIY move. You can save money by hiring movers only to unload your home after the move. Renting a PODS container is another option. You can move your belongings on your terms if you rent a PODS container. You are in charge of the move. We're always looking for ways to save money.
  • Take an Inventory of Your Belongings. Track everything you own. Work your way from one end to the other of the home. You can then pack everything with an inventory to ensure every item gets to the new home.
  • Organize a Moving Folder for All Paperwork. You'll soon have receipts, paperwork, and moving estimates. Organize all your moving documents in a binder.
  • Notify Your Children’s Schools. Tell your children's schools as soon as you have decided on the day of your move. Transfer their vaccination records and student reports to the new school. Even if you're moving within the county or your children stay in school, the school system needs to be informed to keep track of your new home address. No one wants to miss out on PTO announcements!
  • Measure Your Furniture. Take measurements of your furniture and doors to ensure they will fit in your new home. Only move large furniture for the doorways in your new house. It's either sell it or donate it. You can use the money you earn from selling it to pay for your move.

Step 2: Declutter and Donate (6–8 Weeks Before Moving Day)

It's not time to start packing yet, so resist the urge. It would help if you went through everything with your family to determine what you want to keep. Do you need to move, pack and then find a new place for it in your clean house?

Donate clothes still in good condition if they're not worth keeping. Donate clothes to Goodwill, Dress for Success, or other local charities. Furniture and appliances can be donated to The Salvation Army, and non-perishable food (such as pasta, rice, and canned vegetables), to your local Food Bank. If you want to itemize deductions on your tax return and donate items, ensure you receive receipts.

When you are decluttering, you may find the following items:

  • The Bedroom:

    • Donate shirts, shorts, pants, socks, blazers, and ties.
    • Old Jewelry
    • Handbags, purses, and totes extra
    • Shoes, boots, and sandals that are lightly worn
    • Most animal shelters are happy to accept worn-out blankets, towels, and sheets.

  • Living Room:

    • Donate DVDs, CDs, and video games to your local library.
    • Toys and puzzles that have been neglected
    • Sofas, coffee tables, and chairs

  • Bathroom:

    • Dirty shower curtains (Remember to trash anything that needs trashing).
    • Dispose of expired pills and medicines (but be sure to dispose of them safely).
    • Lipsticks, makeup, and other beauty items
    • Opened cleaning product (Don't spill them when moving).
    • Toiletries that are no longer in use

  • Kitchen:

    • Silverware and kitchen utensils extra sets
    • Tea, spices, and condiments in unopened boxes
    • Coffee cups and empty jars
    • Tupperware containers with matching lids are available, and vice versa.
    • Extra plates, bowls, and glasses
    • Party plates, cups, and decorations (after moving, all left will be a wick and a ball of melted wax).
    • Old recipes and cookbooks
    • You can replace large appliances, such as a refrigerator, by selling them.
    • Small appliances–microwaves, blenders, and pressure cookers–you haven't used recently

  • Garage:

    • Open paint cans and oil quarts. Also, check for other chemicals, such as weed killer, that could spill.
    • Bags of mulch, stone, and soil
    • Garden hoses that are not in use, shovels or rakes that have been left unused
    • Yard decorations
    • Donate random construction materials like drywall, insulation, or timber (if they are in good condition).
    • Broken equipment you'll never fix
    • Terra-cotta and plastic planter pots
    • Unused saws, drills, and other tools that are dusty

Step 3: Pack (3–6 Weeks Before Moving Day)

You deserve a pat on your back if you have reached this point in our moving checklist! It's time to get packing with a month-and-a-half left.

  • Move Boxes Must Be Labeled and Collected. Businesses in your area are more than willing to give away moving boxes. Businesses that receive liquid shipments will have boxes strong enough to hold your items. Some businesses that give out sturdy boxes regularly include:
    • Cafés
    • Grocery stores
    • Public Schools
    • Bookstores
    • Fast-food Restaurants (Ask to receive boxes that contain frozen fries. The boxes are strong, and because the frozen fries come in plastic bags, they're not soaked in grease.
    • Craigslist (Movers will often share their boxes with other movers via Craigslist.

If you need to know exactly how many boxes you need, buy as many as possible. Having more than you need is best because many people underestimate their possessions.

Labeling your boxes is the next step. Labeling your boxes is important for both you and your movers. Make sure the labels are easy to read. Color-coding the rooms is a good way to organize your boxes: main bedroom or bathroom, living room or kitchen, etc.

  • Purchase Moving Supplies. You'll also need furniture pads and a dolly if you move alone. You'll also need bubble wrap, packing papers, colored markers, and packing tape whether you hire a moving service or not.
  • Pack Items You Won’t Use. Pack things that you will not use. This includes decorations, artwork, pictures in frames, and out-of-season clothing. Pack it if you can do without it for six weeks.
  • Create a Start-Up Kit. Prepare the items you need for your first week at your new home. What would you need if your things arrive late or you depack slower than expected? Your list may include:
    • Change of clothing
    • Snacks and non-perishable food
    • Toiletries (toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, toilet paper, soap)
    • Towels and bedsheets
    • Toys, games, and puzzles
  • Make Activity Boxes for Your Kids. Kids find moving stressful. Make each child a moving box filled with goodies to brighten up their day. You might include stickers, coloring books, toys, games, books, and candy, depending on the age of your children.
  • Separate Important and Valuable Documents. Pack your valuables, such as jewelry, passports, and others, in a separate container and carry them when moving.
  • Bonus Packing Tips:
    • Wrap liquids in Saran to prevent spillage.
    • You don't want your dresser drawer to fall and spill your clothes on your driveway.
    • Separate dishes using Styrofoam.
    • Take pictures of your electronics before disconnecting them. This will help you to know how you should reassemble them.
    • Place all the hardware into a labeled plastic bag when you disassemble furniture.

Step 4: Notify Your Change of Address (2–3 Weeks Before Moving Day)

Changing your address is a tedious but important part of moving. Your magazine subscriptions or mail orders should be sent to a different address.

Call these companies and take a short break from packing to avoid this.

  • Utility Services. Call your current utility companies to inform them that you are moving. Call your new utility companies and request they turn on your utilities when you arrive. Contact these companies to schedule any necessary installation appointments.
    • Cable
    • Electricity
    • Gas
    • Internet
    • Trash collection
    • Water

  • Governmental Agencies:

    • DMV: When moving to a different state, it's necessary to get a new license and vehicle plate and, depending on your state, may be required to give up the old plate.
    • IRS: If your tax return is still pending, you should notify the IRS if you have moved.
    • Postal Service: To change your address, you can pay $1 online or go to your local post office and do it free of charge. Tell the post office you want your mail forwarded to your new address.
    • Social Security Administration (SSA): If you receive Social Security or Medicare benefits, you should notify the SSA if you change your address.
    • Voter Registration Office: Inform your old voting jurisdiction to remove you from their voter list. Register to vote in the new area.
  • Clubs and Subscriptions. You want your packages to be shipped to a different address, and you want to avoid paying lawn service for a home you no longer own. You can cancel all your monthly subscriptions, including the gym membership, if you do not use it. Also, change the mailing address for any mail-order subscriptions.
  • Health Facilities:. Contact these facilities if you need to transfer prescriptions and medical records.
    • Doctor
    • Dentist
    • Optometrist
    • Buy a Pharmacy
    • Veterinarian

  • Other Important Businesses to Contact:

    • Bank
    • Cell phone service providers
    • Daycare
    • Lawn service
    • Insurance Companies
    • Pest Control

Step 5: Final Preparations (1–2 Weeks Before Moving Day)

You're now less than two months away from the moving date. Time flies by. In the next two weeks, you will want to finish packing your home and prepare it for its new owners.

Relax! You can take your time with everything if you have followed this checklist. You can instead enjoy the last few weeks of your life in your house with only a few moving steps remaining. Throw a goodbye party or go out with family and friends!

Before the two-week moving deadline, complete these last tasks from your moving checklist.

  • Prepare Equipment. Drain gas from lawn mowers, chainsaws, generators, and small engines. Before moving, drain the gas from lawn mowers, chainsaws, generators, and other small-engine machines. Fuel can flow freely, flooding the carburetor. This may force you to bring the machine to an expert.
  • Clear Your Pantry. You should have enough food for two weeks at this point. Consider donating excess food to a local pantry if you feel you have more than you need.
  • Home Improvement. It's time to finish your home. Do any final touches to your house now.
  • Clean Your House. Leave your house in the condition you would want it to be if you moved in. Remove all trash and vacuum the carpet. Clean the floors.
  • Servicing Your Vehicles. Visit your mechanic. Check the tires and oil filter of your car. Also, ensure it is reliable enough to drive the day you move.
  • Empty and Defrost Freezers. Unplug the fridge the night before moving and let it defrost overnight. Towels can be placed around the base of your fridge in case it leaks. Take cheese, sandwiches, or fruit in a cooler or with ice packs.

Step 6: Moving Day Is Here!

Moving day is finally here! You're prepared because you've completed the moving checklist. You only need to load your things and are on your way.

  • Welcome the Movers. You can welcome those who are helping you, whether they're professionals or friends. You can help them by guiding them around your home and identifying heavy or fragile boxes.
  • Do a Final Sweep of Your Home. Check each room to see if you need to remember anything. Turn off the water, air conditioner, and lights once you have everything. Close and lock your windows, and leave behind the house keys. It's time to say goodbye to your old house because it's time for a new adventure.
  • You Can Guide Your Movers. Your movers will need directions to your new home. Turn up your phone's volume if movers get lost or require additional directions.
  • Tip Them. Give your movers some money after the last box has been moved. Most movers expect $25-50. You'll make the movers happy if you give them $60 each. Remember your friends who are helping you with the move. Treat them to a nice dinner.
  • Unpack Your Start-Up Kit to Relax. Place toilet paper in the bathrooms and bed sheets on your bed. Take a well-deserved rest. It's done. You can now relax.

Step 7: Settling In (1–2 Weeks After Moving)

Congratulations! 

  • Unpack Everything. Keep boxes packed for up to two weeks.
  • Get Renter's or Homeowners Insurance. This is important! If you don't have insurance, call an agent immediately.
  • Check Fire Safety Devices. Batteries are required for fire alarms, and extinguishers must be fully stocked.
  • Find a Reliable Electrician, Plumber, and Mechanic. Hiring a technician before you have problems is better than panicking later.
  • Recycle Packaging Material. Did you get free boxes to move? Donate your moving boxes to other movers. Many people donate their old moving boxes via Craigslist. However, you can also donate them to your local moving company.

Conclusion 

With the best guide, you can move ahead with assurance and preparedness. However, we understand that the process can still be daunting, and that's where Movers Mamaroneck Co comes in.

Movers Mamaroneck Co is a trusted and reliable moving service specializing in hassle-free relocations. With our skilled team of professionals, we handle every part of your relocation, from packing and unpacking, loading to transportation. We prioritize the safety and security of your belongings, ensuring a smooth and seamless transition into your new home.

By choosing Movers Mamaroneck Co, you can know that your move is in capable hands. Sit back, relax, and let our skilled staff handle all the logistics while you focus on settling into your new location and starting the next chapter of your life.

Don't let the stress of moving weigh you down. Contact Movers Mamaroneck Co today and experience a stress-free and smooth relocation like never before. Say goodbye to the headaches and hello to a seamless move with Movers Mamaroneck Co.