Things to think about: (PLACE ALL DATES ON A CALENDAR)
- Are you going to move right into your new home or make upgrades and changes beforehand? Have contractors prepared and get a plan of attack.
- Are you planning on changing out the locks? Call your local locksmith and get them to the house as soon as allowed to avoid any unwanted reentry.
- Repair things before you unpack! Sometimes the “I’ll get around to it” becomes pushed to the back of the To Do’s list. Knock things out so you can start enjoying your home.
- Will you be hiring a cleaning crew? Don’t let the old owners dirty mess become your issue. Getting a good scrubbing before unpacking will save you more heart ache later. Make your home YOURS.
- Will you be using a moving company? Ask for referrals from friends, family, and your agent. Search for reviews online.
- Stuff happens unexpectedly. Have clear communication between your buyer or seller if the closing or move-in dates need to be changed.
Now let’s time it out!
First thing. Have a survival kit. This will be a container with all important moving documents and personal items. Things can get easily lost in the transition, so be prepared.
Two months before:
Declutter and purge.
Start collecting boxes and tape. Ask your realtor and social media if they know anyone who would like boxes taken off their hands.
Schedule moving company.
Prepare the children. Ask new school what documents they need from transferring school and get that taken care of. Keep copies of everything in your “Survival Kit”.
Start eating up everything in the freezer and pantry. Make grocery trips as limited as possible. This will save you money and space!
One month before:
Confirm dates and arrangements with movers.
Pack and label. Label things very detailed. Consider writing “Priority” on things you’ll need to unpack first and always label what room they will need to be placed in. This will help movers move smoothly.
Change of address and medical records.
Start changing over utilities to new property and schedule cut off dates for current home. Keep a list of these dates handy incase closing or move-in dates change.
Request time off work. You’re going to want to be present moving day with the moving company and want time to get your house in order.
Week out:
Are you moving long distance? Make sure your vehicles are ready for the haul, clean out your safety deposit box, and refill any prescriptions.
Pack the remainder of your survival kit. Toiletries, pet food, medications, snacks, important documents/jewelry, first aid kit, and other needed items will be in this box ready for quick retrieval.
Pack suitcases for everyone to have enough for a few days.
Two days before:
If your appliances are coming with you: Defrost the freezer, clean out fridge, microwave, stove top, and oven.
Find a place for kids and pets to go on move-in day. Consider scheduling a move for when children are in daycare or school.
Check in with the movers. Have payment ready. Tipping of 10-15% is often expected.
Day of:
Make your home ready for movers. Clear walk ways to make the process easy and safe. This will save time and secure safety of items.
Don’t leave anything behind and keep your survival kit with you at all times. Check the home from top to bottom to make sure you didn’t leave anything. Lock all doors and windows when leaving the home.
