The perfect checklist for moving out

One of the most difficult things about relocation is the overall chaos and stress that come with it. That’s where the introduction or detailed planning and organization can come in handy and make the entire process simpler to cope with. Having a moving checklist is a standard tool to have when moving out of your home or office space. It helps one understand the overall size of the move, maintain a controlled packing process, and to avoid forgetting anything. The truth of the matter is that a checklist will be your best friend when relocating. Not only is it a great reminder but it is also your financial insight into the expenses of it all – a simple guide to a stress-free moving day.

To make things a bit easier for you, we’ve decided to go ahead and get you started with some fundamental steps for your perfect moving checklist. So, here it is.

Create a detailed timeline of your move when you make the perfect checklist for moving out - it will help you keep track of the entire process.

Structuring your moving checklist

Having a plan is always good, but there is a way to make things even simpler and easier to navigate through. The best way to comprise your moving checklist is in accordance with the time frame before you need to move out. It’s best to start preparations for the moving day weeks or even months ahead of schedule. That will give you more than enough time to check off all the tasks from your moving checklist, hence securing a seamless relocation.

A layout of the perfect checklist for moving out

The main reason for having an actual plan for your move is to reduce the chances of making a mistake that could cost you. Here are some most important things you should include in your moving plan so you can avoid common moving mistakes and stay organized. Keep in mind that the perfect checklist for moving out depends on each individual move. Therefore, look at this as a foundation for your unique checklist that you will adapt depending on your move size, type, distance, schedule, etc.

Declutter & clean out your home

One of the first and most important steps when moving out is to declutter your home before you start packing everything. It’s best to do this at least one month before the moving day comes. Be sure to get rid of all the things you don’t need or use anymore – you can start with the old, damaged or outdated ones.

Clear out your closet of old clothes, declutter your garage, attic, or any other in-home storage space. This will all help you reduce the list of things you need to pack, which will results in a cheaper moving process.

Declutter your home before the move - you can recycle, donate or sell all the things you don't need or use any longer.

Hire a moving company

Most people that choose the option of self-moving end up regretting their decision. Too much time and energy to invest in hopes of saving money. Your perfect checklist for moving our should include finding and hiring a professional moving company. This is not a step that you want to rush unless you want to risk dealing with a fraudulent team of movers.

That’s why you should take the proper time to do some research and pick a reliable moving company well in advance. That way, you can find the best moving rates and while choosing the perfect date for your moving day. Checking out reliable sites for moving company listings like usamovingreviews.com can save you a lot of time in the long-run. Make sure to read up on the reviews for each company as well.

Create a moving budget

After you get a moving estimate from your moving company, make sure to create a moving budget and list all the things you need to pay for. This will help you to financially prepare for your move and even save some money in the process. Don’t forget to leave room for tipping your moving crews – the amount of the tip should depend on the level of your satisfaction with the work they did.

Creating a moving budget on your perfect checklist is essential for controlling the overall expense of moving out.

Gather the packing supplies

Having the right type and amount of packing supplies will make everything much faster and easier. That’s why you should make an inventory list - to estimate the amount of packing supplies you’ll need.

Pack systematically

To avoid injuries and/or damaging your items, you should never pack last-minute. Be sure to start packing a week ahead of time. Begin with items you rarely use, and as you get closer to the moving day, pack the items you use on a regular basis.

Pack moving day essentials

Set aside all the items you’ll need during the moving day as well as the things you’ll need for your first night in the new home. Pack them separately and label the box properly. That way, you won’t need to open multiple boxes to find clothes, a toothbrush, bedding, etc.

Label your boxes

Make sure to include a several markers on your shopping list when buying packing supplies. You’ll need them to label the moving boxes. This is incredibly useful when moving out because it makes it easier to organize the boxes and place them in proper rooms when you move into the new home. Also, after you relocate, it will be simpler to find certain items without having to go through all of the boxes.

Update your address

One of the important items on your typical checklist for moving out is to update your address. Apart from your mail, be sure to update your contact information with your bank, shopping websites, the insurance company, utilities, etc. This is important to check off your list before the moving day arrives, to avoid any unwanted delays with deliveries and mail.

Take a couple of days off from work

Be sure to organize your work and other obligations while you’re moving out. It will probably take a day or two to complete the relocation, so be sure to let your supervisor or boss know that you can take the day off.

Call your moving consultant a few days before the move

You can do this a week before the moving day. Contact your moving company to confirm all the details regarding the moving day, such as time of arrival, pickup and delivery address, etc.

Clean the old home and defrost the freezer

Take care of the home you’re moving out from a couple of days before the moving day. Put cleaning and defrosting the fridge on the checklist for moving out, as well. If you don’t have time to clean everything, you can always hire a professional cleaning company to leave the place just the way you found it when you first moved in.

Take care of your kids or pets on moving day

Try to find someone to take care of your pets and kids on the moving day – they shouldn't be around when the movers come. It can be a hassle to have them around, so you would be smart to take them to a friend’s house or have someone watch over them while you take care of moving business.

Sign the Bill of Lading

The most important thing to do once at the start of a moving day is to take a good look at the bill of lading before you sign it. This is the last thing on your checklist for moving out, but it is an important one and it can save you from serious moving scams.