Moving across town is hard enough. Moving across the country, however, presents a whole new set of challenges. Not only do you have to figure out how to get your belongings to your new home but you also have to deal with tasks like connecting your power, signing up for garbage service, and finding a new Internet service provider.
With so many details to manage, staying organized is essential. This is where a cross-country moving checklist can help. Checklists like these make it easy to see at a glance what you have accomplished and what you still have left to do, helping to ensure that you don’t overlook any important details. To make your next move easy, try using the checklist below:
Two Months Before Your Move
Starting the planning process early is ideal since it gives you plenty of time to iron out the details. At least two months before your move, take care of the following tasks:
- Track your Progress: Purchase a notebook with pockets for tracking all of the details of your move. This will make it easier to keep everything in one place so that you always know where to look to find important contact details, paperwork, or other information that you need for your move.
- Downsize: Get rid of anything that you don’t need by donating it, selling it, or giving it away. Try to be as wise as possible with this process. There is no point in paying to move items across the country that you don’t love or need.
- Get Quotes from Moving Companies: If you are going to use a traditional long distance moving company, contact several local providers, be it local movers denton tx, local movers Anchorage AK, or anywhere else in the country, to get quotes. Have them send a representative to your location to see your belongings in person. That way, they can give you an accurate quote for how much it would cost to move. Obtaining this figure early on will make it easier for you to budget for your move. Also refer to a few long distance moving tips.
- Manage your Utilities: Let your current utility providers know when you are leaving so that they can shut off your service on the correct date. Then, contact the power, water, sewer, garbage, and Internet companies at your new location to set up your service. Let them know what date you will be moving in so that they can have everything ready to go by the time you get there.
- Medical Records: Get copies of medical records for all of your family members, including any children or pets.
A Month-And-A-Half Before Your Move
As your moving date draws closer, it is time to start preparing your belongings for the move. These tips will help:
- Collect Boxes: Gather boxes and begin packing your belongings. Start with any items that don’t get a lot of use. As the day of your move nears, you can then begin packing some of your more frequently used items.
- Labeling: Make unpacking at your new place easy by using color-coded labels to indicate which room each box goes in. Number each box, as well. Then, write down a list of all of the items that you put in each box in the notebook that you purchased in the first step. This will make it easy to find what you need at your new place even if you aren’t fully unpacked.
One Month Before Your Move
With your moving date just around the corner, this is the time to start dealing with some of the smaller details.
- Name Change: File a change of address form with the post office and update your voter registration.
- ID Tags: Purchase ID tags for your pets or have them micro chipped. The stresses of moving can sometimes cause pets to run away.
- Spend time with your family and friends: Get in a few last quality moments with your loved ones before you leave town.
The Final Days Before Your Move
Take care of any last-minute packing pack a special box that includes all of the items that you will need on your first day in your new place like your coffee maker, toilet paper, and any other essentials. Clean your home or apartment, leaving it spotless for the next people who move in. Do one last walk-through of your place to make sure that you haven’t left anything behind.
This cross-country moving checklist covers all of the basics, helping to ensure that you won’t overlook anything important the next time you move.