A checklist is the key to turning your relocation into a rewarding, satisfying experience. It reduces stress, saves time and money, and potentially helps avoid costly mistakes. Create a folder to store all documents that pertain to your move, including quotes, receipts, and contact info for vendors. It would be best if you also considered creating a binder to keep track of your planning.
Relocating your business or manufacturing plant is a big project and requires careful planning. It is important to use a moving checklist to keep track of all the tasks that need to be completed and avoid any mishaps during the process. Using a tool like ClickUp can help you create and manage your moving checklist, making the transition much easier for you and your team.
Typically, the best time to start creating a moving checklist is about two months before your move date. This gives you enough time to plan out everything that needs to be done and minimizes the chance of forgetting something important.
At this point, it is also a good idea to visit your new neighborhood and book a hotel so that you can get familiar with the area. It is also an excellent opportunity to start organizing your belongings, deciding what to keep and what to donate. You can also start packing the essentials, like toiletries, towels, etc.
This is the time to update all your online accounts, including financial, social media and subscriptions with your new address. You can also start making arrangements for shipping your car if you’re moving long-distance.
You can start preparing for your move by ordering boxes, packing supplies and setting up movers. You can also start a folder or binder for the moving process, putting important documents in it. At this point, you should also start contacting your utility companies to transfer services or cancel them before the move.
It is also a good idea to visit your doctor and dentist for dental and medical records and have them sent to the new address. If you have children, it is a good idea to notify the school about the change of address.
Your team should also decide who is in charge of removing tags from the old location and who will be stocking kitchen, restroom and supply cabinets at the new location. If you have a lot of equipment, you may want to consider hiring a company that can handle moving heavy machinery.
Pre-Moving Checklist
Moving can be a hectic time, but you can help ease the stress by completing all the necessary tasks ahead of schedule. If you’re using professional movers, confirm the details of your move with them. It’s also a good idea to purchase packing supplies, like boxes, tape, bubble wrap, labels and moving blankets. If you’re moving long distance, book flights and reserve hotel rooms if needed. If your new home isn’t ready, consider looking into short-term housing for the first few days. Notify your employer of your upcoming relocation and request the time off you need. Update your address with the post office and all businesses, organizations and accounts that send you items. Contact your renters or homeowners insurance provider to set up a change of address.
Make sure you have enough clothing for your last few days at your old home and plan meals that will use up perishable foods. If you’re planning to ship your car or any other special belongings, now is a good time to do it.
Do a final walk-thru of your house and check the contents of each room. Identify any items that should not be packed and note them on your inventory list. If you’re not taking your appliances with you, unplug, empty, defrost and wipe them down before the movers arrive. You should also clean your area rugs at this point, as dust and dirt can chip hard surfaces during the move.
Lastly, make arrangements for your pet’s move if you have one. It’s also a good idea for you to visit your new neighborhood and familiarize yourself with the surroundings before you move in.
During this week, you should also send out a mass email to friends and family informing them of your move. Include your new address and invite them to a going-away party, if desired. This is also a great time to get your vehicle serviced, especially if you’re driving a long distance. If you’re moving with children, don’t forget to pack their favorite stuffed animal, toy or blanket in a special bag that will not be packed in the box with other household items.
Moving Day Checklist
Once you hit the final stretch before your move, it’s time to get down to business. Confirm details with your moving company (if you’re using one) and any friends or family helping on move day. Make sure you have plenty of food on hand for the day of the move, and that any personal items you want to travel with you are packed and labeled as such so they can be easily accessed. If you have any outdoor equipment like water hoses, propane tanks or gas/oil lawnmowers, remember to drain them and clean them the day before your move.
This is also the time to begin cleaning out closets, attics and garages to sort through unwanted items you can either sell at a garage sale or donate to your local charity. This is a great way to start getting rid of things you no longer need, and it can help cut down on clutter in your new home.
Update your address with the post office and other businesses, entities and accounts that send you things like newspapers, magazine subscriptions, credit cards and insurance companies. Set up your internet, gas, electric and garbage services at your new home.
Complete your final walk-through of your house or apartment with your landlord or real estate agent, making note of any items that need to be cleaned or fixed. Schedule repairs if necessary.
The week of your move, confirm travel arrangements for pets and children, if applicable. Clean your refrigerator and defrost it at least 24 hours before the move if you plan to take it with you. Prepare a cooler with beverages and snacks for your first night in the new place. Finish packing your “first night kit,” and set aside anything you don’t want to travel with you in the truck for the move-in process.
If you’re hiring movers to help with your move, have them give you an on-site estimate. This is the best way to understand exactly what your total bill will be and to ensure everything is covered, including any fees for specialty equipment or large furniture pieces.
Post-Moving Checklist
Moving can be a hectic time, but there are some things you can do to make the process easier. The key is to prepare early and take it one step at a time. By following a detailed checklist, you can minimize stress and ensure a smooth transition to your new home.
Start by ordering boxes and other moving supplies. Get a quote from a moving company, and reserve a truck or van for the day of the move. Make sure you have a good idea of how much space you’ll need for your belongings, and check room dimensions at your new home to see if larger pieces of furniture will fit through doors.
Complete a walk-through of your home to make an inventory of all items you’ll be taking with you, and get rid of any unwanted items by donating them to charity. Start packing suitcases for everyone in your family, and include important documents and phone chargers. Make sure to set aside an overnight bag with essentials like pajamas, clean socks and swimsuits for the first few days in your new house.
The week of your move, finish packing non-essentials and host a garage sale to get rid of old records, futons and books you no longer need. This is a great way to make some extra cash and help the community at the same time.
On moving day, show the movers your floor plan and label boxes with their destination rooms in your new house. Be specific about heavy or bulky items, so the movers know not to stack them too high, as this can damage them. Check your boxes as they are being loaded, and be sure to give the movers a tip for their hard work!
Inform your utility companies of your address change, and schedule cut-off and activation dates for cable, gas, water, electricity and garbage. You may also want to get a home warranty for peace of mind during the moving process. Finally, get your new address on your drivers’ license and other official documents. You can also register your change of address with the IRS online, which will ensure that you don’t miss any important tax filings or other notifications.