Moving Made Easy: A Checklist for Moving and To-Do Timeline

If you’ve ever moved across the country or even across the street to a new house, your last move probably ended in two words: “Never Again!” You don’t have to stay in one place for life. You’ll find yourself again surrounded by boxes and tape.

This movers in Sarasota checklist will help you to make the move easier. It includes the tasks that need to be completed and when to complete them to reduce stress. You can print it and check off each item week by week. “I’m Home” may be your last two words when you move again.

Two Months Before

  • Sort and Purge

Decide what you want to keep in each room and what you don’t need. Consider whether certain items require extra packing or insurance coverage.

  • Research Movers in Sarasota

Investigate moving companies. Request an on-site quote. Do not rely solely on a phone estimate. Be sure to get a written estimate from each company with a USDOT Number. This shows that companies like the movers in Sarasota have been registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation and is bound by its safety standards.

  • Create a Moving Binder

This binder is a great way to organize all your moving documents, including your estimates, receipts, and inventory.

  • Organize School Records

You can transfer your child’s records by going to the school where they are currently enrolled.

Six Weeks Before

  • Purchase Supplies

Purchase moving boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and permanent markers. Order specialty containers such as dish barrels and wardrobe boxes.

  • Use It or Lose It

Use up items that you do not want to move.

  • Measurements

Check the room dimensions of your new home and ensure that larger furniture pieces will fit through the doors.

One Month Before

  • Select Your Mover, and Confirm Your Arrangements

Choose a moving company, and receive written confirmation of your moving date, cost, and other details. Contact reputable moving companies like Bekins or Allied Van Lines. to keep your peace of mind every time you move.

  • Start Packing

Pack the items you use the least, like the waffle maker and croquet set. Note special items that may require extra insurance from your moving firm. Declare in writing any items worth more than $100 per pound. This includes computers.

  • Label

Label and number every box clearly with the contents and room for which it is intended. You can keep track of all your possessions this way. Label and pack “essentials boxes” with items you need immediately.

  • Separate Your Valuables

Add important documents and jewelry to a box you carry to your new house. In this box, place the estimate from your mover. This will be useful for reference on a moving day.

  • Change Your Address

Fill out the form at your local post office or online. In case you have any stragglers in your mail, ask a neighbor to keep an eye out. You should check in with your neighbors two weeks after the move and again later.

  • Notify Important Parties

Notify the following companies of your move: Banks, brokerage firms, and your employer’s Human Resources Department. Also, notify magazines and newspapers that you subscribe to and credit card, insurance, and utility companies.

  • Medical Records Forwarded

You can arrange for your medical records to go to a new provider or get copies.

Two Weeks Before

  • Plan to Take Time off Work for the Moving Day

Tell your boss you’ll be responsible for the relocation that day.

  • Tune Up Your Car

Ask the mechanic if any services are needed to prepare your vehicle for climate change.

  • Cleaning Out Your Safe Deposit Box

Remove the contents of the safe deposit boxes from your old bank and place them in the new safe deposit boxes you will take on the day you move.

  • Contact Moving Companies

Confirm your arrangements.

One Week Before

  • Refill Prescriptions

Prescriptions that you will need in the coming weeks are available now.

  • Pack Your Suitcases

Finish your general packing at least a few weeks before the moving date. Pack suitcases with enough clothing for each family member to last a few days.

A Few Days Before

  • Defrost Your Freezer

You should empty, clean, and defrost your refrigerator at least 24 hours before moving day.

  • Double-Check All the Details

You should confirm the moving company’s arrival time and any other details. Also, it would help if you gave the staff-written directions that are exact to your new house. Include your contact information, such as a cell phone number.

  • Plan Your Payment

If you still need to do so, you can pay for your mover and tip with cash; a cashier still needs to do it, or a 10 to 15% tip is appropriate if the staff did a great job. If your move was difficult, you could tip up to $100 per mover. Refreshments are always appreciated.

Moving Day

  • Verify

Check that the moving company that arrives is the one you hired. The USDOT number should match that on your estimate. Scams do occur.

  • Take Inventory

Before the movers leave, sign the Bill of Lading/Inventory List and preserve a copy for your records.

Final Thoughts

Moving can be a challenging and trying experience, but with careful preparation and organization, it can become manageable and successful. This checklist offers a timeline that helps break the process into manageable steps while serving as a reminder, ensuring nothing important gets overlooked during this transition.

Remember to conduct in-depth research when hiring a mover like Flat Fee Movers, create a moving binder for important documents, label and pack boxes systematically, notify important parties of your change of address, take inventory on a moving day, verify that the moving company meets estimates provided, take inventory at each stop along your journey and confirm their reliability with this checklist and its steps for an easier, less-stressful move. So, what are you waiting for? Let our expert movers in Sarasota handle your next move; call us today!

FAQs

When should you begin planning your move?

Create a plan as soon as you have decided to move. Start with a basic plan, add to it as you learn more, and create a timeline and schedule.

What is a moving inventory list?

Moving inventory lists outline all the items you plan to move from one location to another. The list includes a description of the item, including its condition and estimated price.

What is a moving budget?

You can plan for unexpected expenses by creating a moving budget. You can plan a budget for your move so you don’t get hit by unexpected expenses.

What constitutes moving?

Moving house or relocation is moving from one place to another. The new location may be within the same neighborhood or a far-off place, such as a city or country.

Abraham Berger

Abraham Berger is a distinguished writer specializing in moving articles, bringing his passion for relocation and expertise in the moving industry to help readers embark on seamless and stress-free moving journeys. With an innate ability to combine personal experiences with extensive research, Abraham's articles resonate with readers as he offers valuable insights, tips, and strategies for a successful move.