Moving and Relocation: In Depth Creation of a Moving Checklist

We started a series of moving and relocation guides last week all about moving basics of which we will be continuing this week. As one of the first and most important steps to take in the moving process, creating a moving checklist will be our topic this week. This is a rather simple task, but you might be surprised at how many people simply don’t know where to start on this list. There really is no right answer, per se, but there are a few special guidelines that you could follow in order to make sure that you get the most out of this checklist.

The Foundation

At the bottom of every task is the foundation, and the checklist is no different. There are a couple of different ways that you can go about organizing the list, and the final decision in this matter is up to you. There really is no one way that is better than another. The difference is usually cosmetic, but you should be aware of your own limitations and if you work well with certain forms of organization over others.

One way to organize tasks in the checklist is to group them according to the week that they should be accomplished. For example, eight to twelve weeks prior to the day that you need to move, you should contact various moving companies to see what services are offered and how much things are. It is vital to get moving quotes, and if it is helpful, you can even include a place on your moving checklist at this point especially for these quotes so that you can see them side by side.

Another method of organization for your moving checklist is by person who is responsible for the task. If you have a rather large family, and each person will be taking on certain tasks throughout the move, then this method may be the right thing for you to do. In these cases, it may be useful to separate the moving list into multiple lists so that each person can view their own without having to see what others are doing, but always keep a master copy in the event that the original gets lost.

Cornerstones

The cornerstone of a building is the very first stone to be set in place. This stone is almost as important as the foundation, and many other bricks will come to rely on this one. Likewise, certain things must come before others in your moving checklist. For example, you cannot load a truck rental before you have packed your things into boxes. Thus, it is important to build some type of time schedule and order for your list.

As mentioned before, you need to start looking into various moving services before you do anything else related to your move. If you do not have a way to move, there is no point in doing anything else. At the same time, you should be researching your new area, what is around there, what the layout of the neighborhood is, and various other aspects of the place. While this small task may not seem important, it will provide you with a sense of bearing when you know something about the place you are moving to before you actually move there.

The final cornerstone of any relocation project is to gather the information about your rights and responsibilities. This is vital to any type of move, whether near or far. Any good moving company should give you a special brochure outlining these items before you hire them. Make sure to go over this information with anyone who is going to be involved in your move. It is important to know what you need to take care of and what you can do if something does happen to go wrong.

Progression

As the move progresses, there will be many more things to add into the chaos of things happening. For example, you will have to make a decision on a company or moving truck rental as soon as you can. You will choose certain moving services to hire, and thus, you will know what things you need to accomplish. If you are hiring a full service company, you need to prepare your house for the movers. If you are hiring a self pack moving company, then you need to start getting packing supplies and packing up your things.

Another important thing to remember is to cancel any local memberships that you have and getting together copies of important documentation that you will need throughout your move. Taking the animals to the vet and getting the kids school records are both items that are covered by this step in the process. Make sure to notify friends and family of your intent to relocate and get together for a going away party if that is your type of event.

As the move gets closer, you need to start using up perishables that are in your kitchen. You will probably not be able to relocate chemicals, frozen foods, and other non-movables to your new home. Don’t buy any more of these items and simply try to use them up so that they do not get wasted. Check the moving company literature to see what items can and cannot be moved so that you are sure to follow the guidelines.

Get in contact with your local utilities to schedule a cutoff date, and make sure to put in a change of address form with the post office. Do the same for any magazines and newspapers that you plan on staying subscribed to. Make it a point to return anything that was borrowed so that it does not get packed and take to your new home with you.

If you plan on using car shipping to move your vehicles, you need to schedule this with an auto transportcompany so that you have this service before moving day. Make sure to research these companies just as you would any one of the moving companies that you looked into before hiring one. Whether you use this service or not, consider getting the car a checkup just as you would for your pets or yourself before the move.

Getting Closer

As moving day looms, the chaos rises to a breaking point. The moving checklist becomes even more important at this point, as things happen faster and things become more complex. At this point in the list, you need to include items such as confirmation of moving day activities including the moving company, truck rentals for moving, and childcare. It may even be helpful to include a time stamped schedule so that you know when each event will be taking place.

Make sure that you take the time to pack travel boxes. Include things that you simply cannot live without in these boxes, and make sure that each person in the family has one. Packing a travel box for your pets is also a good idea if they will be traveling with you. Take the time to disconnect any appliances so that you do not forget on moving day. If you are moving a waterbed, you need to drain it at least a week in advance so that it is ready to be moved.

Moving Day and After

The moving checklist should always include moving day and sometimes after. If there are things in your old home that need to be replaced or touched up, then include these things on the moving list. Schedule a walkthrough if you are renting or make sure to speak with your realtor if you are selling a home. Often times, these little after events are forgotten in the backwash of a hectic and tiring move.

Make sure to include anything that needs to be done on moving day as well. This includes having someone available to supervise the movers as they load the truck or your own manpower if you are renting a truck. Include the need for a moving tip or a pizza party if that is what you have planned. Remember to check every room as soon as the movers or your friends and family say that it is empty. This is one way to avoid leaving something behind.

As you can see, a moving checklist is quite intensive and can be very complex. It is up to you to write it up in a manner that will allow you to get your relocation complete in the best way possible. No matter where or how far you are moving, this list can really mean all the difference between disaster and a stress free move.