Moving Checklist: Step by Step Guide

I’m the type of person who needs things written down. If it’s not written down, it might not happen. If I forget to write something down and remember it too late, I get very angry.

I found out a long time ago that writing things down helps me. I make lists for groceries and things to do. I also found out that it helps when I move. The first time I moved by myself, I saw how much writing things down helped me.

The best part is – the moving checklist that I’ve made hasn’t changed much since the first move. It just gets upgraded, sometimes. I hope you can put my moving checklist to some good use.

Moving Checklist Guide – Timeline

The moving checklist has been organized chronologically, with a comprehensive timeline culminating in the actual moving day. This timeline serves as the basis for a detailed moving checklist, which outlines tasks that require attention within specific timeframes.

To streamline the process, the timeline is divided into categories such as tasks to be completed two months prior, one month prior, one week prior, a few days prior, and on the day of the move.

You want to start your move ahead of time, it is one of the keys to a successful move. If you procrastinate and delay the things that need to be done way ahead of time you will face utter failure.

Two Months Before

The two months before period should start lightly and without any dangerous deadlines. Start swaying into the move itself but without burning yourself out. Basically, the two most important things you should do is find the best movers you can find in New York and create a list of things you want to keep and things you want to throw out.

Finding Movers

You will want to do research. In the age of internet ignorance is a choice. So chose otherwise. There are numerous tips on what to look for when finding movers. Basically, you want to have legally registered movers with insurance, that have good online (or word of mouth) reviews, that won’t do your quote over the phone and that have a USDOT (U.S. Department of Transportation) number.

Basically, if they exist for a while, have good reviews and seem professional enough – they usually are. The moving scams occur when you want to save money and look for movers on Craigslist. But nobody in their right mind would do that… Or would they?

Keep or Throw Away

It is advisable to conduct a thorough inspection of all the rooms in your residence and carefully assess your possessions. It may be appropriate to part ways with certain items that have been unused for an extended period of time. Consider gifting them to a friend who has expressed interest or donating them to a charitable organization. Relocating can be a challenging process, and it is important to avoid any unnecessary burdens.

One Month Before

Things are getting a bit spicy, you are closing in on the moving day. Get a bit more serious but still not too serious. Keep a light mood, for your sanity sake.

Make a Final Choice of Movers

So you’ve gone through all of the moving agency options, you interviewed them all. You’ve received a moving estimate and you’re finally set on that one moving agency that gave you the best vibe. Fine. Get a written confirmation of your moving date, as well as the final price and all other details.

Start Packing

Start packing light. Packing for moving in NYC is no easy task. First, kick off with the things you use the least, and the things you most likely won’t be using within the next month. This will be a good icebreaker. Also, while you’re packing make sure to make note of every single belonging valued over $100 (i.e. your computer) so that you can declare them in writing in order to be eligible for insurance.

File for Change of Address

This change of address takes time, so you might as well go to the post office and do the change of address form. You will still want your old neighbors to look out for any mail that might have been sent months ago, otherwise, you’ll be safe just in time.

Relocate Medical Records

Just make sure that all of your medical records are relocated to the new health care provider, in your new neighborhood.

Label Stuff

The most important thing when packing your boxes is to develop a habit of labeling everything. This way you’ll know what’s what at all times. There are also ways you can find cheap or free moving boxes in New York.

One of the things on your moving checklist should be the labeling and naming of your boxes.

One Week Before

One of the final laps in the move. Feel the pressure!

Make Sure You Take a Day Off for the Move

Call the office, announce that you will be moving and ask for a day off. You’ll need it.

Confirm the Move with the Moving Company

Call them, make sure you confirm that everything is on schedule. There might be changes that you missed a notification about.

Pack Your Bags

Pack everything. Leave out the most frequently used things and pack those in hand luggage. Keep them on you, as well as any other tiny valuables (jewelry, electronic devices, etc.). Just leave out clothes you will wear for a few days, everything else sealed and ready to go.

Stock Up on Prescription Meds

Plan ahead, prepare yourself. Add the restock of your meds to your moving checklist.

If you have any prescription medication, make sure you stock up on them now for it maybe even a week before you have the chance to do it again.

Few Days Before

The last 100-yard dash.

Empty Out the Freezer and the Fridge

If you’re taking the fridge with you make sure you defrost it. If not, make sure you defrost it anyway, take out everything and leave it in mint condition.

Double Check on Everything

Go over all the documentation and packed belongings.

Prepare Payment for the Movers

Prep a credit card or cash, or any other means of payment.

Moving Day

The finish line!

Verify Everything

First, verify that the truck that showed up belongs to the company you hired. Second, verify the USDOT number. Have the movers identify themselves. Scams like this are not alien to this world.

Make an Inventory List

Before you depart from your movers go through the inventory list, make sure everything is there and accounted for.

Best of Luck!