Whether you’ve recently purchased your new dream home, or you’re making plans to buy soon, take a look at our comprehensive “Timeline to Moving” checklist, full of items you’ll need to remember before, during and after your move.
Here’s a glimpse at the type of moving reminders you’ll find on the checklist:
Two Months Prior
- Create an inventory of valuable items for insurance purposes. If anything gets lost or damaged, you’ll need proof of ownership and condition when you make a claim with the insurance company.
- Make sure your new home construction is on schedule. Stay in touch with your homebuilder to ensure that your new home will be ready on time. Your builder should be communicating any hiccups or delays that may occur during the building process but taking initiative is going to give you peace of mind.
- Print your floorplan. Have an idea where everything will go once you get to your new home. It will be helpful when it comes to packing and unpacking, plus it’s a fun way to think about your new spaces.
Six Weeks Prior
- Cover your medical needs. Get your medical and dental records to give to future providers. Don’t forget the vet records for your pets! You’ll also want to research doctors, dentists, vets and pet sitters in your new neighborhood.
- Contact your insurance agent. Establish an insurance policy for your new home. Get in touch with your current agent or do some research and find a new one.
One Month Prior
- Check in with your lender. Make sure your mortgage is on track for the closing date. It’s better to get any issues addressed now rather than later.
- Cancel services you won’t need. If you use a lawn care company and/or a cleaning service, cancel them before you move so you’re not wasting any money.
- Return your library books. Returning content to your public library from miles away isn’t easy, so take care of this beforehand.
One Week Prior
- Clean up. Dispose of all cleaning solutions or flammable items that can’t be moved, including bleach, ammonia, charcoal, gasoline, fireworks, etc. Check with your moving company to get a list of prohibited items.
- Get confirmation from your movers. Ensure that your reservation with your moving company is set and get your payment and tip ready so there will be less to worry about on moving day.
- Arrange for child/pet care. You’re going to be very busy on moving day so reduce the stress by getting someone to look after your children and pets.
Moving Day
- Watch the movers. Although most moving companies do their best to take care of your stuff, it never hurts to be diligent to ensure that everything is handled properly.
- Leave a note. On the off chance that you leave something important behind, leave a note with your new address for the residents moving into your old home. It will increase your chances of getting your possessions returned.
- Turn off the lights and lock the doors. Although your home is now empty, lock it and conserve energy as you normally would. It’s a safety precaution and a courtesy to the next tenants.
Moving is a big deal for everyone involved, but it’s a lot easier to tackle it in steps. Be sure to take a look at our in-depth moving checklist to help you break down your move—it’ll be less stressful, and you’ll find yourself getting more excited to move into a brand new home!
