If you're moving soon, you need a very detailed moving to-do list. I've got to move in March, and I've already made my list, so I can start ticking off items one at a time. I've moved a lot in my life, and I know how difficult it can be – and how disorganized, if you aren't careful. I'm hoping to make this move go a lot easier, especially since the Better Half and I are staying in the same area, rather than moving from Michigan to Massachusetts on a huge time crunch, but I know this moving to-do list will make things go much more smoothly. I bet it'll work for you as well!
Even if you're not moving for months, the first item on your moving to-do list should be sorting through your belongings. You can start doing it at any time, so begin now! I'm serious, you'll thank me for this. You want to start sorting now because you can also start getting rid of the things you really don't need to take with you. If you come across a dress you haven't worn since 2002 or a poster you haven't displayed since college, you can probably get rid of those things, right? Besides, there are two less things you have to pack.
Actually, that bears repeating. You have to get rid of the things you don't use any longer. If they're cluttering up your current space, then why would you want the clutter in your new home? I'm a horrible pack rat, so I'm right there with you. But why not use your new move to make a new start as well? Someone out there can certainly get some use out of your old items, so once you've sorted them out, donate them or give them to someone who needs them.
Finding a moving company is ridiculously difficult, so you need to start looking ASAP. You also need to comparison shop so you can find the best deal. Whether you just want to rent a U-Haul and do all the packing and moving yourself or if you need a little help, you don't want to spend more money than you need to; moving is expensive enough as it is. If need be, look around on Groupon and LivingSocial as well. They often have fantastic moving deals.
Don't wait until the last minute to start gathering boxes. You'll end up with 10 for five rooms of accessories, knick knacks, and furniture, and guess what? They won't be enough! Start asking your local grocery stores if they'll save back boxes for you right now. Liquor stores are actually great sources too. That way, you can also start packing non-essential items right away.
Seriously, measure your current doorways and hallways, as well as your new ones, when you can. You do not want to discover that you can't possibly get any of your furniture out of your old place and into your new one. If you wait until the last minute, you're just begging for frustration. Do it ahead of time and you can make a plan if something simply doesn't fit.
You'd be surprised at how many people forget to do this! By this I also mean you need to change your address officially. However, make sure you specifically ask for mail forwarding as well. That way you won't risk missing any important bills or correspondence. I've had this happen to me, and believe it, it just sucks.
Most people don't forget this, but a few do. In many cases, especially if you're moving to an apartment or a townhouse, you won't have to worry about things like electricity and the water. However, if you use a landline, you will definitely want to set up new phone services, you'll need new cable, and you absolutely don't want to forget to find a new internet provider and have them come as soon as possible.
You need to label everything. Every box, every bag, every suitcase, everything. If you don't label your boxes and things clearly, you won't be able to tell where anything goes. The movers may put things willy nilly if they don't have clear directions, so the dishes can end up in the bathroom and your shoes might end up in the basement. Unlabeled boxes also make unpacking a virtual nightmare – more so than it already is.
Pack the things you need last. That includes clothing, medicines, bathroom toiletries, and things like that. You don't want to have to unpack the things you need because you're still using them. It's also a good idea to keep those boxes in your personal vehicle with you, if you can.
Seriously, you won't regret this. Checking and rechecking everything might seem tedious, but you'll be glad you did. Look for labels, make sure your installation appointments are all set up, and don't forget to turn off the utilities and things in your old home!
Moving is always hard, both emotionally and physically. However, if you remain organized and try to stay on schedule, the process itself doesn't have to be that bad. What's on your moving to-do list? If you have more tips to make them easier, I for one will be hugely grateful!