There are a lot of items that should go on your moving checklist, whether you’re doing everything yourself or hiring one of the best moving companies around. We’ve created the ultimate guide to make your move as painless as possible. Follow these steps to be sure you don’t forget lifesavers like creating a moving binder, finding free boxes, and double-checking your move-in paperwork.
Your move into a new home will go more smoothly if you start the planning process two months ahead of time. From creating a moving binder to backing up your computer files, the goal is to get the ball rolling.
Let’s get started.
1. Create a moving binder or set up a Google Doc where you can track everything. If you follow this first step, you’ll save a ton of time.
2. Print out your moving checklists and put them in your moving binder. We’ve separated your moving tasks into eight chunks beginning two months before you move and finishing two weeks after you get to your new home.
3. Organize documents. Keep track of moving estimates, final bills, and other info you get from moving companies. Add them to your moving binder.
4. Determine what else goes in your moving binder. After you’ve added the checklists, you may want to create sections for items such as documentation, receipts, and contact info.
5. Identify all your appointments. We’re not referring to doctor visits as much as we are to-do lists for connecting your utilities, scheduling inspections, or enrolling your kids in a new school.
6. Keep track of furniture measurements. The last thing you want when moving into your new home is to discover your couch won’t fit through the door. Measure all your big stuff to avoid a big mistake on moving day.
7. Start packing your first box. This isn’t the time to get all your dishes into moving boxes. Instead, focus on putting all your vital documents and valuables in one place. You’ll be able to identify any important info you don’t have, and you’ll never forget which box has all your critical items.
8. Back up your files. Get your files and photos saved to the cloud or an external hard drive. Your new home just won’t be the same if you lose pictures of your wedding or your baby’s first steps.
9. Identify what kind of move you’re doing. For example, do you want to do everything yourself, have someone else do all the work, or find an option in between?
10. Start researching moving companies. Check out customer reviews, get at least three quotes, and figure out your budget. You don’t have to decide on a company now, but you do want to research your options. We’ve done some of the legwork for you and compared the best companies for different kinds of moves.
Top moving companies11. Create a room-by-room inventory. It’s not as tough as you think, and it will prevent a massive headache if you have to file a claim for lost, stolen, or damaged goods.
12. Sell or donate unwanted items. This is the perfect time to have a garage sale for the stuff you’ve always wanted to get rid of or to finally follow through on your promise to donate to charity.
Get rid of your junkMove.org has a handy donation guide as well as reviews of the best junk removal companies.
13. Request time off from work. Plan a three-day weekend, and be sure to let your boss, coworkers, and clients know you’ll be out of the office.
14. Identify items that need special care. Much of the moving process is pretty simple: get your boxes and do your packing. Don’t forget about the big, fragile, and oddly shaped items that require extra attention (e.g., pianos, sectional furniture, or snowglobe collections) — and possibly more of your moving budget.
15. Do a deep clean. Cleaning won’t just help you organize your stuff. It can also increase the odds of getting back your security deposit if you’re a renter or make it easier to sell your home if you’re a homeowner.
You’ve spent the last two weeks getting organized. Now, it’s time to dive a little deeper. From collecting free moving boxes to taking pictures of your valuables, your goal is to narrow down the moving services and supplies you’ll need.
16. Keep researching moving companies. Narrow your list down to three or four options.
Don’t make moving more expensive — or stressful — than it needs to be. We’ve put together a list of the best moving discounts and deals.
If the company you’re thinking of hiring isn’t on here, that’s OK. Just check out their website or give them a call to ask if they have any discounts. It only takes a minute, and it could save you a lot of money.
Save money with a hybrid optionMoving containers cost less than professional movers and don't require as much work as rental trucks. See which services make our list of the best moving container companies.
17. Start collecting free moving boxes. Call your local grocery and furniture stores to see if they have any free boxes. If you plan ahead, there’s a good chance you can get most of what you need without spending a dime.
18. Label your boxes (e.g., “Kitchen: Dishes” or “Office: Books”).
19. Take pictures of your valuable belongings. Not only will this save your bacon if you have to file a claim, but you can also use it to trim time off the unpacking process. For example, if you take pictures of your electronics, you can easily look up which wires go where when you put everything back together again.
20. Do small repairs. You’ve looked at that outlet missing a faceplate for long enough. If you knock out some simple repairs before you leave, you can increase the odds of getting your security deposit back or selling your place. Plus, karma.
21. Reserve a storage unit. If you need to use a storage unit because you shipped your items a few weeks in advance or have to wait for people to move out of your new home, take the opportunity to reserve space now.
Save money on storage unitsWe've researched the best self-storage companies to help you snag the lowest prices.
