The Moving Checklist: A Guide for a Better Relocation Experience

Preparing for a relocation ? Moving can be quite stressful. In fact it is  the 3rd most stressful event in life, only surpassed by death and  divorce! To help you along we’ve come up with a list of some of the best moving practices. Following these will ensure that no unforeseen complications will ruin your moving experience. Once ready to move, we suggest you print out the checklist presented below and use it as a guide at every stage of your moving process.

It’s a good idea to start preparing for a move as early as 8-10 weeks before moving day.

8-10 Weeks Before

• Get organized!During the next couple of weeks, you will need to process a lot of information. Do yourself a favor and organize all documents (paper or electronic) in a proper easily accessible and safe way. Also, get a notebook and a binder to keep track of all advices, quotes, inventory, receipts,
• Pick the right movers! Research your local moving companies. You can start online, and check out the companies with highest ratings and most positive reviews. However, don’t limit yourself to online research, ask friend and relatives about their moving experiences. Chances are some of them may direct you to an experienced moving company.
• Get rid of items you no longer use!As simple as it may seem, deciding what to take with you at this stage will save you money later on… Taking care of this matter now will result in more precise estimates of needed capacities and extra space in a truck.

7 Weeks Before

• Take measurements. Check room dimensions at your new home, if possible, and make sure larger pieces of furniture will fit through the door.
• Get supplies. If you’ve decided to pack your belongings yourself, it’s time to invest in boxes, tape, markers and wraps.
• Garage sales at this stage can actually cover most of your expenses. Andit will help you get rid of possessions you no longer need.

6 Weeks Before

• Get your medical records. Visit or ask your doctor to get copies of your family’s medical records.
• Notify utilities.To avoid any extra charges and fees, you need to notify your utility service providers such as electricity company, mobile carrier, internet provider, etc. that you are closing out at your current place and getting utilities set up at your new residence.
• Notify schools. If you are a parent or custodian of minors, you must notify the school authorities of the your upcoming move. Arrange for their records to be transferred to the new school district.

4-5 Weeks Before

• Begin packing!Start packing the things that you use most infrequently. While packing, note items of special value that might require additional insurance from your moving company. Make sure to declare, in writing, any items valued over $100 per pound, such as a computer.
• Organize your valuables.If you have jewelry, heirlooms or other valuable items, retain them and keep them in a safe place until you can transport them yourself. You don’t want valuable items mixed up with your other packed items.
• Label everything.Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it’s destined for. This will help you to keep an inventory of your belongings. Pack and label “essentials” boxes of items you’ll need right away.
• Notify your landlord.If you’re moving from a rental, let your landlord know. Find out when you can have your security deposit returned.
• Do a change of address.Go to your local post office and fill out a change-of-address form, or do it online. But in case there are stragglers, it’s always wise to ask a friendly neighbor to look out for mail after you’ve moved. Check in with him or her two weeks after the move, and again two weeks after that.

3 Weeks Before

• Optimize your food situation.Use up food items that you don’t want to move. Plan ahead to have nothing left in your freezer by your move date. Make a plan to consume anything that’s already open.
• Pets and plants. Make arrangements to get your animals and plants to your new residence.

2 Weeks Before

• Contact the moving company. Check in with your mover to confirm the time and date of the move.
• Pack your possessions. If you didn’t request packing service, start boxing up everything left in your home. Make sure to label everything to ensure a smooth transition to your new residence.
• Take care of your car. If you’re moving a long distance or to a region with a different climate, be sure to have your car checked for necessary adjustments and/or tune-ups.. Check with your car insurance company for possible changes to your policy.
• Think green!Properly dispose of any items that cannot or should not be moved such as cleaning materials, propane, paint etc.

1 Week Before

• Pack an essential kit.Prepare suitcases for everyone in the family with enough clothes for a few days. Ensure you have easy access to the items you will need right away at your new residence.
• Refill prescriptions.Stock up on prescriptions you’ll need during the next couple of weeks.

1 Day Before

• Confirm and confirm again.Reconfirm the moving company’s arrival time and other specifics and make sure you have prepared exact, written directions to your new home for the staff. Include contact information, such as your cell phone number.
• Keep important documents handy.Make sure you have all documents related to your  move close by.
• Plan for the payment.If you haven’t already arranged to pay your mover with a credit card, get a money order, cashier’s check, or cash for payment and tip. If the staff has done a good job, 10 to 15 percent of the total fee is a good tip. If your move was especially difficult, you might tip each mover up to $100.
• Take care of the fridge.Empty your fridge and freezer, defrost and clean them. Check cupboards and pantry for any food items left over.

Moving Day

• Work with your movers.From the first moment let your movers know where fragile, large, heavy items are. Coordinate the movers and be responsive while they are loading your possessions into the truck. Make sure no items were left behind. Sign the bill of lading when you’re satisfied.
• Meet the movers.When the movers arrive at the final destination, you or a person in charge is encouraged to orient them. Tell them where each type of item must be carried, what must be unpacked, and which furniture (if part of the service) must be assembled
• Offer refreshments.During the summer season, movers will highly appreciate such an attention.
• Take inventory. Before the movers pull away, do a final check of your home to make sure nothing was left behind. Sign the bill of lading/inventory list and keep a copy.

We wish you great moving experience, and hope our guide can help you avoid most common pitfalls of residential moving. If you need more information on moving with Déménagement Économique, don’t hesitate to contact us by phone or email. We are always happy to answer your questions.  Also we can give you a rough quote for your move. Please click the button to start filling out our online quote form.