Whether you do it every few years or this is your first time as an adult, moving day can be a significant source of stress. There are so many things you must remember to do, from transferring your National Geographic subscription to making sure you can find your prescriptions later among the sea of uniform brown boxes. There is paperwork to organize, and your grandmother’s china to pack extra carefully. And don’t forget about what to do with Fido when the moving company shows up at your door!
As you look around your lived-in home, all these tasks can seem monumental and overwhelming. But if you begin early enough, you can handle them with the attention they deserve, and in due course. Use this moving day calendar to help you plan for the big day.
8 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING
Before you start packing anything, go room by room and decide what you’re going to keep, toss, or donate. By eliminating items up front that will not be moving with you, you can simplify the act of packing when it comes time. Tools like multi-colored Post-it tapes allow you to “tag” items, while being easy to remove later.
Research moving companies. Your real estate agent should also be able to suggest companies with good reputations. Call for estimates and select a mover. Be sure to get an on-site estimate in writing.
6 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING
Purchase/order boxes and packing supplies such as tape, bubble wrap, and permanent markers.
If needed, arrange for storage and transport of vehicles, pets, other animals, or other large and/or sensitive items.
Arrange for any repairs or installations in your new home. This is also a good time to schedule painters for your new home.
Take measurements at your new home to ensure larger items, such as furniture, will fit through the door.
Notify school(s) of children’s transfer. Get school records. Check into pre-registration procedures for the new schools.
Transfer/cancel home insurance coverage. If your present home has not yet sold or will close at a later time, make sure insurance coverage will continue while the home is vacant and you still own it.
4 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING
Start packing now. Begin with items you use most infrequently, such as holiday decorations and keepsakes. Make note of any valuable items that might need additional insurance from your moving company.
Label each box on the side with a description of contents and the room it belongs to. Be sure to set aside a box of items you’ll need immediately after moving and label it “Essentials.”
Make an inventory checklist of all items packed and furniture being moved.
Fill out a change-of-address form at your local post office or online at usps.gov.
Notify important billing and subscription parties of your change of address. This includes:
Banks.
Credit card companies.
Magazine and digital subscriptions.
Service providers.
Insurance companies.
Utility companies.
Obtain medical records to take with you.
3 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING
Set turn-off dates for utility companies. Schedule to disconnect your landline phone and internet service for the day after you leave.
Arrange for utility, telephone, and internet service in your new home.
Have your rugs and drapes cleaned. Leave them wrapped when they are returned for easy transport.
Check your freezer and plan your meals to use up the food over the next 2–3 weeks.
Give away or arrange for transport of houseplants. Most moving companies will not move plants, especially in winter.
Make any travel arrangements, including interim hotel reservations and car rental.
2 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING
Arrange to be off from work on your moving day so you can supervise the entire move.
Pick up any dry cleaning.
Gather all valuables and keep them in a safe place. Plan to carry them yourself during the move. This includes:
Jewelry.
Safe deposit box items.
Closing papers.
Mover’s estimate.
Prescription medication.
Have your car prepared for the trip. Check your tires, brakes, windshield wipers, etc.
1 WEEK BEFORE MOVING
Gather items and clothing needed for personal travel and keep separate. It’s a good idea to pack for a few extra days, just in case.
Refill your necessary prescriptions needed for the next couple of weeks.
Dispose of all combustibles and spray cans. (Spray cans can explode or burn.)
Pack a separate carton for cleaning materials and tools.
Cancel all newspapers, delivery services, garden service, etc.
Arrange for a babysitter or to send the kids and pets to a friend’s house for moving day.
Clean your current home—and don’t forget the oven and leave-behind appliances. Patch any holes left in the walls.
2–3 DAYS BEFORE MOVING
Prepare payment to your moving company with a credit card, money order, cashier’s check, or cash. Don’t forget to set aside a tip for a job well done!
Double check your moving day plan, including the moving company’s arrival time, directions to your new home, etc.
Defrost and clean the refrigerator and freezer to be moved.
Pack your immediate needs, such as a coffee pot, a few dishes, pots and pans, towels, soap, and bedding.
Arrange to pre-sign your closing papers so you don’t have to attend one, if not two, closings on moving day. Contact your REALTORⓇ to arrange this.
MOVING DAY
Plan to spend the entire day in the house. Don’t leave until after the movers have gone.
Verify that the moving truck that shows up is from the company you hired. Beware of scams.
Check the entire house for articles overlooked.
Turn off the water and appliances. Lock windows and doors.
Be sure movers have your cell phone number in case of any problems.
Advise your neighbors and real estate agent that the house is vacant. Leave the keys with the new owner or their agent.
Plan an evening treat for yourself, such as a nice bottle of wine. Congratulations! You’re in your new home at last.
All real estate is local. In order to make confident real estate decisions, we believe it is important for you to have timely and neighborhood-specific information. If you would like more information about buying a home in NC, our experts at EXP Realty are here to help. Contact us today to speak with a EXP agent about buying homes or land in North Carolina.
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