Smooth Moves: Essential Milestones for Your Household Relocation

Your household move can be exciting and, with the proper planning, even something to look forward to. By hitting key milestones, you can ensure a smoother transition. We will walk you through the essential steps needed to make your move efficient and less stressful and the details will be filled in with your first step.

1. Move Planning

Start by creating a comprehensive moving checklist. List out all tasks, from gathering packing materials to scouting for a moving company. Assign deadlines to each task, delegate where you can, and begin tackling them as early as eight weeks before your move.

As part of your move plan, you should have the following milestones.

2. The Purge: Declutter and Downsize

Clear out any unnecessary items. Go through each room and decide what you want to keep, donate, sell, or toss. This step helps reduce what you have to move and makes packing more manageable. Think of it as a fresh start.

3. Hire a Moving Company

Research and book a reputable moving company at least six weeks in advance. Get quotes from multiple businesses and read reviews to make an informed decision. Ensure they offer the needed services, such as packing and storage options. Remember to read reviews, but be sure the reviews are for services for which you will hire the mover.

4. Gather Supplies

Stock up on packing supplies, including boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and markers. Having all necessary materials ready will prevent last-minute scrambles. You can find packing kits at home improvement stores or order them online.

5. Notify Important Parties

Inform all relevant parties about your move four weeks ahead. This includes updating your address with the post office, banks, utilities, and subscriptions. Don’t forget to notify friends and family as well.

6. Start Packing Early

Begin packing non-essential items like books, off-season clothes, and décor about three weeks before your move date. Having much of the packing done early will make the days before the move less stressful. Label each box clearly with its contents and destination room. This will save you time and effort when unpacking.

7. Organize Important Documents

Collect and safeguard essential documents, including birth certificates, passports, insurance papers, and medical records. Keep them in a secure, easily accessible place, like a personal safe or a dedicated folder.

8. Finalize Moving Day Details

Confirm your moving date and time with the movers one week before the move. Make necessary childcare or pet care arrangements on moving day to ensure a smooth process.

9. Prepare an Essentials Box

Pack a box with essentials you’ll need immediately upon arrival—think toiletries, a change of clothes, snacks, and important gadgets. This will save you from rummaging through boxes on your first night.

10. Conduct a Final Walkthrough

Before you leave, do a final sweep to ensure nothing is left behind. Check all rooms, closets, and storage areas. Leave a note with your new address for the new residents, just in case some mail slips through the change-of-address process.

Settle In Quickly!

Once you’ve moved into your new home, unpack room by room, starting with essentials like the kitchen and bedrooms. Prioritize setting up a comfortable living space to help everyone settle in quickly and smoothly.

If you are ready for a move, contact us for a free quote.