The process of relocating to a new home can be exhausting. There are so many things to do, and remember that it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But there is no need to worry – with our comprehensive moving to-do list, you’ll be able to breeze through the process and have a smooth move. Print it out and get started on making your move as smooth as possible!
Start Your Moving To-Do List 8 Weeks Before the Move
It takes a lot of time and effort to pack up everything you own, move to a new city, and then unpack and settle into your new home. So it’s no surprise that most people find the process stressful. However, the sooner you start preparations, the less stress you’ll experience. That is why you should start creating your individualized checklist approximately eight weeks before the move. This will give you plenty of time to get everything done without feeling rushed. At the same time, remember that these first tasks will be some of the most important ones down the road.
Create a Relocation Budget According to Your Needs and Possibilities
The cost of relocating will vary greatly depending on the city you’re relocating to, the size of your household, and your own personal preferences and needs. However, there are some general expenses that you can expect to incur when making a long-distance move.
To get an idea of how much your move will cost, start by creating a relocation budget. Consider the following expenses:
- Relocation truck or container rental (if you plan to move on your own),
- Price of the fuel,
- Car shipping (if you don’t want to drive long-distance),
- Meals,
- Packing materials,
- Packers (if you’re hiring professional help),
- Insurance (to protect your belongings in transit),
- Storage.
Once you’ve considered all of the potential expenses, research the average cost of each in your specific situation. This will give you a good estimate of how much you can expect to spend on your move. It will also help you organize your move and see whether getting professional help is possible – and to what extent.
Packing Services
Our professional packers have methods and techniques to ensure all your items are intact during and after the move.
Storage Services
Looking for storage space while you get settled? California-Seattle Express provides 30 days free storage with your move.
Car Shipping Services
We can ship your vehicles using the best freight options available. Your car will be moved safely and securely and arrive as planned.
Choose a Trustworthy Relocation Company
If you want to have a smooth and stress-free move, you should consider getting professional help – and if you opt for it, one of your tasks will be choosing the relocation company.
Getting long-distance moving services will help you move safely. Whether you’re looking for movers from California to Seattle or movers from Seattle to California, make sure you read as many testimonials as you can while selecting the right team. Focus most of your attention on reviews, especially those from Better Business Bureau (BBB). Don’t forget to get more than one estimate to choose the best one. Finally, remember to request the company’s USDOT number so you can verify its insurance and license status prior to completing the deal.
Research the City You’re Relocating To
Make sure you educate yourself on all other matters that will be vital to your life in a new city. It’s imperative to get informed about:
- Cost of living in another city,
- Housing options,
- Employment opportunities,
- Healthcare policies,
- Climate.
Additionally, keep in mind that it’s always a good idea to start job hunting before you actually relocate. That way, you can be sure to have a job lined up and waiting for you when you arrive and be able to financially support yourself from the start. If you want to learn how to find a job before the move, even if it’s in a different state, check the video below:
What the To-Do List for Moving Should Have 6 Weeks Before the Move
Six weeks before the scheduled move, it’s finally time to start boxing up your household! This can be a daunting task, but with a little bit of planning and organization, it’ll be a breeze. Of course, you can always opt to get packing services and leave this tiring task to the professionals. However, if you’re determined to pack by yourself, here is what your moving packing list should look like.
Gather Packing Materials
As you begin packing for your move, you’ll need to acquire some supplies. Boxes are the most obvious necessity, but there are other things you’ll need as well. For example, you might need bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or other materials to keep your belongings safe during transport.
You can either purchase supplies or make use of ones you already have in your home, based on the extent of protection you wish to attain.
It’s usually preferable to get brand-new boxes as well as quality protective materials like relocation blankets, bubble wrap, and packing paper when you need to pack fragile objects and other delicate and priceless possessions. Don’t forget the extra materials, such as markers (for labeling), scissors, or tape; if you don’t have them at home, be sure to grab them before you start boxing things up.
Find Out Some Ingenious Packing Tips That Can Help You Pack Efficiently
When you are getting ready to move, it is important to pack your belongings efficiently – that is why learning some smart packing tricks must be on your checklist for relocating to another state. This will make the whole process smoother and help you avoid any issues down the road. Here are some relocation tips to start with:
Declutter before boxing up
Don’t transfer anything you no longer need is an important packing tip. Organize your space by deciding what to throw, keep, sell, or donate – bring only items you’ll use or things that have high motherly or sentimental value. Keep in mind that the less you bring, the more you’ll reduce the relocation costs.
Pack a little bit every day
If you start in time, you’ll be able to break the boxing-up process into steps. You’ll probably end up stressed out if you wait to pack all that you possess several days before the move. Use room by room system, and take some time every day to box up your belongings.
Don't overpack the boxes
Overpacking can make them very heavy and difficult to move. It can also damage your belongings if the box is too full and breaks open. To avoid that, ensure you pack heavier items in smaller boxes and lighter things in bigger ones.
Remember to label before the move
Label any cables, drawers, doors, or other items that need to be taken apart, so you’ll know where they belong when you put everything back together. Put bolts and screws in plastic bags, then tape them to the furniture’s back. To help you put any furniture and electronics back together, take pictures of them before you disassemble. Of course, after you finish with the boxes, ensure they are labeled as well.
Learn about items long-distance moves can't move
To avoid any unnecessary hustle during the relocation day, ensure you learn which items movers won’t move. Flammables, toxic substances, explosives, and things alike are banned from the back of relocation trucks – ensure you give them away or dispose of them appropriately.
This Is a List of Things to Do When You’re Moving in 4 Weeks
Now we’re at the month before the move. It’s time to start assembling important documents you’ll need to carry to your new residence, canceling services in your old home, and planning your life in the future destination.
Plan Your Trip to the New Home
It’s best to make the travel arrangements before the relocation day comes. They will depend on the services you decide to get. Typically, you’ll have to determine how you are going to travel. Are you driving or flying? If you’re taking a plane, you’ll have to buy tickets. If you are driving, you may want to find a hotel or motel along the way – just ensure you don’t try to do too much in one day.
Update the Address in Advance
Make sure all your mail is forwarded to your future home. Online address updates are simple to do and can be scheduled for a certain start date. However, keep in mind that you need to change your address with more than just USPS.
You’ll also have to notify your utility providers of your move. This includes your electricity, gas, water, and trash companies. You’ll need to provide them with your new address in case you want to transfer utilities or cancel them if it’s impossible. The same goes for subscriptions and memberships.
Keep in mind that financial institutions, SSA, IRS, and insurance providers need to be notified about the move. Additionally, don’t forget to change your address on your online accounts.
Two Weeks Before the Move, You Should Still Follow Moving Inventory List
The big day is fast approaching!. During the two weeks before your move, you should also make plans for meals, medication, pets, and children. Ensure you create a relocation binder with all necessary relocation-related files, back up your computer (just in case), and clean up your safety deposit box. Additionally, start using everything that’s left in the freezer and make sure you and your loved ones go through a medical check-up before the relocation day comes.
Arrange for a Baby and Pet Sitter
It’s important to make arrangements for a baby and pet sitter before your moving day. This will ensure that your pets are taken care of and that your baby has someone to look after them while you’re busy with the move. You can ask friends or family members to help out, or you can hire a professional sitter.
These Are Some Tasks Your Moving List Should Have One Week Before the Move
One week before the move is the time when you start with move-out cleaning. If you want to sell the house or have your apartment deposit returned, one of the most important things you can do before the relocation is a deep clean. Here are a few tips on how to do it properly:
- Dust all surfaces, including ceiling fans, blinds, and baseboards,
- Vacuum all carpets and rugs,
- Wash all floors, including tile and hardwood,
- Clean all windows, inside and out,
- Clean all appliances, including the oven, fridge, and dishwasher,
- Wipe down all cabinets, doors, and walls.
Prepare a Box With Essentials
Your relocation essentials are items that you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home. This might include things like toiletries, a change of clothes, electronics, and medications. It’s also a good idea to include any important documents, such as certificates, medical records, and the like. Preparing this box ahead of time will save you a lot of hassle later on. Be sure to label it clearly and keep it in a safe, easily accessible place. That way, when the time comes to move, you can just grab it and go!
Finally, You Should Have a Moving Day List
It’s finally time to move! After all the planning, packing, and organizing, you’re almost ready to start your new life in your new home. But before you can start unpacking and settling in, there are a few things you need to do on moving day itself – whether you’re getting help from the long-distance moving company or relocating by yourself.
You must clear the pathways so there are no obstacles that can endanger you or cross-country movers. Additionally, you must ensure there are food and beverages for everyone, so the necessary energy for all the hard work is preserved. Also, if you want to prepare for movers, make sure you have set some cash aside so you can tip the team for the job well done.
Have the Last Walk Through the House
Make sure that everything is clean, in its rightful place and that nothing has been left behind by simply going through the house one last time. If possible, do this with the help of a friend or family member so that you can be sure to cover all of the bases. Once you’re satisfied that everything is in order, you can rest assured knowing that your move will go smoothly.
Don’t Forget About the Emotional Preparation
Relocation can be an emotionally daunting task, especially when you’re relocating to a new state. Before creating a list of things to do when moving into a new house, make sure you prepare for the move mentally – or it can end up being a very stressful experience. Ensure you talk to friends or family members who have support and advice and stay focused on all relocation benefits you can gain from the move.
Additionally, hiring a cross-country moving company is always a smart choice – trustworthy and reputable movers will not only help you move efficiently but can take a lot of the stress and worry off of your shoulders.
