Guidelines for making a moving checklist

Moving is a complicated and demanding process that can last for only a few days or a couple of months. It depends on your time and planning. Like any other complex process, it is also desirable to make lists for moving. Making a moving checklist requires time, but it is time well spent. A moving checklist will make your relocation easier and less stressful.

Why you should make a moving checklist?

An organized person probably won’t be asking this question. If you belong to a group of people that goes through life thinking about how everything will fall into place, you need to read this. Learning the importance of making a moving checklist is first. 

Try to think about everything you need to do before your moving day. Packing your belongings is just one task in line. If you had enough luck and have not moved yet, it will be difficult for you to imagine. 

The relocation of the house is stressful and it requires planning. You need to remember everything you need to do while you are pressured and anxious. 

The easiest and safest way to avoid mistakes during moving is to have one or more checklist.

A moving checklist is your ally during relocation. Once you make your list, follow those steps and cross off everything finished.

Basic tips for making a moving checklist

First, you need to understand is to start with making a moving checklist weeks before you are relocating. There are tasks you need to finish at least a few weeks before moving day. A moving checklist can be a simple list of tasks or it can be a timeline with a description of tasks. This is more helpful for office relocation. 

For a residential move, you can make a simple version.

Moving checklist template

Nowadays you have an app or template for almost anything. It is safe to assume that you have the same for moving as well. The template of the moving checklist is certainly useful and you could find it online for free.

Even if you are using an already made checklist, you will have to take some time to study those tasks and to see what you are going to do and what tasks you will skip.

If you decide on a moving checklist template, find the one that has a free space for notes. Write down your thoughts and notes in the same list. Avoid making similar lists. Instead, try to use one moving checklist, so you know the next step at any time. If you have more lists with the same things, slightly different, you will lose track digging through papers.

Moving checklist application

As we already said there is an app for everything. One piece of advice is to explore different applications to see which one is a perfect choice for you. Download a couple of them and try them at least two or three months earlier.

Making a moving checklist

Start with planning and making a moving checklist two months before moving day. If you know that you are moving even earlier, then start with your list then.

It is never too early to make a plan. You will execute your plan in due time.

Every moving checklist should have tasks regarding:

• Budget for moving expenses
• A new school, job
• Scheduling a moving company
• Decluttering your home
• Yard sale or donating your unwanted items
• Supplying with packing materials
• Insurance for valuable belongings or artwork
• Measurements of a new home and home repairs
• Packing timeline and moving day essentials
• Unsubscribe from home deliveries or change the address
• Cleaning service

Depending on the time you have for planning your relocation, your list will be longer or shorter.

Ideally, starting two months earlier would provide you enough time for moving preparations. But, what if you don’t have that time? It’s ok, don’t worry, you can have smooth relocation, too. Just try to hold on to the most important and time-consuming tasks. Making a moving checklist will be shorter. Disregard things like decluttering, yard sale, changing addresses, etc. Save those tasks for “after the move” part of your checklist.

That is actually another important thing to know. When you are making a moving checklist, be sure to add after the move tasks. It is easier to have everything in one list. 

Set a budget

Always set a budget for your relocations and by all means, try to stay in the budget. This probably sounds redundant, but it is an important first step. Once you start to plan a few weeks or months in advance, it is easy to lose track of your expenses. Keep your receipts so you know how much have you already spent on the move.

Choose your movers in due time

If you are hiring a moving company, make sure that you do this at least a month or two in advance. It will leave you enough time to getting a written estimate from a moving company. But also you will be sure that the movers you chose have time to schedule your relocation.

Decluttering and garage sale

Decluttering demands a lot of free time. When you start to declutter, you will see that it can be difficult. Especially for people who like to hold on to their memorabilia, souvenirs, and other stuff. When you are moving long-distance, it is important to take only belongings and furniture you are sure you will use in your new home.

Organize garage sale for everything you are not keeping. This will provide you some extra money for moving expenses.

Create a timeline

Once you are finished with making a moving checklist, create a timeline for every task on the list. This will make your move easier and less stressful.