Eight-Week Moving Checklist That You Will Need When Moving

Wherever you are moving, whether with a family or alone for whatever reasons, there’s no denying the fact that moving is undoubtedly tiring and stressful work.

There is a lot on your palate that you have to take care of. Right from understanding the requirements of the country and custom rules (when moving internationally), determining what to take along, to planning your packaging, there is so much that you have to tend to.

This is where you wouldn’t lose out on anything as that can make the process troublesome later on. Right from consulting a partner for moving and storage in Chicago, or wherever you live, to know what has to be done and in what steps, keeping your process time and check is very much needed. This is why we have created this 8-week moving checklist that you will ever need when you are moving your home.

So, follow this program and make your moving is a comfortable and an easy process:

8 Weeks

• The first and foremost thing is to understand what you can take and what not when moving to a new location. This depends on whether you are moving temporarily for permanently.

• Assess the rights and responsibilities of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

• Create a budget for your moving expense.

• Create a file, whether paper-based or digital that you will use to include all the details regarding your move.

7 Weeks

• Look out for a moving company that best fits your needs and is within your budget. Go through customer reviews and ensure the mover is licensed and verified when picking one. Get estimates from the movers in detail. If feasible have them do an in-home estimation. When the mover is finalized read all the documents before signing the contract. Ask about what insurance coverage they are providing, along with checking homeowners’ policy to know what it covers.

• Request your employer for off-time for planning your move.

• Plan a garage sale and also donate whatever items you no longer use.

• Make a list of all the businesses and so where you have to change your address. This applies to online accounts as well.

6 Weeks

• Start assessing items room by room that have to be transported.

• For your children, it is necessary that you start looking for their future school and assess their needs. Work with the current and future school for the children’s transfer process.

• Start collecting packaging items specific to your items. Purchase them for all types of items including fragile products. Label these boxes about each room.

• Address home repairs before you move out.

• If you are moving your car also then make sure to clear anything from inside of it.

5 Weeks

• This is the week to work on your packaging. Make your schedule room-by-room and start packing.

• Create valuable items’ inventory.

• Make sure to go through packing hacks which you can follow to pack your items in the most effective and ideal way.

• Make sure that you take all electronics’ photos before you unplug them.

• Make sure you get your vehicles serviced when moving cross-country.

• Make sure that you schedule like you pack each day and this work doesn’t take up your valuable time for other tasks. 

4 Weeks

• Check your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer and use up all the food. Don’t engage in buying too much or in bulk for the remaining weeks.

• Now fill out the form for change of address with the U.S. Post Office.

• Get your address and other details changed in bank records.

• Purchase moving insurance if you deem it needed.

• Cross-check with your mover about the moving day readiness.

• Gather all your legal, financial, and medical records and documents and all other important documents in one place.

• Notify your homeowner’s insurance company of your move.

• Pick anything that you have to from vendors like dry cleaners and so.

3 Weeks

• Stock on medical supplies.

• Find a new doctor, dentist, and vet in your new place.

• Get ID tags for your pets. Collect vet records and see if any pet medication is needed.

• Gather all the valuables like jewelry, paperwork and so and pack them in a separate moving box that you keep with yourself on a moving day.

• Take photos of all the valuable items to see if they get any damage upon reaching.

2 Weeks

• Cancel all newspaper and mail delivery at your present address and set-up delivery at the new place.

• Go through your checklist once again to see nothing is missed. Ensure you have everything in place up until now.

• Go through the packaging process again, as there are certain items that are to be packed at the last stage. Make sure these are thoroughly cleaned and ready to be packed. And pack little by little the items that you can do without.

• Arrange for the cash that you will need in the last week and on the day of moving.

• Dispose of flammables, poisonous items, and corrosives.

• Return all the borrowed items.

• Remove light bulbs.

• Cancel your gym, yoga class, and other such memberships.

• Transfer your utilities.

• Change address for security service benefits.

• Change address for auto insurance, car registration, and all other such businesses where it’s needed.

• Send a moving announcement and keep a day to meet friends and family before moving.

1 Week

• This is the week where not much should be left to do.

• Confirm all the details with your moving company.

• Schedule your home cleaning before you leave.

• Back up your computers.

• Ensure that your utilities are turned off on the day of your move.

• Make sure nothing is hidden in closet corners or shelves.

• Have your new place cleaned before you move. 

• Prepare for the scenario if your mover runs late.

• Most importantly make sure to cherish and enjoy the memories you have made in this home.

So, following this checklist and having everything in place in consultation with your service providers for moving and storage in Chicago, or anywhere else, you will get your work done efficiently and smoothly.