The Ultimate Moving Checklist

You’ve found the perfect home, made an offer, signed off on all your paperwork, and you’re finally ready to start the next chapter of your life — but first, you have to tackle your move.

No matter how long you’ve been in your current home, you may feel overwhelmed by the whole process, and we don’t blame you. Moving can be a stressful time for everyone involved but if you plan far enough in advance, you can make it a little easier on yourself and your family. 

Our team at  Bearingstar has put together this comprehensive checklist to help you prepare for your next adventure. 

8 Weeks Before Your Move

• Do a walkthrough of your new home to take measurements and make sure everything is in working order.
• If applicable, confirm move-in and move-out arrangements with your new and current apartment manager or landlord. 
• Research and book a moving company, or enlist the help of friends and family for moving day. If you go with a moving company, be sure to ask what they will and won’t move and if there are extra fees for certain items.
• Begin taking an inventory of all your home items and document any damage they may have prior to the move.

1 month before

• Start listing or donating any items you won’t be taking with you. 
• Stockpile moving supplies like boxes, tape, markers, and bubble wrap. 
• Repair any damage to your current home. Patch up holes in the wall, and touch up or even repaint rooms if it’s required under your lease.
• Check with your city to obtain permits you may need to park your moving van in the street. 
• Contact your insurance company to make sure your new place is covered and review any additional coverage you may need.
• If you’re moving out of town, obtain or forward official medical and school records. 
• Make an alternative plan for kids and pets on moving day. Check with friends and family for babysitting and pet sitting.

2 Weeks Before

• Press pause on grocery shopping and make meals with the last of your pantry and refrigerator staples.
• Call your moving company to confirm your move-in date.
• Contact utility companies to schedule the transfer and setup of service.
• Start boxing up items that you don’t need until after you’ve moved.
• Submit a change of address form to your local post office. 

1 Week Before

• Finish packing — clearly label all boxes and indicate which ones to prioritize such as dishes vs. out-of-season clothing.
• Prepare a box of essentials to have readily available. This should include all the tools you’ll need right away: Toilet paper, sheets, a shower curtain, soap, a hammer and screwdriver, disinfectant wipes, first aid supplies, cell charger, etc. 
• Designate an area or room in your home to store completed boxes and items ready to move. 
• Call your moving company to reconfirm again and give them directions and details for unloading. Though it may seem redundant, this is one of the number one conflicts movers face day-of.  

Day of the move

• Walk through the inventory of your items with the movers and secure copies of all documentation.
• Do a final sweep through each room, checking closets and cabinets for forgotten items. 
• Take out the trash, close and lock windows, turn off thermostats and lights, and confirm your departure with your landlord or new homeowners. 
• Check for functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as well as appliances for any problems. 
• Disinfect your new home, especially the kitchen and bathrooms.
• Pay your movers — including a gratuity.
• Note any damaged items from the move and follow up with the moving or insurance.

Now that you’ve moved, you can take as much or as little time as you want unpacking and settling into your new space. We hope these tips help make your next move a little more stress-free. Contact one of our agents today for a no-obligation review of your current home insurance policy.