My moving checklist
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This list is being updated after yet another move.
It has now been roughly 4 months since I moved into my current place and I still vividly remember being stressed out the entire time. I was worried that I had forgotten something. That I wouldn't have internet when I moved or that my mail would still be getting delivered to my old address. So for future reference here are all the things I needed to check off my move list.
The list is broken down chronologically:
Note: This is only useful for a local move (within a city or region). Also I was a single person moving into a 2 bedroom house.
1 month before
Start collecting boxes that you will be using to pack everything in or go to your closest Home Depot to buy the boxes you will need.
Start packing if you know this will take time. While packing, make sure to label the boxes with the following information:
What room that box should go in
Label each box with a number 1/n, 2/n, 3/n, etc to make it easier to account for at the other end.
Start researching movers - get some recommendations from friends, call up the ones with the best reviews in your area. Take the time to decide on your top pick.
Start researching cleaners for your current apartment - get some recommendations from the landlord or friends, call up the ones with the best reviews in your area. Take the time to decide on your top pick.
2 weeks before
Keep/start packing
Schedule installation appointments for the following:
Internet services - specially if you're moving in peak season, schedule this appointment sooner rather than later. Also allows you to put in the research if you want to switch providers.
Electricity services
Gas services (if separate from above)
Arrange for the movers you selected 2 weeks ago
Arrange for the cleaners you selected 2 weeks ago
1 week before
Keep packing!
Pack the supplies you will need the day off your move separately:
Box cutter
Tape
Scissors
Post its
Tools for moving
Paper towels
Towels
Toilet paper
Hand wash
Bedsheets
Cleaning supplies
Water bottle
Laptop
Laptop charger
Phone
Phone charger
Laundry hamper
Pack the supplies you will need the week off your move separately:
Toiletries
Change of clothes
Your work bag
Food supplies
Cooking utensils
Change your address at the following services:
Post office - Specially if you have any inflight deliveries
Bank
Memberships - airline or hotel memberships for example
Subscription deliveries
If an immigrant, USCIS
DMV
Work
Schedule your move in inspection at your new place:
Schedule key pickup
Reserve the building loading zone or have the landlord let you know where the movers should park.
Schedule your move out inspection at your current place:
Schedule key drop off
Reserve the building loading zone or have the landlord let you know where the movers should park.
Make sure you get your full security deposit back:
Spackle any holes
Remove scuffs. I used a Magic eraser
Paint over any faded paint spots
Clean out the refrigerator and freezer.
Day before
Pack any last minute things
Get acquainted with your new home:
Get the keys to the new place
Take a look at moving bay/ area that the movers will be using
Take a look at elevator access (if the movers will need to use it). Also make sure the elevator is covered in moving sheets if your building does provide it.
Take a look at trash access
If you are feeling super organized, use post its to label the areas where the furniture needs to be put down so that you don't have to supervise the movers as they bring the furniture in the next day.
Confirm all the following:
Movers
Any installation appointments
Day off
Pack any last minute things
Pack food from the refrigerator and freezer
MOVE!
Unpack your day off supplies
Unpack your week 1 supplies
BREATHE!