A Helpful Moving Checklist
What are the Steps When Moving? We Have All the Answers!
If you're getting ready to move to a new house, condominium, or apartment—congratulations! Relocating can be an exciting time, whether you’re moving across the country or across town. Whether your plan is for short-distance moving, a long-distance haul, or moving abroad, it's helpful to have a moving checklist to keep you organized and remind you of details large and small that you'll need to tackle. Below, we have the top ten most important steps when moving. Feel free to print it out and keep it with your moving materials and information! As a bonus, we've also included a separate section that provides additional suggestions for packing. Without further ado, here's…
Camelot's Handy Moving Checklist
Moving Checklist #1: Create a budget.
It's important to think about this at the very beginning as a cross-country move is more expensive than a local one. Also, consider if you'll need packing or storage services. Finally, moving mid-month or in the off-season can cut moving costs if you have flexibility.
Moving Checklist #2: Downsize.
The most helpful step when moving is downsizing. It can save you both time and money. Start as soon as you know you will be moving. Go through all your belongings and donate, sell, or recycle/dispose of all items you do not want in your new home.
Moving Checklist #3: Hire movers.
Experienced professional movers will ensure that you and your belongings vacate your old home in a timely manner and safely arrive to your new home, relieving a lot of unnecessary stress during your relocation. If you need to move at the start or end of a month, make sure you schedule your appointment well in advance as these dates can be in high demand.
Moving Checklist #4: Understand your delivery window.
While local moves typically happen in one day, a long-distance move can take longer to have your home furnishings delivered. For some movers, your delivery window can be as long as three months! Fortunately, with Camelot, the delivery window is generally 1-2 days.
Moving Checklist #5: Investigate coverage.
Licensed moving companies like Camelot provide limited coverage for your belongings while they are in the company’s hands. However, if you are relocating valuable items such as antiques, family heirlooms, or a piano, you may wish to purchase a more comprehensive insurance plan.
Moving Checklist #6 Obtain packing supplies.
If you are packing up your home yourself, you'll need packing items such as sturdy cardboard boxes of various sizes; packing paper and bubble wrap for glassware, artwork, and fragile items; and several rolls of packing tape. Don't forget permanent markers and color-coded labels to clearly designate the contents and destination of each box.
Moving Checklist #7 Have pets or children?
Make a plan for your children and pets on Moving Day. Talk to your kids in advance about what will be taking place that day, and consider assigning them an age-appropriate task. Be sure to make Moving Day bag for your kids and pets during moving day, that will contain essentials: their favorite toys and blankets, snacks, activities, etc.
Moving Checklist #8 Parking permits.
If your move takes place in an urban area or residential apartment/condominium complex, you may be required to secure a parking permit for the moving truck.
Moving Checklist #9 Schedule utility shut-off/turn-on.
Don’t forget the essential step when moving of notifying your utility and insurance providers of the date you'll be leaving your old residence and arriving at your new one. Doing this will prevent any gaps in service or coverage.
Moving Checklist #10 Do a final inspection.
After the movers have finished, take one last walk through the property to ensure nothing has been left behind. At the same time, make sure you have all the items that will NOT be placed in the moving truck (travel suitcase, pet and child supplies, etc.).
Bonus Materials! Tips and Strategies for Packing
If you're opting not to utilize your movers’ packing services, packing up your own home will be the most important step when moving. Start preparing at least six weeks in advance of your scheduled Moving Day. Also, be sure to spend some time downsizing and removing unwanted items to save yourself time and money!
Packing Steps When Moving
Step 1: Pack Items in Storage Spaces
The easiest place to start packing is your storage spaces. These areas include your basement, attic, garage, storage sheds, and closets that contain infrequently used items. Pack everything in these spots and clearly label each box with the contents and where it belongs in your new home.
Step 2: Pack Items on Walls and Shelves
The next packing step when moving should be gathering everything that's on a shelf or hanging on the wall into boxes. This may include books, CDs and records, photographs, knick-knacks, and home décor. Fragile items should be packed carefully using bubble wrap and placed in boxes away from heavier items.
Step 3: Pack Infrequently Used Rooms
Approximately two weeks before your move, pack up everything that can be found in infrequently used rooms (guest room, exercise room, game room). If all rooms in your house are frequently used, start packing kitchen items and toiletries that you won't need before the relocation.
Step 4: What to Pack During the Final Week
Now is the time to pack bedrooms, bathrooms, and the kitchen. Don't forget to put aside enough clothes and toiletries to get you through the final days! When you pack these boxes, be sure to label them "Open First" so they're easy to find.
No Time to Pack? Not A Problem!
If your timeline for making it through your moving checklist has suddenly shrunk, and you're running out of time, hiring a professional packing crew will ensure that your home and belongings are packed by Moving Day. Typically, professional crews only need one day to pack most houses! If you find yourself in this situation, give Camelot a call, and we can provide you with a price quote for packing services.
Camelot Moving & Storage: Your Professional Relocation Experts
Camelot Moving & Storage has over 35 years of professional experience helping people move. Whether you're moving to a new state (or country!) or staying in California, we can pack and transport your furniture and belongings. Please look at our testimonials page to read what our customers have to say. Then, when you're ready, contact us for a relocation estimate.