Whether you’re moving locally or long-distance, with lots of stuff or a little, creating a moving checklist is a surefire path to a smooth, stress-free moving process. Here are some suggestions, courtesy of Camelot Moving in Santa Clarita, for things to include on your list.

Use this list to create your own checklist or download ours here.

Create a Binder

Having a one-stop resource for everything move-related: moving company estimates, receipts for boxes and packing tape, an inventory of all items to be moved, etc. will prove invaluable as you move through the moving process.

Do Your Research

When soliciting quotes from moving companies, don’t settle for an over-the-phone number. Instead, ask each company to provide an in-person estimate, in writing. This affords you the chance to gauge your rapport with the company’s personnel, and it gives the moving company a better idea of your needs. Also, if you’re moving out of state (and in some cases, in-state), confirm that your candidates have a USDOT (U.S. Dept. of Transportation) number.

Decide What to Keep and What to Relinquish

This is one of the more underrated moving tips that our relocation company in Santa Clarita offers, and the early you start this step, the better. Too often we see clients still deciding at the 11th hour what to keep and what to give up. We use the word “relinquish” here because we don’t want to imply that the things you don’t want should automatically be tossed. Garage sales and donation centers are ideal, especially if you have a large family and have accrued a lot of stuff that doesn’t need to make the trip to your new residence.

If you need some objective guidance on deciding what to keep and what to relinquish, download our free declutter guide to get you started!

Order Supplies

If you’ve been through several moves with roughly the same amount of belongings, you might be able to estimate the amount of necessary supplies: markers, tape, boxes, and bubble wrap, along with special containers for clothes, dishes, fragile items, etc. But if this is your first move, or you simply don’t have time to ballpark your needs, ask the moving company to do it for you. In many cases you won’t have to pay for anything you don’t use.

New-home Measurements

Though it’s not always possible, taking measurements of the room sizes, doorways, and ceiling heights in your new home puts you one step ahead of the game and eliminates any surprises when you arrive.

Label Everything

Make sure you label each and every box, container, duffel, and garment bag you’re planning to move. This helps you keep track of what’s in what box, and it helps your mover determine how best to pack your stuff in the truck. It’s also a good idea to separate the things you’ll need right away or during the move and put them in an easily accessible container.

Change of Address/Notifications

File a change of address at your local post office, and contact everyone who needs to know about your move: your bank, credit card companies, newspaper, and the like. Also, don’t forget to cancel your utilities in your old house and setup utilities for your new abode. You don’t want to arrive at your new home without electricity, water, gas, or WiFi already running.

Work with Professional Movers

There are a few more things we could add, but this list should get you started on the right foot. When you’re ready to begin planning your next move, whether local or out-of-state, contact Camelot Moving for a quote, packing tips, and professional service before, during, and after your relocation.

For a more complete guide don't miss our Countdown to Moving Day!