Aussie Moving’s 2-Month Moving Checklist

Written by Nick Adler

MOVING CHECKLIST

2 Months Before You Move 

Decide how you want to move. Will you do it yourself? Hire help with packing or moving? Aussie Moving can help. Now is the time to investigate your options, talk to professional movers in your area, and decide which is the best moving company for you… or start asking friends to clear their schedules! Request a quote for any moving, packing, or storage assistance. An in-person estimate will give you the most accurate sense of cost, but if this is not possible, give as much detail as possible on the contents and situation of your home to avoid surprises later. Be clear on which belongings you would like help packing versus things you prefer to pack yourself. If needed, book storage units. For a DIY move, book a truck rental. At busy times of year, these can get snapped up quickly, so don’t leave it to the last minute! Schedule your move. The cost may vary depending on day of the week and time of year, so keep this in mind when requesting a day. Strategize your packing and order moving supplies. Decide in which order you will pack the areas of your home, from least frequently used (holiday decorations, off-season clothing) to everyday essentials (kitchenware, toiletries, everyday clothing). Online packing calculators can help you estimate how many packing materials, or just speak with your moving specialist, who can also help provide the supplies. Note moving expenses as you go. If you are relocating for work, these may be tax-deductible. Check on your health, auto and homeowner’s insurance and make sure they will cover you at your new address.

1 Month Before You Move 

Get started with your packing. Having given yourself plenty of time for it, you can use this opportunity to ask yourself which possessions you really want to carry with you to your new home and which you are ready to shed. Starting early also affords you more time to be extra careful with delicate or valuable items, and to label everything clearly as you go. Lighten the load. The less you have to move, the cheaper your move will be! Now is the perfect time to unleash the Marie Kondo philosophy on your life. Sort through your belongings, then throw that long-overdue garage sale. Higher-value items can be sold online. Donate what you can’t sell to charity (keep the receipts for tax purposes), and jettison whatever remains at your local dump. Dispose of any hazardous items (batteries, paint, fuel, aerosols, etc) properly. Start using up the contents of your refrigerator and pantry. Nonperishable items like canned food can be donated to your local food bank. Confirm your move date. Working with a professional mover? Double check the date and time when you should expect them.

3 Weeks Before You Move

Contact service providers, utilities, social benefits, and the post office to inform them of your new address. If leaving town, pay any unpaid parking tickets. If moving across state lines, begin the process of applying for a new driver’s license. Transfer any prescriptions from your current local pharmacy to one near your new home, and consider stocking up on medications to carry you through the transition.

2 Weeks Before You Move

Line up child care, pet care, or time off work as needed to free you up on moving day. Return any library books and other borrowed items. Collect dry cleaning and any belongings that are being repaired or cleaned. Adjust your watering schedule for any large houseplants. Recently-watered pots weigh significantly more and can lead to injuries and accidents. If you plan to take potted plants with you, water minimally to keep the plant alive while allowing the soil to dry out somewhat. Check the floor plan: use a blueprint of your new home to decide where large furniture pieces should go. By mapping this out now and providing it to your professional movers or helpful friends. If you need additional furniture to fill out the new space, this is a good time to order it. Update billing addresses for your banks and credit cards. This can usually be accomplished very quickly on banking websites. Update delivery addresses for any newspapers, magazines, etc. Moving logistics: check in with professional movers about parking and navigating streets in your area. Final confirmation: inform your movers of any last-minute changes in the tasks you would like them to perform on moving day, such as number of boxes or the need for help with packing.

1 Week Before You Move

Final cleaning, trash removal, and, if your home is rented, inspection by the landlord. Clean appliances. Defrost and air out the refrigerator/freezer for transportation. Pack second-to-last final essentials, such as kitchenware. Disposable plates and delivery pizza are great choices for the rest of this week.

1 Day Before You Move

Pack your final essential items (clothes, toiletries, medications, linens, valuables) in suitcases. These should be things you can’t live without in your first week in the new home. Let neighbors know you’ll be moving in 24 hours. Note where you’ll be parking the moving truck and encourage them to keep their cars out of the way.

Moving Day

Have plenty of drinking water on hand for you and any helpers. Moving is thirsty work! Take inventory as your boxes and furniture are moved. Noting this down and checking against your driver’s inventory can help confirm whether anything is missing or damaged. Make the final sweep. Check corners, bathtubs, closets, cupboards, etc for stray possessions. Gather keys, alarm codes, garage door openers, and be prepared to hand them over to the new owner or real estate agent.

You Did It!

You’re all moved in! Arrange payment for any packing or moving services you’ve received and, if you feel the service went above and beyond, consider tipping the staff. Unpack. If you’ve set some linens, clothing and toiletries aside in a suitcase, you should be able to take a shower and fall into a clean bed at the end of the day, whether or not you’re up to unpacking the rest of the boxes right away. Enjoy your new home!