Whenever you move, it is important to have a checklist for yourself. In order to keep track of your spending and what you will need, the list will provide a guide for you from the start until you’re finished unpacking the last box. By staying organized when moving to another location, you can figure out when you need to start, how much money you need to save, and if you need to ask for help from your family.
What to Put on Your Moving List
If you want your move to stay on track, your list should be made weeks before your moving date. To give you an idea of things this should include, here are some tasks commonly found on moving checklists:
- Go by the post office to change street address: You can change your address in-person at the post off or use the USPS’ online portal for a fast-and-easy address change.
- Cut your utilities: When moving to a new residence, it’s important to think about the timing of turning off/on utility service. If moving in-town, you may be able to transfer your existing accounts to a new address. Otherwise, you’ll need to turn on service with new providers ahead of your move.
- Buy cleaning supplies: Make sure you have cleaning supplies on hand to tidy up after the movers have left. Doing a thorough clean before moving stuff into your new place is also a great way to start off on the right foot.
- Purchase a smoke detector: If your new home doesn’t come equipped with a smoke detector, you’ll want to install one to ensure the safety of your family.
- Purchase a first aid kit: Extra bandaids, antiseptic wipes, and bandages are always excellent to have on hand when moving. You never know when you might unexpectedly scrape a knee or injure yourself when moving your stuff.
- Purchase a fire extinguisher: This is an essential in any home!
- Call a moving company: A mover can save you lots of stress and headaches. These Cleveland moving services recommend booking a company at least a month out, so you secure your moving dates.
- Save money for gas: If you’re driving to your new home, make sure you save enough to cover the cost of gas, as well as food and lodging along the way.
- Eat food: Waste not, want not! A couple weeks before the move, start eating up the contents of your fridge and pantry. It’s easier to eat it now, than to try and pack things for the move. Also, being conscious about using up the food you already have will help you prevent food waste.
- Buy pots and pans: Are you moving into your first home? Now’s a great time to think through what items you may need to purchase or replace.
Your Moving Supplies Are Important
Of course, your list will continue to increase while you are thinking of ideas along the way. In the meantime, you can start gathering supplies you need for packing. Here is a list of moving supplies that you will need:
- tape
- boxes
- hand truck device (your mover should provide this)
- black markers
- box labels
- stuffing paper for boxes
- box cutter
- moving truck (unless you’re hiring movers)
- gripping gloves
