How to Make a Moving Checklist That Will Save Your Sanity
MOTM
April 25th, 2022
When you're moving into your first apartment or house, it can be incredibly stressful trying to remember everything you need to do in order to make your move as smooth as possible. You might not even realize that you forgot something until it's too late. Follow this moving checklist, and it will help you get organized and ensure that your move goes smoothly!
If You Are Planning to Move
Whether you're planning a cross-country move or simply moving down the street, making sure your home doesn't fall apart in your absence is important. Here are some tips to help ensure that nothing falls through (literally). Create an inventory: Create an inventory of everything in your home and make copies. Include location, size, brand and model number for electronics, and any other details you think might be relevant for insurance purposes. Make copies for each room in your house so that you have one with you at all times during the move-in day. Keep it on hand throughout your move so that you can reference it when unpacking. This will prevent those late-night calls to friends and family asking if they remember where they put something! Use mover's tape: Mover's tape is designed specifically for labeling boxes while they're being moved from place to place. It sticks well but peels off easily without leaving residue behind. This will allow you to label boxes clearly while still giving them plenty of space inside without being cramped by excessive writing. Plus, once you get into your new home, it'll be easy enough to transfer those labels onto their permanent homes!
If You Are in The Middle of Your Move
Pack your important items first. Take each box and label it with what room it will be stored in at your new home (or with which relative it will be staying). As you pack up clothes, ask yourself if each item is worth spending time and energy lugging across town. If so, put them in your moving boxes; if not, send them on their way to Goodwill or try selling them online. The same goes for knickknacks—and yes, that lava lamp doesn't count as essential. Leave what you don't want behind and take advantage of that empty space as you do your last few loads of laundry. Think twice before taking anything old and dusty or cobwebby—your future self will thank you when moving out! I'm Still Packing: If you're still working on packing but are nearly done, start packing your more delicate belongings (think china) first. Again, make sure they're labeled accordingly. You'll likely have several open boxes ready to go by the end of your move—don't let those go without labeling either!
If You Have Moved but Are Still Unpacking
It's easy to forget something when you are moving from one place to another. There are simply too many boxes and not enough time. Writing down your moving checklist on a piece of paper can help you remember everything in order without forgetting any small things that could be important later on. Write your list according to each room in your house, starting with all small items (such as jewelry) and ending with larger pieces (such as televisions). It's also important to include large furniture items in your moving checklist, such as dressers and couches; mark these at their full size so that you won't have trouble fitting them into your new home. Also, make sure to write out which rooms you will go through first and second, making it easier for you to move up from room to room as quickly as possible. Include some notes about where certain belongings should go if they don't fit in your new space: for example, if there is no bedroom closet available, note that an unused bedroom might work well for storing extra clothes or linens. You may also want to keep separate lists based on whether or not you own pets—if so, note where they should sleep or what kind of supplies they need during a move. This way, nothing will be forgotten during your next move!
And Finally, If You Have Just Arrived at Your New Place
make sure that you don't forget anything important and make sure that you buy some extra essentials in case of an emergency. Also, remember to set up all of your utility services, including gas and electricity. It's also a good idea to hire someone to help with your move because moving can be tiring and difficult, especially if you are moving on your own. Finally, check out local events or community meetups where you will be able to make friends or even network with people in your new area!
Long Island's Moving and Storage Blog