Change is a regular aspect of life. Millions of Americans relocate every year. Whether it’s a local move or a cross-country relocation, we created The Complete Moving Checklist to aid your journey. Relocating can be overwhelming and stress-inducing, but with proper planning and resources, it can be managed effectively.
Two Months Before the Move
Starting the process two months before the move will give you enough time to complete every task.
Arrange Utilities & Services Cancellations
Arrange the cancellation of utilities and services by contacting your service providers. Provide them with your new address for any final bills. This is also an opportunity to inquire about setting up services at your new residence in advance. Typically, the following service providers should be notified (this list may not be exhaustive): Water Internet/cable Gas & electricity Trash/recycling pickup Renters insurance Gardeners, landscapers, snowblowers Gym Give notice Inform your landlord of your intention to move out. Typically, landlords require notice ranging from 30 to 90 days. However, this timeframe can differ based on state regulations and the terms of your rental contract. It’s essential to review both state laws and your lease agreement for clarity. To ensure the return of your deposit, arrange a walk-through with the property manager.
Organize Your Items
Don’t bring things you don’t use. Try to assess one or two rooms each weekend (depending on the size of your apartment) starting eight weeks before your move. Organize your belongings into three piles: keep, give away, and recycle/trash. Sell everything you can, donate what you can’t sell, and toss anything that’s trash. Carefully evaluate large furniture items. Moving expenses are frequently determined by weight or size, prompting the question of whether it’s worth reinvesting in an item solely to transport it from one location to another. Prior to the move, consider selling bulky items such as couches, grills, patio furniture, and other large pieces that are still usable but may not be worth transporting.
Find a Moving Company
Research moving companies well in advance, ideally around two months before your moving date, to secure the best rates. Prices may vary depending on demand, so having ample time allows for comparison of multiple quotes. When selecting a moving company, exercise caution and conduct thorough research into their reputation and customer experiences. Seek recommendations from friends, read Google reviews, and verify information from various sources to avoid potentially misleading or fabricated reviews. Additionally, consult listings on the Better Business Bureau and explore reviews from online special-interest groups (if you belong to one). For significant moves, such as interstate relocations, many moving companies offer free on-site estimates. It’s advisable to take advantage of this service. Even for smaller moves, consider conducting a virtual walk-through to provide movers with a comprehensive understanding of the task ahead, including potential challenges, like parking restrictions. Obtain estimates from at least three companies before making a decision to give yourself room to negotiate. For interstate moves, ensure that the moving company is licensed with a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number, which can be verified in an official database. Furthermore, apartment communities may require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your chosen moving company to protect against potential damages to the building or property. Discuss these requirements with your property manager and confirm that your selected moving company can provide the necessary documentation.
Is a Parking Permit Required?
Verify if you (or your movers) need a parking permit. Parking permits are standard practice for downtown and metropolitan areas. Of course, each city has different requirements and nomenclature for these permits. Google “street occupancy permit,” “moving van permit,” or “encroachment permit,” alongside your city’s name to access local guidelines. Even if your city doesn’t mandate a parking permit, there may be other regulations to adhere to, such as street-sweeping schedules. Keep in mind that you’ll need to conduct this research for both your current and new locations, as regulations can vary even from street to street. Certain cities impose regulations regarding the size of permitted moving trucks and the duration and timing of parking. The proximity of the truck to your front door directly impacts cost savings. Parking the truck closer minimizes expenses. If the truck must park further away, you’ll incur additional charges for the time it takes movers to unload and transport items to your front door. If your street or city necessitates a parking permit for moving vans, clarify with your moving company whether they will obtain it.
Gather Supplies and Pack
If you’ve hired movers to pack for you, you’ll still need to manage tasks and supervise the process. Packing may not be the most enjoyable task, but with the appropriate supplies and packing techniques, it can proceed seamlessly. Many moving and packing companies, as well as rental box companies, offer packing supplies and can provide guidance on estimating your needs, offering an all-inclusive solution if preferred. Keep in mind that a moving company may charge you more for packing supplies.
Change Your Address
Notify relevant parties of your new address, a task that may occur before or after your move depending on access to your new residence. Key entities to inform include: USPS Change-of-Address: Ensure your mail is forwarded for up to one year. Voter registration: Update your address with your local election office, often available through USPS or the DMV. Medical and dental providers. Educational institutions: Notify your children’s school or your university. Financial institutions: Update your address with credit card companies and banks. Subscription services: Inform providers of meal-prep deliveries, prescription deliveries, newspapers, magazines, etc. Department of Motor Vehicles. Social Security Administration. Employers: Ensure they have your new address for W2 forms. Accountants. Online retailers: Update your address with platforms like Amazon. Friends and family: Consider sending moving announcement cards.
Submit Time Off Requests
Even the most well-planned relocations can be time-consuming. Avoid scheduling any commitments for the day of the move, such as work or important social engagements. If you have young children or pets, it might be beneficial to arrange for them to stay with a sitter for the day. To ensure everything proceeds as you planned, it’s advisable for you or a trusted representative to be present to oversee the move at both your old and new residences. This oversight is often necessary to ensure a smooth transition.
Eat All Your Groceries
Use this time to get inventive with the food stored in your freezer and pantry. While perishables can theoretically be transported in a cooler, consuming what you already have on hand reduces the amount of items needing to be packed.
Moving Week
You should have most of your ducks in a row by moving week. Now’s the time to double check all your arrangements.
Confirm With Movers & Rentals
Reach out to the moving company (or the family and friends) you hired and verify your scheduled service. Likewise, confirm your rental truck or van is secured for your specified date(s).
Notify Neighbors
Notify your neighbors about your move. Moving is loud and takes up space. Let your neighbors know you’re going to be hogging the driveway (and possibly street) so they can all plan accordingly.
Verify Utility and Internet Set Up At New Apartment
Hopefully, you already scheduled your utility and internet service set up at your new apartment. Take a moment to double check your appointments and ensure a smooth transition. If you haven’t scheduled your set ups yet, now’s the time to do so. Appointments fill quickly and tend to be booked a few weeks (if not months) in advance.
Clean Your Apartment
You want your security deposit back, right? Well, you’re going to have to deep clean your apartment. Padhacks is a great resource to learn how to clean almost everything.
Ideally, you clean regularly, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to clean your apartment. If you saved enough money for the move or made enough money from selling belongings you don’t want to move, you might be able to hire a professional cleaner.
Pack Personal Essentials
Pack a personal essentials bag and keep this in your vehicle (or the vehicle you’re traveling in). Your essentials pack should include clothes, prescriptions, and toiletries. Packing these personal items in a suitcase can help distinguish them from other belongings. If you have to spend the night of your move in a hotel rather than your new apartment, having these items packed separately will make transportation easier.
One Day Before The Move
Grab some cash and have one last “hoorah!” with friends and neighbors on the day before the move! It’s been a busy two months and it’s the eve of the move, so take a deep breath and relax.
Follow Up With Neighbors
Follow up with your neighbors and let them know that the big day is here. Give them a chance to set themselves up for success and one last hug before you head out.
Get Cash for Tip Money
While tipping is not required, professional moving is tough work and they’ll greatly appreciate some extra cash on top of their not-so-great hourly pay. Ensure you have about 15% to 20% of the total move cost in cash and pay each mover individually to ensure an equal tip to all. If your family or friends are helping you, you’re going to need cash to dip the delivery driver for dinner that night. Likewise, it’s a good idea to have some cash on hand just in case you stop at a gas station and want to get a quick snack.
Enjoy The Fruits of Your Labor
Your pots and pans are in boxes and your groceries are all gone (at least they should be), so what’s the last supper going to be? Well, take this time to enjoy the fruits of your labor and have your final meal at your favorite restaurant.
Try to Chill Out
No matter how diligently you’ve prepared, moving is a significant endeavor and can be one of the most exhaustive experiences. So what do you do? Try to chill out! Take a hike, work out, hang out with loved ones, or simply take a hot shower and go to bed early for the bid day tomorrow.
Moving Day
It’s moving day! Hopefully, you’re well rested and ready to conquer the day. Remember, you’re the brains of the operation here, so check every nook and cranny ensuring all your belongings made it out of the apartment and into the truck. Likewise, don’t forget the snacks!
Remain Diligent
Whether your enlisted professional movers or enticed your friends with food, you’re now the foreman overseeing the safe transportation of your belongings. Before departing your apartment, conduct a thorough walkthrough to ensure nothing is left behind. Upon arrival at your new destination, inspect the truck to confirm that everything has been unloaded. Check for any damage to furniture or boxes, which should be covered by your mover’s insurance or a third-party insurance policy.
Don’t Forget Snacks & Drinks
Amidst the hustle of moving, you might find yourself short on time for lunch outings. To maintain your energy levels during busy periods, it’s essential to have healthy snacks readily available. Additionally, offering refreshments to your movers is a considerate gesture (just don’t be disappointed if they politely decline).
Shut It Down
Take one last walkthrough your old apartment. Ensure everything is packed up, all windows are shut, every light is off, and lock the door behind you.
Turn In Your Keys
Amidst the flurry of activity during a move, it’s common to overlook one crucial task: returning keys. Ensure that you return them to your landlord during the final walk-through, as this is typically the protocol. Alternatively, coordinate with your real estate agent regarding the handover of keys to the new owners or realtors. If, by chance, you forget to return the keys, you can always mail them later. However, it’s advisable to avoid this hassle by remembering to return them on the day of your move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here for the readers’ digest version? No worries! Read over the frequently asked moving questions below!
What’s an Acceptable Tip for Movers?
15% to 20% of the total moving cost (in cash) split equally between the movers is considered an acceptable tip. Tipping your movers isn’t required, but it is highly recommended as they work incredibly hard and don’t make great money. Similarly, tip each mover individually to ensure they receive what you think they deserve.
Is It Okay to Ride with the Movers?
No, most moving companies do not permit clients to ride in their vehicles. Confirm you have a means of transportation to your new apartment.
When Should I Schedule My Move?
Sooner is better than later. Beginning the process two months before the move will help you get better prices with a moving company, truck/van rental company, etc.
What Happens if I’m Not Done Packing by Moving Day?
You’ll just have to reschedule your move. Sike! If you truly think you won’t be packed for moving day, let your movers know as soon as possible. The moving company might be able to send someone to help pack you up. Worst case scenario, you reschedule your move.
Where Can I Learn About Relocating to Racine?
Check out our blog to learn more about our neighborhood and read our Ultimate Racine Relocation Guide!
