When it comes to relocating over a long distance, the key to a successful move lies in preparation and organization. A comprehensive checklist will help you tackle each aspect of the move, ensuring nothing is left to the last minute. Here’s everything you need to know and do, starting two months before your move.
8 Weeks Before Moving: Research & Preparation Phase
1. Begin researching moving companies: Start by looking into reputable long-distance moving companies. Check online reviews, ask friends and family for recommendations, and get quotes from at least three different companies to compare prices, services, and availability. Ensure they’re licensed and insured, as this will protect your belongings during the move.
2. Create a moving binder: Designate a binder or digital folder for your moving documents. Store everything from moving contracts, quotes, and receipts to checklists and packing plans. This will help you stay organized and keep important information in one place.
3. Sort and declutter: Long-distance moves can get expensive, especially if you’re paying by the pound. Go through each room and decide what to keep, sell, donate, or toss. A yard sale or online marketplace can be a great way to declutter and make some extra money.
4. Create a moving budget:Moving long distance can involve unexpected expenses. Set a budget for moving costs, including transportation, packing materials, and any temporary housing or travel accommodations. This will help you avoid surprises and manage your finances efficiently.
5. Make travel arrangements: If you’re moving far enough that you’ll need to fly or drive a long distance, start planning your route and booking necessary accommodations, especially if you’re traveling with pets or children.
6 Weeks Before Moving: Booking & Document Updates
1. Confirm Your Moving Company: By now, you should have a preferred moving company in mind. Confirm your reservation to secure your moving date, especially if you’re relocating during a busy season. Make sure you have a clear understanding of the terms, insurance policies, and any additional services offered.
2. Notify landlords and service providers: If you’re renting, notify your landlord of your moving date to ensure you get your security deposit back. Begin arranging for utilities, internet, and other services to be disconnected at your current location and connected at your new home.
3. Gather important documents: Collect all critical personal documents, including birth certificates, passports, medical records, and school records if you have children. Either carry these with you on moving day or place them in a secure, clearly labeled box to ensure they don’t get lost in transit.
4. Start packing non-essential items: Begin with items you don’t use every day, like seasonal clothing, holiday decorations, and seldom-used kitchen appliances. Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it’s going to in your new home.
5. Notify schools and healthcare providers: If you have children, inform their current school about the move and initiate the transfer of records to their new school. Request copies of medical and dental records and schedule any final appointments with doctors or dentists before the move.
4 Weeks Before Moving: Packing and Address Updates
1. Begin packing in earnest: Now’s the time to get serious about packing. Focus on one room at a time to stay organized. Clearly label boxes with their contents and the room they belong in your new home.
2. Update Your Address: Change your address with the USPS, financial institutions, credit card companies, and any subscriptions you may have. Don’t forget to inform your employer and update your address with any insurance providers.
3. Arrange for specialty moving services: If you have items requiring special care, like a piano, artwork, or a pet, make arrangements with a specialized moving service. These professionals have the expertise to handle such valuables safely.
4. Take Inventory of Your Belongings: List every item and its corresponding box. Upon arrival, you can use this inventory to track your belongings and file claims for any damage or loss.
2 Weeks Before Moving: Finalizing Details
1. Confirm details with the moving company: Double-check your reservation with the moving company and go over any last-minute questions or concerns. Ensure you’re on the same page regarding timing, addresses, and the items you’ll be moving.
2. Finish Packing and Labeling: Aim to complete most of your packing by the end of this week. Leave only essential items unpacked, such as clothes, toiletries, and a few kitchen basics. Remember to pack a “First Day Essentials” box with everything you’ll need immediately upon arrival, like medications, snacks, phone chargers, and cleaning supplies.
3. Disassemble furniture as needed: Disassembling some furniture pieces, such as bed frames and tables, will make them easier to move. Take photos of complex items before taking them apart to help with reassembly.
4. Prepare Appliances for Moving: Before moving, make sure to empty, clean, and dry your appliances. Unplug refrigerators, defrost freezers, and disconnect washers and dryers. This step will prevent leaks, mildew, and any last-minute headaches on a moving day.
1 Week Before Moving: Final Preparations
1. Plan Out Your Moving Day Travel Essentials: Pack an overnight bag or suitcase with clothes, toiletries, and any personal items you’ll need for the journey. If you’re moving with pets, prepare their travel bags with food, water, medications, and comfort items.
2. Clean Your Current Home: Give your home a thorough cleaning, especially if you’re moving out of a rental. A clean space increases your chances of getting back any deposits and leaves a good impression.
3. Back-Up Important Files and Photos: If you have important digital files, photos, or documents on your computer, create backups on an external drive or cloud storage. This will prevent loss in case of damage during the move.
4. Dispose of Hazardous Materials: Movers typically won’t transport hazardous materials, so safely dispose of items like paint, gas, and cleaning chemicals. Your local waste disposal service may have guidelines for safe disposal.
Moving Day
1. Do a Final Walk-Through: Make a final inspection of your home to make sure you haven’t missed anything. Check all closets, cabinets, and drawers. Lock all doors and windows before you leave.
2. Supervise the loading process: Ensure your presence during the movers’ loading process to address any queries and guarantee the careful handling of your belongings. Verify the loading of each item by consulting your inventory list.
3. Keep Valuables Close: You should transport items like jewelry, important documents, and family heirlooms with you rather than on the moving truck.
4. Tip Your Movers (if Appropriate): If you’re satisfied with the service, consider tipping the movers. A small gesture can go a long way in showing appreciation for their hard work.
Upon Arrival: Setting In
1. Inspect Your Belongings: Cross-check everything with your inventory list as you unload boxes and furniture. Note any missing or damaged items and take photos if needed for insurance purposes.
2. Set up utilities and change locks: If you haven’t done so already, set up or activate utilities. Additionally, consider changing the locks for extra security.
3. Unpack Essentials First: Begin by unpacking the most important rooms, like the kitchen and bathroom. Start with essentials to make your first few days comfortable as you settle in.
Moving long distance is a significant endeavor, but with a clear checklist, you can make it manageable. Step-by-step, you’ll soon find yourself in your new home, prepared to embark on this thrilling new journey. Safe travels and enjoyable moving!
Ready to Make Your Move Stress-free? Contact Cord Moving and Storage
Choose Cord Moving and Storage, your trusted St. Louis movers, for seamless, reliable, and efficient service. Whether you’re relocating across town or across the country, our team of experienced St. Louis long-distance movers is here to handle every detail with care. Don’t leave your next step to just any moving companies in St. Louis—count on Cord Moving and Storage to make your move a success! Contact us today to get a free quote and take the first step toward your new beginning!