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How to Make Your Move as Smooth as Possible

House Moving Checklist by author Meghan Carter

  • How to prepare for a move.
  • Making moving day as easy as possible.
  • Common moving mistakes and how to avoid them.
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  • checklist
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Step 1: Purge - at least 8 weeks out
  • Room-by-room sorting into keep piles and donate piles
  • Donate everything you don't need anymore
  • Process the donation for tax write-off

Step 2: Find Potential Movers - at least 7 weeks out
  • Get suggestions from friends and family
  • Check with the Better Business Bureau and Angie's List
  • Narrow list down to three movers from recommendations and research

Step 3: Interview Top Three Movers - at least 6 weeks out
  • Have personal a meeting with each mover
  • Get a quote containing
    • Box count
    • Travel charges
    • Number of workers assigned
    • Hourly labor charges
    • Insurance coverage
  • Compare the three quotes side-by-side
  • Select the best mover

Step 4: File Change of Address with the U.S. Post Office - at least 4 weeks out

Step 5: Plan for Logistics - at least 3 weeks in advance
  • Get measurements for all large furniture and appliances
  • Measure all points of passage for exit and entrance
    • Doorways
    • Hallways
    • Stairwells
    • Elevators
  • Determine if there are stairs/elevator or is it walking
  • Reserve elevator with building ahead of time if needed
  • Inform mover of situation and all possible complications
    
Step 6: Moving Day Preparations - at least 2 weeks in advance
  • Make arrangements for kids and pets to be elsewhere
  • Zone possessions into piles based on where they will be going
  • Create spreadsheet detailing where all possessions will be going
  • Designate an area, such as inside a bathtub, for things not to be packed
    • Keys  
    • Wallet
    • Valuables such as jewelry
  • Overnight bag containing three nights worth of supplies
    
Step 7: Moving Day Tasks
  • Observe and monitor
  • Watch for inflated box count
  • Ensure packers follow your spreadsheet
  • Let the movers pack the breakables
  • Enjoy the life's transition




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