- 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
- Online form is easiest
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