How to create a moving checklist for your family?
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Imagine the difficulty of packing for a move across the country. The thought is enough to create panic and stress unless you have a plan. Continue reading to discover five tips for creating a moving checklist for your family.
A moving checklist will be your blueprint for all things related to your move. It will include a countdown and essential items to be done during that time to make your move smooth and as easy as possible.
Below are five tips that will help you break down a massive task into manageable pieces that will make your cross-country move less disruptive.
Strategizing
You should also begin to strategize on the how, why, when, and where of your move at least two months before your move. Strategizing will also be your time to determine and write out pertinent details about your move that include some of the following items:
- Picking a day to move
- Creating a moving budget
- Start making an inventory of your items
- Determine what will absolutely not move with you
- Notify schools/doctors
- Find new schools/doctors
Plan the logistics
Now is when you will determine how much of your old life you want to take with you. That includes large pieces of furniture, for instance, an inherited piano or your car. In some cases, you may want to put large pieces into storage until you are settled and can send for them.
If you plan to fly and ship your car across the country, there are some things that you should do to prepare your car for shipping. Shipping your car is a great way to not only save money but also ensure that your car arrives safe and problem-free.
Contacting a car shipping company early to gauge their responses to your concerns is vital. Look for one with its own list of things you should do when planning to ship a car to make it easier for your family.
Declutter your home/donate items
Regardless of how clean you keep your home, there are items that can be decluttered, items that can be tossed, and items that you may want to donate. Around six weeks before your move you should start the decluttering process.
While some items will stand out, other things to look for that you may want to donate or toss include:
- Old/unused tools
- Extra purses, totes, handbags
- Paint cans
- Shoes not worn for a season
- Worn towels, blankets, sheets
- DVDs, books, video games
- Sofas, chairs, end tables
- Stale condiments
Pack your home
Packing up a home is something that people either love or hate. However, the most important aspect of packing is doing it in a way that you’ll know exactly what is in the boxes and having the movers put the items in the room where they belong. Some tips to pack effectively include:
- Declutter first
- Pack as far in advance as possible
- Book your moving services as early as possible
- Order utility service/arrange old services to be turned off
- Invest in boxes, bags, supplies
- Label everything
- Pack with care
- Keep valuables with you
Preparing to move
Moving day is a time of excitement and can also feel bittersweet. As emotional as it is, you want to ensure that you are leaving your apartment or home in the best possible shape for new tenants. If you aren’t available, have someone supervise the movers to ensure that they don’t damage walls or flooring for the next tenants.
Although it sounds simple, don’t be surprised if you have to guide your movers, especially if you will be in your new home and want certain items brought into the house first. Also, whether you are paying for the move or your company is paying, tipping the movers is a great gesture and goes a long way toward them handling your items with care.
Conclusion
As you have read, packing for a move across the country can be exciting but can also be stress-inducing. However, one way to avoid the stress is by planning your move. These five tips for creating a moving checklist for your family will make your move more organized, planned, and smoother.