The Ultimate Family Moving Checklist

After deciding on the perfect location with the best pre-school option for your child, researching points of interest around the neighborhood, and getting cozy with your new commute time, then it’s time to lay out the gritty logistics for the big move. When planning for your upcoming move there are a slew of key areas to address when changing your address. It is important not to overlook even the seemingly small tasks that can make a big difference in facilitating a low-stress move and avoiding major hiccups. Adding these checklist items will help guarantee a seamless move.

1. Create a budget for all your moving expenses before getting started. Consider what resources you have and will need to orchestrate your big move. Be sure to assess whether hiring movers will be necessary, if home repairs will be needed, and general costs of prep for potential storage materials and needed equipment before the anticipated move out date.
2. Make sure that your moving company is licensed and insured by verifying their DOT number. This ensures that your belongings will be properly cared for and transported during the move. Be aware that not all moving companies are qualified to move ragile of larger items which may require hiring specialty movers.
3. Address minor home repairs like cleaning the carpets or repainting the walls. This suggestion should be of particular interest to renters given that attempting to return your rented property in mint condition will be the difference between whether or not to expect getting your security deposit back.
4. Be sure to service your vehicles ahead of time if the family sedan is making its way along with the move. Especially for longer journeys, servicing your vehicle will ensure no unpredicted breakdowns. By taking this small precaution, this action can save you from potential stress and anguish.
5. Request time off ahead of time to notify your employer that you will be busy moving and likely out of reach during the duration of your move. If possible, plan to take an extended weekend to give yourself added time to organize and readjust to your new space.
6. Before you start packing, consider purchasing moving insurance for your belongings and plan ahead to specifically label your boxes by their content and use color coded labels to indicate which room each box belongs to.
7. Measure the space ahead of time to ensure all your furniture and belonging will be able to comfortably fit in the space. This will help in setting your budget by eliminating items that will not fit.
8. Have a garage sale and donate items that you can not sell or pack including furniture, foods, and home goods.
9. Make arrangements for a babysitter or pet sitter during the move to keep kids and pets safe and out of the way during the move.
10. Be sure to have your mail forwarded to your new address and update your voter registration accordingly. Update billing information on your bank cards, checks, and remember to shut off utilities and services you will no longer need at your new residence.

11. To keep little ones safe during a move, line up a babysitter or make arrangements for a play date. Find somewhere safe for pets to go during your move. Look into doggy daycare or ask a friend to watch them for a day – who wouldn’t love to dog sit Fido, Fluffy or Muffin? Send out moving announcement. There are plenty of creative ways to share your new address. Forward your mail and update your voter registration. Make time for friends and relatives before moving day. Squeeze in a few last memories is your current home by throwing a simple dinner party. It doesn’t have to be elaborate to do the trick.