A Comprehensive Checklist to Prepare For Your Move

By having a provided structured checklist that can turn your chaotic move into a relatively smooth operation, though, you can feel more confident in your move. Before searching for moving companies Fort Collins on your search engine, ensure all items on the below checklist have been handled: 

8 Weeks Before Your Move: The Planning Begins 

You're going to want to start preparing for your move early. Eight weeks in advance, if not 12 weeks, is recommended. By eight weeks, you should have completed the following items: 

1. Create a Moving Timeline

To make sure that everything's on schedule, you're going to want to create a moving timeline. This starts with a definitive moving date.

Do some research into moving companies so you can find quotes and get the best company for your needs. While a DIY move is an option, you'll need to look into truck rental services anyway, and will make sure that you reserve a vehicle well in advance. 

2. Organize Your Home

One of the worst things you can do before moving is to not organize. You should start by going through all of your belongings. Declutter everything room by room. Anything you haven't used in the last year, consider selling, donating, or recycling. 

3. Gather Your Moving Supplies

You'll also want to start gathering your moving supplies at this point. Create a list of the supplies that you need, such as packing tape, boxes, bubble wrap, markers, and anything else of the sort. 

It's always a good idea to try using secondhand or sustainable packing materials. This will help you both save money and reduce your overall environmental impact.

4-6 Weeks Before Your Move: Handle Logistics and Packing Prep

With the above complete, you then need to worry about logistics and packing preparations. Start doing this at least four to six weeks before moving to stay on top of things: 

1. Notify Any Relevant Parties

You should notify all relevant parties of your change of address, particularly with your post office. This ensures you have your mail forwarded to your new home. 

Also, make sure to update contact and address information with your subscription services, insurance providers, banks, and the government. Don't forget to notify your children's schools and your employer of your move as well. 

2. Begin Packing Your Non-Essentials

At this point, you can also start packing some items that are not essential. If it's summertime and you have a ton of winter clothing, for instance, start packing it all up to get some things done. 

3. Account for Any Special Items

You’ll also want to account for some special items, such as anything fragile or valuable. Do your research into any regulations regarding moving plants, pets, or large items. This is especially the case if you're moving into another country, but sometimes even into another state.

2 Weeks Before Your Move: Finalize Any and All Details

At the two-week mark, most of your arrangements should be finalized. The remaining details to take care of include: 

1. Confirm Your Arrangements

First, you'll want to confirm all of your arrangements. Double-check with your moving company and any other reservations you have made. Ensure that all necessary parties and moving vehicles are available as required and make sure that the addresses, date, time, and all other details are also finalized.

2. Pack the Essentials

Now is also the time that you can start packing your essentials. Financial papers, medical records, passports, and other forms of identification are all examples. You'll also want to pack a “passenger seat” box for moving day, which includes things like basic tools, medications, snacks, phone chargers, and toiletries. This allows you to enter your new home with the essentials ready to go.

3. Transfer Utilities

To make sure that you have water and power when you get to your new home, make sure to contact your new utility company or companies. For your old home, contact the utility companies to have the gas, internet, water, and electricity shut off to avoid unnecessary charges. 

Settling in after the move

Once you get to your new home, the first thing you'll want to do is unpack your essentials, particularly for your bathrooms and bedrooms. This allows you to be in immediate comfort. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, it's always a good idea to organize a single room at a time. Once you get settled, start finding nearby medical facilities, grocery stores, and other essentials.