Your Moving Checklist

Are you planning to move to a new home? There are a lot of things to think about, so use this moving checklist to stay organized! If you follow our moving advice, your move will be much less stressful!

#1: Hire a reputable company to help with your move

The first thing on the moving checklist is perhaps the most important. Without a trustworthy company there to help you during your move, the whole process can become extremely stressful. You need to be able to trust your items with a moving company and feel confident all your items will be delivered to your new home damage-free. Be sure to do your research to find the best company in your area!

#2: Notify the post office, friends and relatives of your new address

Send change-of-address cards to friends and relatives so they know how to contact you. Also be sure to tell the post office you are moving. This way, they can forward your mail if it is accidentally addressed to your old home. Don’t risk losing important bills or documents because you didn’t tell the right people you’ve moved!

#3: Label your belongings 

Third on our moving checklist is a very important tip: stay organized! When packing, be sure to label your items and try to keep everything that goes together in the same place. This will make unpacking at your new home much easier.

#4: Keep essentials separate from the rest of your items

You won’t be able to unpack everything right away when you get to your new home, so make sure you keep essential items such as toothpaste and a change of clothing separate from other non-essential items. You won’t feel like searching through tons of boxes for toothpaste when you’ve spent all day moving!

#5: Get rid of items you don’t use

Many people overlook this moving tip! When you have fewer items to move, the entire moving process is less stressful! This is a great time to finally do that thorough home organization project you’ve been putting off for years! Don’t immediately clutter your new home with items you never use. Sell or donate them to people who need them.

#6: Arrange to switch utility services

Be sure to add switching utilities to your moving checklist! Contact your utility company to turn off the service to your current home after you move out, and turn on the service in your new home when you move in. You don’t want to pay for utilities in a home you don’t live in anymore, and you certainly don’t want to be uncomfortable in your new home! So be sure to keep your utility providers up to date.

#7: Make sure you aren’t transporting any non-permitted items

If you are moving to another state or another country, make sure you aren’t moving anything that isn’t allowed at your new residence. For example, certain plants are not allowed to cross state lines because they can carry plant diseases. Many hazardous materials are also not allowed to be transported. Be sure to check state and national regulations before you leave to avoid any problems during your move.

#8: Do a thorough walkthrough of your home before leaving

You don’t want to leave any of your items in your old home. It can be a major hassle to go back and get them! Make sure you check all the rooms in your home and include closets, drawers, cabinets, etc. Also make sure you remember outdoor items such as sprinklers. 

#9: Decide where all your items will go in your new home

Have a clear plan for the layout of your new home so you know where to put everything once you get there. You can create your own moving checklist listing where you want everything to go. You don’t want your living room filled floor to ceiling with items that have nowhere to go! If everything has a place, it will make unpacking much easier for you.

#10: Reserve a loading dock or elevator if necessary

If you are moving into an apartment or condo, it may be necessary to reserve the loading dock or elevator if your building has one to make the move easier. This way, your moving company can back up their truck right to the loading dock and not have to wait for an available elevator. Your move will go much faster if you reserve these in advance.

If you are looking for a company to guide you through this moving checklist and make your move as stress-free as possible, call Platinum Moving Services! We can help you pack your items and then we will ship them for you, whether they are going to another state or across the ocean! We are renowned for our excellent packing skills and service. If you are located in the Maryland, Northern Virginia or Washington, DC area, contact us to put your moving checklist into action!