Being prepared and planning early for a move can reduce a ton of stress and ensure a smoother transition to your new home. Early planning allows enough time to sort through belongings, declutter, and organize, making packing more efficient and less overwhelming.
It also provides the opportunity to research and book reliable movers, avoiding last-minute scrambles and potentially higher costs for moving services.
Starting the process early helps to identify and mitigate any potential issues, such as repairs or cleaning tasks, ensuring your old home is in good condition for the next occupants.
Ultimately, being well-prepared means you can enjoy the excitement of moving to a new place without the chaos and anxiety that often accompany a move. Ornelas Packing & Moving prepared a Complete Moving Checklist to help!
Preparing for your move
1. Two Months Before Moving
Declutter & Donate: Go through each room and decide what to keep, donate, or toss.
Research Movers: Get quotes and read reviews. Book your movers early!
Budget Plan: Create a moving budget to track expenses.
2. One Month Before Moving
Supplies Galore: Gather boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and markers.
Notify Services: Change address for utilities, subscriptions, and banks.
Start Packing Non-Essentials: Pack items you don’t use daily (books, décor, out-of-season clothes).
3. Two Weeks Before Moving
Confirm Details: Confirm the moving date and time with the movers.
Essentials Box: Pack a box with essentials (toiletries, snacks, clothes) for the first few days.
Label Everything: Clearly label boxes by room and contents. Use colored stickers for fun!
4. One Week Before Moving
Pack the Kitchen: Use up perishable food and pack kitchen items.
Prepare Electronics: Take photos of cable setups, pack and label cords.
Change of Address: Notify the post office, friends, and family.
5. One Day Before Moving
Defrost Fridge: Empty and defrost your refrigerator.
Pack Personal Items: Keep valuables and important documents with you.
Final Clean: Do a final clean or hire a cleaning service
6. Moving Day
Meet Movers: Be there to greet the movers and provide instructions.
Check Inventory: Ensure all items are loaded and accounted for.
Do a Final Walkthrough: Check each room, closet, and cupboard to ensure nothing is left behind.
Keys & Instructions: Give keys and instructions for the new residents.
Tips for Saving Time with Movers
Be Packed & Ready: Have everything packed and organized before movers arrive.
Label Clearly: Make sure all boxes are clearly labeled with destination rooms.
Disassemble Furniture: Take apart large furniture pieces ahead of time.
Create a Moving Day Plan: Have a clear plan for what goes where in the new house.
Snacks & Drinks: Keep refreshments handy for yourself and the movers.
Booking your moving date early with a moving company is important because it guarantees you a spot on your desired day, especially during peak moving seasons. Early booking allows you to secure the services of reputable movers, giving you peace of mind knowing that experienced professionals will handle your belongings. It also provides flexibility in case any adjustments need to be made to your schedule. By planning ahead, you can avoid the stress and higher costs associated with last-minute bookings and ensure a smoother, more organized moving experience.
Make Moving Fun
Music Playlist: Create a fun moving day playlist to keep spirits high.
Photo Op: Take photos of your old place for memories before you leave.
Welcome Kit: Prepare a welcome kit with snacks and essentials for your first night in the new home.