Moving is both exciting and daunting. Along with the thrill of moving to a new house, there’s also all of the organizing to do, and that can cause nothing but headaches. The more that you organize, the less risk you run of getting stressed, and to help with that, here is a handy checklist that you can tick off throughout the moving process.

Moving Boxes

The further away you are from your move, the better, as it’s never too early to start arranging matters. Here are your essential moving tips that might make your moving day significantly easier, and make this process a pleasure rather than a potential nightmare.

Two months until moving day

They say it’s never too early to start planning, but two months might seem crazy. It’s not. It’s at this point that you want to start organizing your legal obligations and doing some area research. You’re going to need to do the following:

  • If you have children, contact their new school to make sure all paperwork is done and potential disruptions are minimal.
  • Sign up for local news in your new neighborhood.
  • Confirm all of your moving dates with your new and current landlords or realtors.
  • Check that your home insurance policy will transfer to your new property on moving day. Check your policy to make sure that you are covered during the move itself.

Six weeks until moving day

It’s time to start organizing the interior of your current home. Make a list of everything that you need to take with you, but also keep a side-list going for those items that you can get rid of. A house move is the ideal time to get rid of old junk that’s been cluttering up your home.

  • Find a moving company that is experienced and professional. Don’t rely on friends and family. Check online reviews for companies in your area.
  • Make sure that you start collecting packaging so that you’re not running around on moving day hoping to find a spare box.

Two weeks until moving day

Things are going to be getting scary and exciting now, but you need to stay calm and organized.

  • Make sure that your new home is going to have the necessary furniture, and arrange to buy whatever is missing.
  • Make sure that parking outside the new property is going to be allowed so that the moving company van is not hit with a parking fine.
  • If you need to paint or put down new carpet in your new home, now is the time to get that done, before all of your possessions are in the way.
  • Notify all utility companies of your move, and ensure they know the cut-off date for charges at your old home.

Last minute tasks

There are always going to be extra things to arrange, and the closer you get to moving day, the more you have to ensure that they are done right.

  • Safely remove any dangerous or flammable materials as moving companies aren’t allowed to transport these items.
  • Keep important paperwork close to hand.
  • Notify your friends and family of your new address.
  • Make sure that you have an emergency box clearly labeled, containing everything that you’ll need for moving day itself and the days following.

Once the moving company has gone, plug in your phones and your electrical appliances. Don’t try and unpack everything on the first day. Take your time and make sure that you have the layout just the way you want it. Your first week in a new home should be filled with the fun of organizing your new life, so take your time and your new home will be getting that lived-in look before you know it.