Whether you’re moving across the country or around the block, moving and new beginnings are an exciting time. It can also be one of the most stressful times as you try to organize and coordinate moving everything you own.
We’ve put together a basic checklist to help.
Step #1 – Organize
As soon as you decide to move, take time to organize your thoughts about the process and what your move will look like. Review your situation and consider the following questions when organizing your moving plan:
- Will you pack and move on your own?
- Does your budget allow for professional movers?
- What is your timeframe?
- Will you need temporary storage between places?
As you come up with these answers, map out a plan to gather moving supplies or secure a contract with a moving company, researching self storage locations if you’ll need one. Detailing out your timeline and being as prepared as you can for the next steps will help lessen the stress of your move overall.
Step #2 – Purge and Donate
Most people think of packing as their primary task when moving, but before you begin, go through your belongings and determine what you use and need and what you don’t. You don’t want to waste your time packing and moving items you no longer need. Go through everything and separate items for donation, garage sale, recycling or trash. Afterward, if you have time, host a garage sale and make a few bucks. Otherwise, donate your unused items to your favorite charity. Trust us, taking the time to complete this step is time well spent!
Step #3 – Packing
Packing is likely the biggest item on your to-do list. And although it can be daunting, you can tackle it in stages. The sooner you start the better. If you’ve completed your “purge and donate” step, you’ll already be starting off with a lighter load. Next, you’ll want to pack seasonal items and items you rarely use. Go room by room and pack items that you won’t need in the next month; this includes décor. Label everything and keep a log of what’s packed. Wait to pack your family’s essentials (food, toiletries, medicines and a week’s worth of clothes) until the day of the move.
Step #4 – Moving Day
Whether your hired professionals or have a team of friends and family arriving on moving day, be up and ready to go before they arrive. You don’t want to waste the time they’re offering you or pay the professionals any more than you need to! Prepare yourself to be a confident leader; have a talk with your team highlighting key information so everyone is on the same page for the day. Direct people, boxes and furniture to the correct rooms at your new place. You can even label doorways for more efficient unloading and directing. Prepare to break for lunch and provide water (or other beverages!) throughout the day to be sure your helpers are cared for and feel thanked.
Step #5 – Paperwork Changes
Reestablishing yourself in a new home comes with a lot of time-consuming paperwork that is often overlooked. Most “paperwork” these days can be completed online, but some may require phone calls or proof of new address before making changes. Be sure to…
- Complete a change of address request with the USPS as well as a forwarding your mail.
- Contact your old and new utility companies to transfer, end or begin service.
- Contact schools if changing districts.
- Update your address with your employer, banks, insurance companies, credit cards, magazine subscriptions, TV, etc.
Please contact Sunshine Self Storage if you find yourself moving in or to Florida and are in need of self storage! Sunshine Self Storage Florida has locations in Boca Raton, Cooper City, Pensacola and Miramar.
