Alright, so you’re moving to a new place? That’s awesome, but also kind of a pain, right? There’s just so much to do before you can actually pack up and hit the road. Whether you’re just moving across town or making a cross-country trek, we’ll break it all down into bite-sized tasks so you can stay chill. With a relocation checklist and some solid planning, you’ll breeze through the moving process and be able to focus on the exciting parts – like starting fresh in your new digs!
Essential First Steps to Take
Preparing for a move requires careful planning and organization, from decluttering to securing essential documents. Super fun for those who love organization, for others, not so much.
- Make a detailed moving checklist (or use this one!) and get the satisfaction of already having an item completed!
- Declutter: Start by going through your belongings and getting rid of items you no longer need or use. Looking for some inspo? Check out Swedish Death Cleaning.
- Research moving companies or go DIY: Get quotes from different moving companies and book one in advance or make reservations for moving equipment.
- Pack strategically: Start packing early and label boxes according to rooms to make unpacking easier.
- Organize important documents: Keep passports, IDs, medical records, and other important documents in a safe place.
Notify, Transfer, and Do All the Updates
Part of the relocation process is all about notifying key parties, transferring utilities, and updating your information across various organizations. You know, the fun paperwork-y things.
- Notify important parties: Inform the post office, bank, and any subscriptions of your change of address.
- Transfer utilities: Arrange for utilities to be transferred to your new address before you move in.
- Update your address: Update your address with the DMV, voter registration, and any other relevant organizations.
Get Ready for the Big Move
All that preparation (eventually) leads to the big move! While this can be an exciting, but daunting process, so it’s important to plan ahead and take care of the necessary logistics. Including what to do with the kids and pets on moving day!
- Arrange for childcare or pet care on moving day: If you have kids or pets, make arrangements for their care on moving day.
- Plan your travel: If moving long-distance, book flights or plan your road trip in advance.
- Get acquainted with your new area: Research your new neighborhood, schools, healthcare providers, and other amenities.
Moving can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be! At the end of the day, relocating is an exciting adventure. Try to embrace the change and look forward to all the new experiences that come with a new home. Take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy the journey. The hard work will be worth it when you’re settling into your fresh start.