Moving out can be a stressful and surreal time for anyone. You must create a solid plan before you move, no matter the circumstances. Moving without a plan will only create a larger amount of stress for you and whoever you are moving with. Hiring help for moving such as cleaning services will also help relieve some of the stress. With proper planning, such as creating a checklist for moving out, this time in your life can have a smoother transition.
This article will discuss some major tips and checklist items to guide you through your move. It is still important to keep in mind your specific needs for moving out, as this is just a general guide to moving out.
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Creating a Plan
First and foremost, it is most important that you create a timeline with an included plan for your move. This is one of the most essential points on your checklist for moving out. The easiest way to create a timeline is to plan the date for your move and work backward from there. Below is a sample timeline to assist you with your own after you have picked your move-out day.
6-8 Weeks to Moving Out
- Sort and Declutter: Begin going through your belongings and decide what to keep and what not to keep. Whatever you decide not to keep consider donating, selling, or simply throwing it away. You may also hire moving-out out cleaning services to assist you.
- Start collecting moving supplies: Begin gathering boxes, tapes, measuring tapes, markers, and any other supplies you may think necessary.
- Research moving companies: If you plan to hire professional movers, start researching and obtaining quotes from different companies.
4-6 Weeks Before Moving Day
- Notify your landlord or property manager: Give them a formal notice of your intent to move out, adhering to the required notice period.
- Create a moving folder: Start a folder to keep important documents related to your move, such as rental agreements, contracts with movers, and receipts.
- Research storage options: If you need temporary storage options, research and reserve a unit if necessary.
- Begin packing non-essential items: Start packing items that you won’t need in the next few weeks. This will help you be more organized when move out day arrives.
2-4 Weeks Before Moving Out
- Finalize your moving company or truck rental: Make a decision on whether to hire professional movers or rent a truck, and book your preferred option.
- Notify utility companies: Contact your electricity, gas, water, internet, and other utility providers to schedule disconnection or transfer of services.
- Change your address: Update your address with the postal service, banks, credit card companies, subscriptions, and any relevant institutions.
- Schedule necessary appointments: If you need to transfer medical records, schedule appointments with doctors, dentists, and veterinarians.
1-2 Weeks Before Moving Day
- Start packing with earnestness: Pack up the majority of your belongings, labeling each box with its contents and the room it belongs to.
- Confirm moving details: Double-check your moving company or truck rental reservation and ensure all details are in order.
- Notify important parties: Inform friends, family, and any necessary organizations about your upcoming move.
- Set aside essentials: Pack a separate bag or box with essential items you’ll need immediately after moving, such as toiletries, a change of clothes, bedding, and kitchen essentials.
A Few Days Before Moving
- Finish packing: Pack the remaining items, leaving out only the essentials you’ll need until moving day.
- Clean and prepare your current home: Thoroughly clean your current residence, making any necessary repairs or touch-ups.
- Confirm logistics: confirm the arrival time of your moving company or the pick-up time for your rental truck.
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Moving Day
- Load the moving truck: If using professional movers, supervise the loading process. If you’re not doing it yourself, carefully load your belongings onto the rented truck.
- Perform a final walkthrough: Conduct a final inspection of your current residence to ensure nothing is left behind.
- Settle any outstanding bills: Settle any outstanding payments, ensuring all financial matters are taken care of.
- Say goodbye: Bid farewell to neighbors, friends, and your old home before leaving.
Hiring Help Checklist For Your Move
Something you may want to consider adding to your moving checklist is hiring a moving service. Hiring moving help can make your move as seamless as possible. Whether you need to hire a cleaning service for moving, out-of-state moving companies, or anything in between, there are many options to consider. Below is a list of some of the most common choices for moving services.
Full-Service Moving Companies
- Full-service moving companies handle the entire moving process from start to finish.
- They provide packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and unpacking services.
- This option is convenient but typically more expensive.
Partial Moving Services
- Some moving companies offer partial services, allowing you to customize the assistance you need.
- You can hire movers to handle specific tasks such as packing, loading, or transporting your belongings.
Labor-Only Moving Services
- Labor-only moving services provide movers to assist with the physical aspects of the move.
- They can help with loading and unloading the truck or even just moving heavy furniture and boxes within your home.
Renting a Moving Truck and Hiring Labor
- If you prefer to handle the transportation aspect yourself, you can rent a moving truck and hire movers for the loading and unloading process only.
- This option gives you more control over the move but requires more effort on your part.
Moving Labor Marketplaces
- There are online platforms and marketplaces where you can hire moving laborers on an hourly basis.
- These platforms connect you with individuals or small teams experienced in moving.
- You can typically read reviews and compare rates before making a hiring decision.
Steps to Follow When Hiring Movers
If you decide to hire moving help there are some steps you will need to take in order to make sure you are picking the best company for you. These steps will help you find the movers that will work with your needs and make your move an easy transition.
- Research and Get Quotes
- Research reputable moving companies or labor markets in your area.
- Obtain quotes from multiple companies to ensure you get the most bang for your buck!
- Check Credentials
- Verify that the moving companies are licensed and insured.
- Read reviews from former customers from multiple companies to compare prices and experience.
- In-Home Estimates
- For larger moves, consider scheduling an in-home estimate with the moving companies.
- This will allow them to assess the size of your home and provide you with a more accurate cost estimate.
- Discuss Services and Requirements
- Clearly communicate your specific needs and expectations to the moving companies.
- Confirm the services they provide, such as packing, furniture disassembly/assembly, or specialty item handling.
- Review the Contract
- Carefully review the contract or agreement provided by the moving company.
- Ensure that all services, pricing, and any additional fees or insurance coverage are clearly stated.
- Schedule and Confirm
- Once you’ve chosen a moving company or laborers, schedule the date and time of your move.
- Confirm the details a few days before your move to ensure everything is in order.
Conclusion
Moving out is a significant milestone that requires careful planning and organization. By following a comprehensive checklist, you can ensure a smoother transition to your new home. Remember to notify relevant parties, such as your landlord and utility companies, pack systematically, clean and repair your current residence, and settle any financial obligations. Hiring movers and other services such as cleaning help can provide additional support during the moving process. Ultimately, the key is to stay organized, maintain a timeline, create a checklist, and approach the move with a positive mindset.
Remember, moving out is a learning experience, and it’s okay to encounter challenges along the way. Stay organized, be patient with yourself, and enjoy the journey of starting a new chapter in your life. Good luck with your move, and may your new home be filled with happiness and new beginnings!
Reese Ledford comes from Fort Mill, South Carolina, right outside Charlotte, North Carolina. She is currently studying English and Political Science at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina. In her free time, she loves to travel, draw, write, exercise, and spend time with friends and family.
