Moving is one of the most stressful life events we face. Beyond the anxiety of facing all the major changes that come with a move, many people worry about how to complete all the necessary tasks before the big day arrives. Luckily, incorporating a moving checklist can decrease those worries and the stress!
If you’re starting to get anxious about getting everything done before your big move, try incorporating these moving checklist tips to help stay organized. Use your list to stay focused and make sure you haven’t forgotten any important tasks. Knowing you have your bases covered keeps the stress of moving manageable so you can enjoy the excitement of moving to a new home!
Master Movers Moving Checklist
✓ Research Your New Community
If you haven’t already, take the time to do a little research on your destination. Knowing the location of a few key resources like the nearest grocery store and pharmacy helps to ease the transition to a new neighborhood. When it’s time to stock your new pantry or treat a minor injury, you’ll be ready to hop in the car and get what you need!
If you have children, keep in mind that their routines are changing just as much as yours. Look up directions to the nearest park and take the time for a stress-relieving romp in the fresh air — chances are you’ll enjoy it as much as the kids!
To make the first few mornings of school easier, plan out your route or check out the location of the bus stop before their first day. Knowing where you’re going ahead of time helps you and your children cope with the transition.
✓ Donate, Sell, Recycle!
Moving is a great opportunity to declutter! Instead of simply packing everything, sort through your belongings and get rid of anything you no longer use. Reducing the number of items you need to transport is therapeutic and cuts down the time needed to unpack in your new home. Whether you choose to donate items to a local charity, sell them at a garage sale or put them out for recycling, it feels great to begin your journey with a lighter load!
✓ Transfer Important Coverage and Paperwork
When preparing for your move, be sure to contact your insurance agent. Provide the location of your new home and moving dates to avoid a lapse in coverage and ensure all paperwork is sent to your new address.
If you have school-age children, contact the new school as far in advance as possible. This gives the new school enough time to retrieve existing school records so you can enroll the kids in their new classes!
✓ Utilities and Memberships
Contact your existing utility companies once you know your exact moving date. If you’re making a long-distance move, you will likely need to contact separate companies to disconnect your existing services and start accounts for your new home. If you are moving within the same neighborhood or city, service providers for cable, internet, electric, gas, sewage, garbage and water may be the same—but call ahead to make sure!
Master Movers Pro Moving Tip: If real estate agents need access to your old home after you move, consider leaving essential utilities like electricity, water and gas on for a period of time. A dark, cold property will not be as appealing to potential buyers as a cozy, well-lit one!
If you belong to a gym, club or other organization where you pay dues or membership fees, make a call to cancel or transfer them before moving day. You’ll be thankful you remembered this task when you avoid ongoing charges or fees!
✓ Submit a Change of Address
Although submitting a change of address form seems like a no-brainer, it is one of the most forgotten tasks. Visit your local post office to fill out the form, or better yet go to the USPS website! For a minimal fee, you can complete this task online quickly and avoid missing out on any important mail.
✓ Routine Check-Ups
If time permits, schedule a routine doctor visit for you, your children and any pets before moving day. It may take you a while to get settled into your new home even if it’s just a few miles away, so get checked out before you move. While you’re there, be sure you have enough refills available for any prescriptions to hold you over until you are all settled in to your new home. This will allow you to have one less thing to worry about!
Scheduling a routine check-up is also a good idea for your vehicles! If you plan on driving a long distance to your new home, make sure your car is ready for the trip, too. The last thing you want on moving day is a delay due to mechanical troubles.
✓ Moving Expenses
Did you know that the IRS allows taxpayers to deduct certain moving expenses from their income tax? For example, if your moving because of a work-related reason, you may be able to deduct reasonable moving expenses.
It’s important to keep all of your receipts to back up this deduction with the IRS. A good way to keep organized is to dedicate a folder where you immediately place all receipts related to moving expenses.
✓ Enlist the Help of Master Movers
The experienced team at Master Movers know how to make moves as stress-free as possible at every stage of the process. Our many years of helping people with long-distance and local moves means you can concentrate on keeping calm and moving on. Call us today for an estimate!