Moving may be the most stressful thing one can do. To help keep your sanity, here is a master to-do list. I broke it down week-by-week for the final month before your move in order to not only accomplish it all, but do it within the time frame that makes sense. Week One. • Schedule movers/book a Uhaul. Do this well in advance, especially if you’re moving at the end of a month (the most popular time to move and when they’ll most likely be booked up). • Clean out closets/purge belongings. Never move more stuff than is necessary; get rid of excess now. • Decide what furniture will work in the new place; for everything else, list on Craigslist or offer to friends. • Get boxes and packing materials. You can always buy ’em, but I’ve found the Craigslist free section to be the best source of packing materials; after you’ve moved you can pass them on.
Week Two
• Start packing. Begin with non-essentials (out-of-season clothes, rarelyused
kitchen equipment) and work up to necessities as you get closer to
moving day.
• Start taking down art and photos from the wall and patch the holes with
a dab of spackle.
• Stop grocery shopping — learn to embrace the makeshift meal and start
cleaning out the freezer.
• Change your address with your all financial institutions, credit card
providers and insurance.
• Go to USPS to choose a date to begin forwarding your mail.
• Send a mass email to your contacts with your new mailing address.
Week Three
• Cancel or forward utilities: gas, water, electricity, garbage,
cable/internet, phone and cell phone. Remember to collect any refunds
from prorated service or deposits. Make sure turn off is not prior to
closing.
• Cancel or transfer your subscriptions: newspapers, magazines or Netflix.
• If you have plants to move, stop watering them now so they’re not
heavy and dripping on moving day.
• Pack, pack, pack.
Week Four
• Pack an essentials box with everything you’ll need for the first night in
your new home: sheets so you can make the bed, a few plates, cups and
silverware, basic toiletries for a shower, and your phone charger.
• Hire professional cleaners or schedule a block of time to thoroughly
clean the empty home.
• Do a final walk-through/inspection with your landlord and finally,
return the keys.
Don’t forget for the Essentials Box: tools, such as screwdrivers, hammers,
scissors and/or box cutters.
