Are you moving to a new home? If so, you know there’s a lot to do before moving day rolls around. To help you keep track of the details and make sure you don’t forget anything important, we’ve created this ultimate checklist to guide you through the process.
Download the checklist by right-clicking on this image!
Sort & Declutter
Before you begin packing boxes, there’s some critical pre-work to do: sorting and decluttering your home. If you’ve been in one place for many years (or you just tend to collect “stuff”), there are likely many items in your home that you don’t need, don’t want, or won’t use.
The sort & declutter process serves two important purposes. First, it helps simplify and streamline your move by just cutting down on the number of items you have to move. Secondly, it may help you save money on your move since many movers charge by moving weight or volume. Here’s how to get started:
Go room by room. Start in the places you use least – like guest rooms – and work up to your everyday living spaces.
Make three piles. In each room, make a pile of items to keep, items to donate, and things to throw away.
Take note of special items. If you run across items that need special packing or insurance coverage during your move, make a note of them for later.
Enlist help. Make this step go much faster by involving your family, or asking friends for help hauling your “donate” pile to the local Salvation Army.
Hire Movers
If you’re planning to use a moving company, hire the team earlier rather than later. This allows you plenty of time to plan and ensures you won’t be without help on your big day. Keep in mind that most moving companies (like Gallo) offer everything from full-service moves to a la carte services, depending on the level of assistance you need. Not sure what hiring movers will cost? Schedule a free move evaluation to get started.
Get Copies of Important Paperwork
About six weeks before you move, start pulling together copies of all the essential paperwork you may need. This includes your children’s records from their schools, copies of vehicle titles and registration, insurance policies, and anything else that may come in handy during your move.
Start Packing
Unless your moving team is going to do the packing for you, it’s time to start putting things in boxes. Start with your least-used items (like seasonal clothing) and work up to the items you use daily. If you need boxes or other packing supplies, talk to your moving company about buying boxes directly.
To make moving day easier, pack a “Day of” bag filled with the things you’ll need immediately upon moving, including medications, toiletries, a change of clothes, snacks, and anything else that will help you be comfortable. Make one for each family member.
Label Your Boxes
Avoid the “where does this go?” guessing game by labeling each box with its contents and the room it’s destined for. This makes the unpacking process much easier.
Inventory
To avoid confusion and misplaced items, keep a running list of each box you’ve packed and what’s inside it. This is an easy way to make sure you haven’t accidentally left anything behind.
Measure Your Furniture
To be sure everything will fit into your new home, measure your existing furniture items, and draw up a floor plan for your new space. If you need to purchase furniture for the new house or give away existing items, this is a great time to do it.
Make a Plan for Pets
Moving can be stressful or downright dangerous for pets. To prevent them from getting in the way (or worse – bolting out an open door and getting lost) on moving day, plan to have a friend or family member watch them while you move, or take your furry friend to doggy daycare.
Transfer Your Utilities and Update your mailing address
Instruct any existing utilities to disconnect services the day after you move. To make your transition seamless, have the utilities at your new home turned on the day before you arrive.
At Gallo Moving we offer Updater, which can seamlessly transfer all your utilities, cable TV, magazine subscriptions, and many other things. Your salesperson will send you an invitation to join the service. You’ll even get some great offers and discounts to help in your new home!
Secure Storage
If there are items you want to keep but don’t want to move into your new home, ask your moving company about your storage options. They’ll be able to help you decide on long- or short-term (or portable) storage to keep your items safe.
Move in!
The big day is finally here, and it’s time to move in! When you plan well ahead of time, your move-in day should be smooth, seamless, and done quicker than you can say, “Welcome home.”
The Quick and Dirty Moving Checklist: What to do Before the Big Day
Are you moving to a new home? If so, you know there’s a lot to do before moving day rolls around. To help you keep track of the details and make sure you don’t forget anything important, we’ve created this ultimate checklist to guide you through the process.
Download the checklist by right-clicking on this image!
Sort & Declutter
Before you begin packing boxes, there’s some critical pre-work to do: sorting and decluttering your home. If you’ve been in one place for many years (or you just tend to collect “stuff”), there are likely many items in your home that you don’t need, don’t want, or won’t use.
The sort & declutter process serves two important purposes. First, it helps simplify and streamline your move by just cutting down on the number of items you have to move. Secondly, it may help you save money on your move since many movers charge by moving weight or volume. Here’s how to get started:
Hire Movers
If you’re planning to use a moving company, hire the team earlier rather than later. This allows you plenty of time to plan and ensures you won’t be without help on your big day. Keep in mind that most moving companies (like Gallo) offer everything from full-service moves to a la carte services, depending on the level of assistance you need. Not sure what hiring movers will cost? Schedule a free move evaluation to get started.
Get Copies of Important Paperwork
About six weeks before you move, start pulling together copies of all the essential paperwork you may need. This includes your children’s records from their schools, copies of vehicle titles and registration, insurance policies, and anything else that may come in handy during your move.
Start Packing
Unless your moving team is going to do the packing for you, it’s time to start putting things in boxes. Start with your least-used items (like seasonal clothing) and work up to the items you use daily. If you need boxes or other packing supplies, talk to your moving company about buying boxes directly.
To make moving day easier, pack a “Day of” bag filled with the things you’ll need immediately upon moving, including medications, toiletries, a change of clothes, snacks, and anything else that will help you be comfortable. Make one for each family member.
Label Your Boxes
Avoid the “where does this go?” guessing game by labeling each box with its contents and the room it’s destined for. This makes the unpacking process much easier.
Inventory
To avoid confusion and misplaced items, keep a running list of each box you’ve packed and what’s inside it. This is an easy way to make sure you haven’t accidentally left anything behind.
Measure Your Furniture
To be sure everything will fit into your new home, measure your existing furniture items, and draw up a floor plan for your new space. If you need to purchase furniture for the new house or give away existing items, this is a great time to do it.
Make a Plan for Pets
Moving can be stressful or downright dangerous for pets. To prevent them from getting in the way (or worse – bolting out an open door and getting lost) on moving day, plan to have a friend or family member watch them while you move, or take your furry friend to doggy daycare.
Transfer Your Utilities and Update your mailing address
Instruct any existing utilities to disconnect services the day after you move. To make your transition seamless, have the utilities at your new home turned on the day before you arrive.
At Gallo Moving we offer Updater, which can seamlessly transfer all your utilities, cable TV, magazine subscriptions, and many other things. Your salesperson will send you an invitation to join the service. You’ll even get some great offers and discounts to help in your new home!
Secure Storage
If there are items you want to keep but don’t want to move into your new home, ask your moving company about your storage options. They’ll be able to help you decide on long- or short-term (or portable) storage to keep your items safe.
Move in!
The big day is finally here, and it’s time to move in! When you plan well ahead of time, your move-in day should be smooth, seamless, and done quicker than you can say, “Welcome home.”
Don’t DIY your upcoming move! Hire Gallo and let our team help you get settled in your new home. Contact us today to schedule your free moving consultation.