Relax! Believe it or not, moving doesn’t have to be stressful! If you follow the checklist below, you will be surprised at how effectively and efficiently you will be able to complete your moving process.
8 Weeks
- Get organized: Create a folder that will allow you to keep track of important documents. Tax returns and university degrees are documents that you would not want to lose throughout your moving process. Scan and electronically store as many of these items as possible, to reduce the amount of unnecessary clutter.
- Dispose of unnecessary documents: Shred all important documents that you no longer need, especially documents that contain sensitive information such as social security numbers and personal addresses. Old boarding passes can also contain access to credit card information.
- Research moving companies: Go online and check reviews of moving companies and compare prices. The best tool for this, of course, is Cheap Movers Minneapolis. We help you compare movers’ rates in one easy place! Sometimes if you book in advance, moving services may offer discounts for early booking. Also ask friends and family, especially those who have recently moved, for their opinions on various moving companies.
6 Weeks
- Make travel arrangements: If you need to fly to your new destination, then now is a good time to start looking at flight options. Websites such as skyscanner.com can help you find lower prices on tickets. If you must fly with pets, make sure you notify the airlines so that they can provide the proper information. If you decide to drive, then look at inexpensive hotel options along the way. We recommend booking.com for competitive hotel prices.
2 Weeks
- Use Up Food: Two weeks before the move is the best time to start limiting what you buy from the supermarket. Try to use up any open items in your cabinet. Pack unopened seasoning and any other expensive food items that you really need. Otherwise, consider giving away perishable items to family and friends, or donating your unperishable items to a local food pantry. In most cases, it’s not worth the cost or effort to transport foodstuffs to your new home.
- Google new shopping options: Research the shopping options near your new home. This is very important, especially if you or anyone in your family has dietary restrictions. This research can give you an idea of availability and price options.
- Notify friends and family of your travel itinerary and arrangements: You never know if you can be involved in an accident. Forward your travel itinerary to at least three close friends and family members.
One Week
- Recheck everything: Double check to make sure that all boxes are labeled. Pack any items you will need immediately upon your arrival in a separate suitcase or box. Check with the moving company to be sure that the date you confirmed is still in their system.
1 Day left!
- Go through your checklist: Make sure you go back through your list to be sure that you packed and disposed of unneeded items.
- Walkthrough: Walk back through the apartment or house to make sure there’s nothing you overlooked that can cause your landlord to deny or delay your security deposit.
- Refrigerator: Empty out and defrost your fridge. If you have good food left that you cannot transport, then be a Good Samaritan and donate to a homeless shelter for the food pantry.
- Take care of yourself: Moving day will be exhausting, so take measures to care for your body. The night before the move, drink herbal tea to calm your nerves. Go to sleep early so that you have enough energy to think clearly throughout your journey. Drink lots of water and take vitamins. You are going to need the extra energy!
Moving Day
Allow the movers to be your second pair of eyes. Make sure that they walk through your home to ensure that nothing was left behind. Make sure that you notify them of any fragile items, even those packed into boxes.