02/16/23
In addition to asking questions about the cost and payment, it’s also important for customers to be aware of the timeline for their move. Customers should inquire about packing/loading times, transport duration, and delivery schedules for their belongings. Customers should also consider any potential delays due to bad weather or mechanical problems, as these can affect the timeline of the move.
Finally, customers should make sure to ask about any storage options that may be available if their new home is not ready for them when their belongings arrive. Packers and movers often provide short-term storage options, so ask about them before finalizing your contract. Armed with this information, customers can trust in a smooth move and get the best value for their money.
Long-Distance Moving Timeline
Here is a generalized timeline example and what needs to be accomplished at each stage:
Three or More Months Before You Move
☑ Start a Donation Pile
Start early and give yourself a few months to declutter your home, ensuring that you are only transporting critical items. That way, come moving day everything will be ready for the big transition.
- Consider selling large items, such as furniture
- Donate as many items to charity
- Give some stuff away friends or family
- Make a trash pile
☑ Start Packing and Gather Supplies
Once you’ve finished decluttering, it’s time to start packing. Collect boxes, bubble wrap, tape, markers, and labels to pack your items systematically and efficiently.
It’s also a good idea to create an inventory list of all the items being moved — this will help keep track of the items and make unpacking easier.
To make your move smooth and swift, it is essential to have the appropriate packing supplies readily available. Gather enough of these items before you are ready to start wrapping up:
- Tape
- Bubble wrap or Packing paper
- Boxes
It is important to note that a lot of these items will be provided when you hire a professional moving company. So, if you plan to have someone else doing the heavy lifting… you won’t need as much of this.
☑ Create a Budget for Moving
To avoid any unexpected costs coming your way, begin budgeting for the move now. Assess what needs moving, budget, and packing help to create a cost-effective plan for when you’re ready to move.
How To Budget For & Plan a Move Timeline
☑ Start Getting Moving Quotes
Comparison shop for movers and begin getting quotes. Make sure to check reviews online, ask for references from friends or family and read their insurance policies thoroughly before you make a final decision.
Questions to Ask the Long-Distance Moving Estimator
Six Weeks Before You Move
☑ Get Help Where Needed
If you aren’t going with a full-service moving company, and are doing some of the moving process by yourself – start enlisting the help from family and friends that you are going to need. If you are hiring professional movers, think about what might be missing. Babysitters? Someone to stay with for a night? Someone to help with a meal or two?
☑ Do a Second Purge
Now is the perfect opportunity to unburden yourself and get rid of items you won’t need in your new residence. Make it easier on yourself by going through all of your belongings, setting aside anything that you don’t want to bring with you, and then selling or donating them. Letting go will be beneficial as it lightens both the physical and emotional load!
One Month Before You Move
☑ Change Your Address
This is the time to switch over your address. File a USPS change of address form and make sure that all your correspondence reaches its destination on time. This includes bank statements, phone and cable bills, magazine subscriptions and even packages you may be expecting.
Additionally, make sure that your new address is communicated to anyone who may need it for receiving important documents or messages.
☑ Check Your Box Inventory
Having the right amount of boxes when you move is essential. To make sure everything goes smoothly, start collecting boxes a month before your relocation so that there’s plenty of time to pack up and get organized! Depending on whether or not you are hiring packers will make a difference here.
If you need boxes and don’t want to pay for brand new, here are some places to start calling around for used boxes:
- grocery stores
- convenience stores
- office supply stores
- liquor stores
☑ Start Thinking about New Furniture
Now is the time to begin purchasing your new furniture and organizing for it to be shipped directly to your brand-new location after you move. This is particularly useful if you’re relocating a long distance away, as transporting bulky furniture across states or countries can be burdensome.
Three Weeks Before You Move
☑ Time to Pack!
If you are packing yourself, then its time to get moving! Firstly, pack the items you won’t require instantly like any off-season outfits, books or keepsakes. Keep in mind to store the must haves (toothbrush, coffeemaker, toilet paper and drugs) for last. Put them all into one box so you can access them without wasting time once settled at your destination. Invest in padlocks or rent safety deposit boxes if necessary to guarantee that your valuable possessions are safeguarded from theft.
☑ Create a Car Survival Kit
If you plan to drive to your new home, create a car survival kit that can be easily accessed while driving. This will include items such as snacks, drinks and other necessities.
☑ Make Arrangements for Your Pets
If you have pets, make arrangements now with a pet-sitter or boarding facility to ensure they are taken care of while you’re moving. Additionally, make sure to keep their vaccination papers and other important documents handy so that they will be able to travel with you in the car or on an airplane. Don’t forget to pack a toy or two for them!
One Week Before the Move
☑ Clean the House
A thorough cleaning of your old place isn’t only polite for the next inhabitants – it can help guarantee that you get back your security deposit if you’re renting. You may also consider hiring a cleaning crew to come in. Even if they come before the movers get there, it shouldn’t be too bad to do a quick vacuum by yourself after they leave.
☑ Get your New House Cleaned
If you are dealing with a long-distance move, nobody wants to walk into a house after traveling and have to clean it. If you cant get there before your stuff, find a local cleaner in your new neighborhood to do a thorough job for you. Don’t forget a carpet cleaner and cabinet wipe-down!
Moving Day
☑ Manage the Moving Crew
Once you’ve hired professional movers, the only thing left to do is sit back and watch them work their magic – provided that all other preparations have been made! For those who prefer DIY relocation, loading up the truck, driving to your destination, and unloading are really all that need concern you. Everything else should be finalized before this stage of the process.
☑ Check the Utilities
Don’t wait too long to check on the utilities at your new home – it’s imperative that you assess the status of your utilities soon after moving in. Time is of the essence, especially when it comes to having a hot shower and illuminating your new home with light! If any problems arise, be sure to address them swiftly so as not to impede other key tasks related to settling into your new abode.
After Moving
☑ Do an Inspection
Before you completely fill your home with all of your possessions, it’s essential to do a final inspection. Carefully search for any potential problems such as cracks, leaks, drips or damage – and if there is anything that needs urgent attention taking care of before further items are added then make sure this gets done right away.
☑ Setting Up Essentials
Unpacking can be a time-consuming process, but it’s best to start with your essential items from the box you should have already packed and brought along. Additionally, on that same day, getting these other important things situated may help too:
- Put together large furniture
- Make the beds
- Install appliances (like the coffee maker!)
- Unpack the kitchen
☑ Look at Security
Make sure your new home is secure with new locks on the doors, fire extinguishers on every floor, and working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. You may also consider a security service.
☑ Changing Your Address
Before your move is complete, you should be sure to alert all the important people in your life of your change in address. But afterwards, it’s essential that more prominent entities are notified too – like credit card companies and healthcare providers! Additionally, don’t forget to update other areas such as for voter registration and vehicle registration with this new information.
Download the Moving Day Checklist & Address Change Cheat Sheet
Don’t forget the Toilet Paper! A moving-day list of stuff you don’t want to forget. PLUS! Get an address change cheat sheet…
☑ What About Healthcare?
If you’re relocating outside of your current region, it’s important to research and locate new healthcare providers who will be able to meet all of your needs. Some great provider options include:
- Urgent rooms
- Hospitals
- Dentist
- Family physician
- Eye doctor
☑ Recycling Boxes
Congratulations on unpacking the bulk of your belongings! Now, you can enjoy a clutter-free new home by recycling your packing materials. You have multiple options – give them away to those who are moving, put them out with regular recyclables, or donate them at a local recycling center. No matter which route you take to recycle these items, it’s important that they don’t create more mess in your newly organized living space.
☑ Don’t Forget Your Neighbors
Now is the time to embrace your new neighborhood and create lasting relationships. Introduce yourself to those living nearby, enroll in local classes or join a community group, connect with people via social media networks; these are just some of the ways you can start building connections that will help make your new home feel familiar and cozy.
