Overview

Start your moving journey by taking a thorough inventory of your belongings to determine what to keep or discard, and identify any items needing special care. Next, find a trustworthy moving company by doing your research and asking essential questions, while organizing all necessary documents in a dedicated moving binder to ensure a smooth transition.

Moving Checklist Part One

Last week I offered some advice on how to deal with the stress of moving. This week, I’d like to begin a five part moving checklist series covering what you should be doing once you’ve decided to move. I hope that you find this useful and that it will help reduce any stress you may feel even further.

Three to Five Months Before You Move

Staying organized early in the moving process will save you time and stress down the road. A well-maintained moving binder will be invaluable for keeping track of paperwork, estimates, and important details. If you have children, now is also a good time to start researching schools in your new area to ensure a smooth transition when it’s time to transfer records.

Perform a Complete and Thorough Inventory of Your Home

Go through your entire home and decide what you want to keep and what you can get rid of when you move. Make a note of any items that may need special packaging or additional insurance coverage.

Find a Moving Company

Although I will write a longer article on how to find the right Long Island movers, here are a few quick tips to keep in mind when searching for a mover:

• • Never get your quote over the phone, make sure to request an onsite estimate and be sure to get it in writing.
  • Interview your mover thoroughly. Do not be afraid to ask questions. Be thorough, and pay attention to every detail. If you have questions or concerns, this would be this time to discuss them.
  • Do your homework and research reviews on Google, Yelp, Angie’s List (if you are a member) and Facebook, as well as checking BBB ratings.

Create a Moving Folder/Binder

Put everything related to your move into this binder. Make sure to include your moving estimate, receipts, inventory list, etc. If you have any thoughts or ideas regarding your move, make sure to put them in the binder so you can refer back to them.

Organize School Records

If you have children, don’t forget to go to their current school and make arrangements to transfer their records. Check with the new school to see if they require any additional paperwork, such as immunization records or proof of residency. If possible, request copies of report cards, teacher recommendations, and any special education plans to ensure a smooth transition. It’s also a good idea to inform both schools of your moving timeline so there are no delays in enrollment.

Conclusion

Taking these early steps will set the foundation for a well-organized and stress-free move. By planning ahead, keeping track of important documents, and researching your moving options, you’ll be in great shape as moving day gets closer. Next week, we’ll cover what to do when you are six to eight weeks away from moving day, so stay tuned for more tips to keep your move on track!

For More Moving Tips, Read These Articles.