Whether you will be handling the moving process yourself or hiring a team of movers, a residential or commercial move is stressful. In fact, in a survey of 1,000 Americans, 45 percent of respondents said that moving was the most stressful life event. When it comes to this often overwhelming experience, it’s best to have all of your ducks in a row. By formulating a plan, the moving process can be a much more straightforward experience.

Today, QuickTotes has compiled the ultimate moving checklist detailing what should be your top priorities when planning for a move. Following each of these steps, you can make your upcoming move as painless as possible. With a little bit of direction, you can ensure that your move goes off without a hitch. Let’s get started!

4 Weeks Before Moving Day

A month before moving day gives you time to start making some important decisions. Most critically, you’ll want to start doing the necessary research to choose the best moving company possible. Additionally, you’ll want to start gathering important documents that you’ll need to bring with you to your new home. This is also the ideal time to start deciding which items you’ll be keeping, selling, and donating. It’s vital that you take the time to downsize before a move as this will mean fewer items for movers to have to transport and fewer items bogging you down. Here are some additional steps you should be taking a month before moving day:

  • Gather all financial, legal, and medical documents you’ll be taking with you.
  • Be sure to purchase moving insurance so that your household belongings are protected during the moving process.
  • Verify the parking spot for your movers. In some cases, you’ll need to purchase a parking permit for the moving truck at your new home and you’ll need time to make these arrangements.
  • Be sure to notify your renter’s or homeowner’s insurance company of your upcoming move so that you can transfer coverage to your new address.
  • Update your voter’s registration at your new address.

2 Weeks Before Moving Day

Once you’re two weeks away from the big moving day, you’ll need to buckle down and start making more last-minute arrangements. This is the time to start updating your accounts and records with your new address. It goes without saying that moving day is a very busy occasion, so you’ll want to use the extra time two weeks ahead of time to make specific moving day plans. For example, if you haven’t already started packing, now is the time to get serious about it. Decide what packing materials you’ll need and get these items in order so you can start packing. You’ll also want to start planning meals for the next two weeks so that you don’t purchase too many groceries only to end up with items you need to toss out. Here are some additional steps to take two weeks ahead of the big day:

  • Create a moving file or folder in which you can organize all of your moving-related documents and receipts. You’ll need to keep track of these important items so having a dedicated folder for them is a smart move- especially as moving day approaches and things start to get a bit more hectic.
  • Prep two weeks’ worth of meals in the refrigerator and freezer.
  • Change your address with loan providers, credit card companies, and the payroll department at your job.
  • Update the address on your driver’s license.

The Week of Moving Day

The week of moving day is finally here and there’s still so much left to do! You’ve spent the last month carefully planning for moving day and making the necessary arrangements. But still, there are some things you need to consider and plan for a week ahead of time. It’s crunch time! Get the following items done as early as possible to ensure that you stay on track:

  • Take the time to donate any unopened food.
  • Put an effort into deep cleaning the house in preparation for the new residents.
  • Make sure that you have taken the time to redirect or cancel any deliveries set up at your old address.
  • Pack a box of essential items that you will need during the first 24-hour period in your new home. This way, you won’t have to dig through boxes upon boxes on move in day to find things like toiletries or a change of clothes.
  • Withdraw enough cash to tip your movers with.

Moving Day

The big day is here! All of the last month of careful preparation has led up to this very moment. So now what? Well, moving day is a day to try to get an early start so that you can be adequately prepared to greet your movers and direct them. Aside from that, the earlier in the day that you get the moving process started, the more quickly you can be moved into your new home. Here are some final tasks to ensure you take care of on moving day:

  • Set your alarm the night before to ensure you’re up early.
  • Be sure to tip your movers adequately for their service.
  • Make sure essential items are in place and easily accessible once you’re settled into your new home.
  • Go grocery shopping to make sure you have everything you’ll need during the unpacking process.

Congratulations! You’re all moved in!

Moving Made Easy With QuickTotes!

Now that you have the ultimate moving checklist to guide you during the moving process, it’s important that you start thinking about things like moving supplies. One of the most important considerations to make as you prepare involves what you’ll be packing and transporting your household belongings in. Luckily you’ve found QuickTotes, Indianapolis’s top provider of affordable, durable, and eco-friendly moving totes.

Here at QuickTotes, we pride ourselves on providing moving totes that make the entire moving process easier. Whether you’re taking on a residential or commercial move, we have a package that suits your needs perfectly. Check out our rental packages and choose the best fit for your budget. If you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to get in touch! Contact us today, and we’ll be happy to help. We look forward to assisting you with your move.

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