The moving process can be an emotional time. Every time we move, we leave a little piece of our soul behind, with all the memories associated with that place. We’re not going to pretend moving day can’t be stressful, but you can ensure a smooth transition with a checklist for moving day and a firm plan for what to do when you are moving.
Moving’s a time for new beginnings and a chance to explore a new corner of the world. Here’s how to turn the process of moving into a fun, exciting time.
Checklist for Moving Day
First, the best thing you can do is to plan ahead. Please don’t call us three days before your move with all the details. During the busier parts of the year, we may be unable to fit you into the schedule.
Planning ahead is the best way to make sure your moving day is a breeze.
Here’s a few handy checklists outlining what to do before, during, and after your move.
Before Moving Day
Most of your moving day checklist happens before the big day. You’ll have a much better time if you can get everything done before the big day.
Here’s a rundown of what you should do before your moving day.
Sort and Purge
Walk through every room of your living space and determine what you want to keep and what you want to get rid of. It’s also a good idea to pinpoint any high-value or fragile items needing special packing or extra insurance coverage.
Sell, Donate, and Dump
With your list of items you’re not taking with you, it’s time to figure out how you’ll dispose of them.
Sell anything of reasonable value with the help of Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, Craigslist, and Gumtree. You may also want to look into some neighborhood forums for selling anything you don’t want.
For anything you can’t sell, such as old clothes, we recommend donating them. There’s always someone who can give your belongings a second home. Plus, it’s good for the environment!
Finally, if you need to dispose of unwanted items, ensure you’ve already organized a pickup or a trip to the dump in your moving day vehicle.
Research Movers
One of the best moving day tips is to start researching movers a couple of months before you plan to leave.
While pinpointing a reliable, trustworthy, and affordable moving company (hint-hint) might only take an afternoon, your mover may have a busy schedule. If you’re moving during the prime moving season, you may need to reserve your spot a few weeks in advance to secure your ideal time.
Start Packing
Packing should start as early as possible. Gather all packing supplies, such as boxes, bins, and bubble wrap. Our partner at Gorilla Bins can help you with a lot of this, but if you’re in a pinch, Amazon or your local bodega can provide you with everything you need.
Start by packing your most infrequently used items, like the croquet set or waffle iron. Packing gradually will reduce the strain and keep moving day stress to a minimum.
Clearly label and number every box and bin with a name and number. With a binder (or a smartphone), jot down each number with different categories, such as bathroom, kitchen, or bedroom.
Always keep your valuables separate. We recommend transporting these yourself or notifying us so that we can have your valuables ride in the cab.
Do a Change of Address
Head down to your local post office to fill out your change-of-address form or online at usps.gov to ensure your mail is routed to your new address.
It’s also the ideal time to alert other important parties about your move, including your bank, mortgage provider, employer, and utility provider.
On Moving Day
So, the big day has arrived, and you’re ready to go. Even if you’ve finished your moving day checklist, there are always things to do on the day itself.
Get an early start, so you’re not rushing around at the last minute. As a rule of thumb, there’s always something you forget when moving.
Here’s what you need to know about the moving-in process.
Check Your Boxes and Bins
Do a final check of all your boxes and bins. You can make your movers’ lives so much easier by ensuring everything is stacked close to the front door.
Also, ensure your valuables have been separated, and everything has been taped shut. Don’t be afraid to pull double duty on the tape to ensure nothing will fall out.
Clean Your Home
You may be contractually obligated to clean your home before you leave, and a tidy space will leave a positive impression on your former landlord. Plus, it makes trying to get your deposit back that much easier!
There’s nothing complicated about this step. Sweep and mop the floors and clean the counters before you go.
Get Cash Tips for Movers
We love to help, but we also have mouths to feed and mortgages to pay. Within the moving business, it’s standard to tip your movers in cash.
Cash is the preferred way to tip unless you’ve previously agreed to tip by credit card. Most people tip anywhere from 15% to 20%.
Greet and Moderate
Be ready for our arrival at the appointed time.
Walk us through your home or apartment and highlight any boxes containing fragile items. Giving us as much information as possible will help us to pack your items in the truck for maximum security.
After we’ve finished, perform one final sweep of your former home before locking the door and returning the keys to ensure you’ve left nothing behind.
Drive On
Sadly, we can’t take passengers during the moving-in process, so you’ll have to make your own way to your new home. We’ll stay in touch with you to provide any updates on heavy traffic or other unexpected delays.
Meet us at your new address, and we’ll start unpacking the truck. Again, guide us to where you want us to place your boxes.
Unpack the Essentials
Once you’ve left your tip and said goodbye, the chances are that most of the day will have already been eaten up by the moving process.
At this stage, the chances are you want to relax. One of our top tips for moving day is to unpack only what you need and leave the rest for tomorrow.
After Moving Day
Your checklist for moving day doesn’t end with the big day. The next few days will be spent unpacking everything and decorating the new place to your liking.
Feel free to take it slow as you get situated in the new space. And then… crack open a beer and breathe.
Lou Moves You Will Make Your Moving Day a Snap!
Your checklist for moving day is there to equip you with everything you need to take care of before, during, and after your move.
If you’re searching for a moving company near me in NYC, choose Lou Moves You. We understand how stressful handling a move can be. And that’s why we’re here to make everything go smoothly.
Request your free quote today. Get moving!
