Mastering Your Move: How to Create a Superlative Moving Checklist

Getting ready for a fresh start? Moving to a new home can be exciting, but it is also a complex process with many moving parts. At Big Boy Movers, we move people locally and long distance to, from, and around Utah, Idaho, and the western United States. 

One tool we recommend to our clients is creating a comprehensive moving checklist as well as a schedule. A checklist will provide you with a reference so you can be sure that you take care of all the crucial details during your move. In this guide, we'll go over the process of creating your own personalized moving checklist.

Why You Need a Moving Checklist

Before we dive into the how-to, let's talk about why a moving checklist is so important.

• Organization: A checklist keeps all your tasks in one place, making it easier to keep track of everything you need to do. Checklists also help you to see what you have already done.                                                                                                                                              
• Stress Reduction: By breaking down the moving process into manageable tasks, you'll feel more in control and less overwhelmed.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
• Time Management: A well-planned checklist helps you allocate your time effectively in the weeks leading up to your move.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
• Customization: Every move is unique, and a personalized checklist ensures you're addressing your specific needs and circumstances.                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Step 1: Assess Your Move

The first step in creating your moving checklist is to assess the specific details of your move. Consider the following:

1. Distance: Are you moving locally (within your hometown or region), or are you planning a long-distance move? The distance will affect many aspects of your move, from choosing a moving company to deciding what to take with you.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
2. Timeline: How much time do you have before your move? Ideally, you should start planning 8-12 weeks before your moving date, but if you have less time, you'll need to adjust your plans accordingly.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
3. Family Size: Are you moving solo, or do you have a family to consider? If you have children or pets, you'll need to include tasks related to their needs.                                                                                                                                                                                     
4. Current and Future Home Details: Consider the size and layout of both your current and future homes. This will help you plan for furniture that may or may not fit in your new space.                                                                                                                                                    
5. Special Items: Do you have valuable or fragile items that require special handling? Make note of these as they'll need extra attention in your packing plan.                                                                                                                                                                                     

Step 2: Create Your Task Categories

Now that you've assessed your move, it's time to create categories for your checklist. Here are some essential categories to consider:

1. Administrative Tasks: This includes notifying important parties of your move, changing your address, and transferring utilities.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
2. Packing: Break this down into rooms or categories of items.                                                                                                                                
3. Cleaning: Both for your current home and your new one.                                                                                                                                    
4. Moving Company: Tasks related to researching, booking, and coordinating with your movers.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
5. Children and Pets: If applicable, include tasks related to preparing your kids and pets for the move.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
6. Vehicle Transportation: If you're moving long-distance, you may need to arrange for vehicle shipping.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
7. Essential Documents: Keep track of the paperwork you'll need during and after your move.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
8. New Home Setup: Tasks related to setting up and settling into your new living space. From unpacking to meeting neighbors, this will be easier to accomplish with a plan.                                                                                                                                                               

Step 3: Fill Your Categories with Specific Tasks

Now it's time to fill in your categories with all of the specific tasks you must accomplish. Here are some examples to get you started:

Administrative Tasks:

• Notify your landlord or sell your home
• Change your address with the postal service
• Update your address for bank accounts, credit cards, and other important services
• Transfer or cancel your utilities
• Notify your employer
• Update your voter registration

Packing:

• Purchase packing supplies (boxes, tape, bubble wrap, etc.)
• Pack non-essential items room by room first
• Label boxes clearly with contents and destination room
• Pack a "first-night" box with essentials

Cleaning:

1. Declutter and either sell or donate items that can't move with you
2. Deep clean your current home as you pack
3. Schedule professional cleaning for your current and new home if desired
4. Properly dispose of items that can't be moved (old paint, chemicals, etc.)

Moving Company:

1. Research and get quotes from moving companies (like Big Boy Movers!) 
2. Book your chosen moving company
3. Confirm details a week before the move
4. Prepare a list of items that require special handling

Children and Pets:

1. Arrange for childcare on moving day
2. Update school records and arrange for transfers
3. Schedule vet check-ups and obtain pet records
4. Plan for pet transportation

Vehicle Transportation:

• Decide whether to drive or ship your vehicle
• If shipping, research and book a reliable auto transport company
• Prepare your vehicle for transport (clean, remove personal items, etc.)

Essential Documents:

• Gather important documents (birth certificates, passports, deeds, etc.)
• Obtain copies of medical records
• Collect school records for children

New Home Setup:

• Measure rooms and doorways for furniture placement
• Plan your furniture layout
• Research and schedule any necessary home improvements or installations                                                                                                         

Step 4: Prioritize and Schedule Your Tasks

Once you have your list of tasks, it's time to prioritize and schedule them. Here's how:

1. Use a Timeline: Assign each task to a specific week before your move. Start about 8 weeks out and work your way to moving day.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
2. Prioritize Important Tasks: Some tasks, like booking your moving company, should be done as early as possible. At Big Boy Movers, we recommend booking at least 4-6 weeks in advance, especially during the summer.                                                                                                                                                                      
3. Consider Dependencies: Some tasks depend on others. For example, you can't start packing until you've acquired packing supplies.                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
4. Be Realistic: Don't overload any single day or week. Spread out your tasks to make them manageable, and call in help when you can.                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Step 5: Create Your Packing List

While your task checklist covers what you need to do, you also need a list of what to pack. Here's how to create an effective packing list -

1. Go Room by Room: Start in one room and list everything that needs to be packed. Don't forget easily overlooked areas like closets, drawers, and under-bed storage.                                                                                                                                                                  
2. Use Categories: Group similar items together. For example, in the kitchen, you might have categories like "appliances," "cookware," and "dishes."                                                                                                                                                                                                  
3. Note Special Items: Highlight items that need special packing or handling. This could include fragile items, valuable, or oversized pieces.                                                                                                                                                                                                             
4. Include a "Do Not Pack" List: Create a list of items that you'll keep with you during the move, such as essential documents, valuables, and essential daily items.                                                                                                                                                              
5. Digital Inventory: Consider using a digital inventory app or spreadsheet to keep track of your belongings. This can be especially helpful for insurance purposes.                                                                                                                                                                             

Step 6: Review and Adjust

Your moving checklist should be a living document. Review it regularly and be prepared to make adjustments as needed. As you complete tasks, check them off. If new tasks come up, add them to your list.                                                                                                                                   

Step 7: Share Your Checklist

If you're moving with family, share your checklist with them. Assign tasks to different family members to distribute the workload. If you're using a moving company like Big Boy Movers, share relevant parts of your checklist with them so everyone is on the same page.                                                                                                                                                                              

Conclusion: Your Checklist to Success

Creating a comprehensive moving checklist might seem like a big task in itself, but it's an investment that will pay off in reduced stress and a smoother move. Remember, at Big Boy Movers, we're not just here to transport your belongings – we're here to support you throughout your entire moving process.

Whether you're moving locally within Utah or Idaho, or preparing for a long journey, a well-crafted moving checklist will be your roadmap to a successful relocation. And if you need any help along the way, don't hesitate to reach out to Big Boy Movers at 877-70-MOVER. We're here to make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Happy moving, and here's to new beginnings in your new home!