What differentiates a swift, effective move from a totally unorganized, chaotic mess is planning.

One of the most effective ways to plan for a move is to make a checklist of tasks and things to get done leading up to the move. Keeping your tasks organized will help reduce your stress, and you’ll feel great checking off to-do items one-by-one as your move-in day approaches.

Why Use an Actual Checklist?

By doing this you will feel organized and reduce the inclination to completely panic and lose your mind. Writing down a list can help declutter your mind, allowing you to focus that mental energy more efficiently on other things. Also, it is better to encourage yourself to knock out a few to-do’s here and there, rather than being bombarded with to-do’s the night before your move. Following this checklist can make your move-in day much more smooth:

Checklist/points to follow

• Set all the valuable items aside: items like important documents, mobile electronics, chargers, laptops, keys, wallets, and similar items should not be packed away with everything else. Set them aside while packing and carry them in a backpack or handbag when they need transporting.
• Label and pack your boxes wisely. Stuff that isn’t used too often should be packed away until it’s needed, while everyday items like toiletries, kitchen gadgets, and clothing should be unloaded and unpacked first. Organize the moving truck sensibly and you will save your movers and yourself ample time, money, and headaches.
• Make a things-to-be-discarded box: set one box at the center of your home where you and the kids can throw in anything which you will not need at your new home. After you do this, you can determine whether or not you want to donate or sell the item. By getting these unnecessary items out of the way immediately, you’ll have less to pack and less to plan out. Start downsizing before you move; don’t fill the new house with a bunch of stuff you don’t plan on using.
• Place similar items together. This may seem like a no-brainer but this will help you pack effectively and stay organized.
• Have a final look. After all the boxes have been gone, go to each room, open up each closet and look through all the drawers to ensure that nothing gets left behind.

Checklist for 2 Months Before the Move

• Start researching moving companies and getting quotes for your move
• Let the people closest to you know about your move (neighbors, employers, and kids’ school teachers) so that they’re aware of the potential for stress and what might be causing it.
• Gather moving supplies- boxes, tapes, markers, etc
• Start deciding what possessions you have that you can get rid of before you move

Checklist for 1 Month Before the Move