Moving Cross Country Checklist

All moves are inconvenient but you can reduce the stress and the overwhelm that comes with this event. Careful planning and our simple moving checklist will help with the process. We put together this ten-week moving checklist, complete with advice, and schedules to keep you on schedule.

It is all about the goal, not the route, when it comes to moving. Moving across the city might be difficult enough, but loading up your home and moving across the country necessitates precise planning.

If you think it’s a little early to start 10 weeks out, reconsider. You also need to tell your landlord or rental manager about your departure, but you may need to sell your house. This requires some lead time.

As you can see the process starts weeks before the truck pulls up to load. Before you can start loading the truck, there are a number of things you need to do. We have divided the tasks up for you.

Want a PDF checklist that you can personalize and actually check items off as the tasks are completed?

*Click here to download the complete checklist*

10 Weeks prior to moving:

It is not easy to relocate across the country. Decide on an estimated budget before deciding how you will move your belongings to the new destination: moving company, rental truck, pick-up-and-go containers, or another option.
Estimate long-distance moving expenses for these various options.
Decide on the type of moving method you will use: DIY, commercial mover, containers, or a hybrid (DIY with hired help)
If you need to sell your house locate a real estate broker to help you to build a listing timetable.
Set up a 3-ring binder for all of your documents and checklists. Put in some sheet protectors, sections dividers, and some dividers with pockets.

8 Weeks prior to moving:

If you are renting and you may not need to provide a full eight weeks notice, do so if possible. Giving as much advance as necessary only helps keep you in the “nice book” of your landlord, and that is never a bad idea.
Make a copy of your notice document and place it in a newly formed folder, notepad, or file that will now be assigned to your move.
This is a fantastic chance to figure out how much money you have to spend on your shift. Include a range, ranging from your desired amount to the maximum you can spend.

6 Weeks prior to moving:

Book your services. If you are planning a local or long-distance relocation, now would be the time to book your moving box delivery, rental company, or packers. If you are unsure about the dates, please remember that it is far easier to adjust them with a moving box service or a rental company than with movers.
Begin packing goods that you will not require within the next six weeks. Out-of-season apparel, festive decorations, books and movies collections, or fancy dishware used about once a year could all fall into this category.
Verify with your insurance provider to determine if your policy will transfer and if you will require additional safety in your new house.
Get our extensive business checklist to help jog your memory and make sure you connect with everyone you do business with be fore you leave town. You will need to cancel a service, move their service, or provide them with your new address.

4 Weeks prior to moving:

Submit utility cancellation notices for your current residence for the day after you are scheduled to move and new service requests for your new home for the day of or the last business day before you are due to move in. Verify that it will be operational by the time you move in.
Check with your doctors, children’s schools, auto repair businesses, and other places where you have meetings. Make absolutely sure you have either paper copies of vital records or internet access to this information.
Organize a garage sale or donate unneeded stuff to a local donation center. This step will assist you in avoiding packing things that you no longer use.
If you have older children who can assist with the packing then absolutely get them involved. Show them what needs to be done to be sure they know how to do it.

3 Weeks prior to moving:

If it did not sell then donate it to Goodwill or some other charity. Check that the things are in good functioning order and decent condition. See our list for help with who takes what and contact information.
If your budget allows it plan to hire a cleaning company. Book your appointment to ensure that you leave your soon-to-be-vacant living space clean according to your lease contract or for the new home owner. This will save you hours after you have loaded the truck and are ready to get going.
Make a strategy for your plants. Most movers will not accept them, so plan to transfer them yourself or give them to a friend or care facility.
Any gym memberships, library cards, award programs, or clubs need to be transferred or cancelled.
If you’re moving antique furniture across the country use furniture pads to protect them.

2 Weeks prior to moving:

You do not want any shocks now, so verify all of your movers and double-check that the permits or licenses have been filed.
Begin depleting your food reserves. Do not buy anything new unless it is absolutely essential and will be eaten.
If your moving date has changed do not forget to notify the utility companies of a shut-off date at your old address and a start date at your new address. The same is true for broadband and internet service providers.
Dismantle any furniture you can to conserve room, bag and attach the nuts and bolts.
Take photos of any cords and wiring assemblies and large pieces beforehand so you recall how to put it all back again.

*Click here to download the checklist*

Last week before moving:

It is approaching rush time and hopefully you have completed most of the basic but required, key tasks so that you can spend this week finishing packing, painting, fixing, and mopping your flat. One last deep clean of your home or flat, along with all walls and the insides of home appliances. Alternatively, hire a good cleaner for the job.

2 Days before moving:

Clean out the refrigerator and cabinets.
Donate any unused supplies to a local food bank.
Decide what items will go into the first morning box.
Make up a first night box with the toiletry essentials for the family.

1 Day before moving:

Check in for airplanes download boarding passes, or fill up your vehicle’s fuel tank.
Dismantle the beds any other furniture still in use.

It is moving day!

This is the obvious move we have all been waiting for, and it is what you have been planning for the last two months. If you are conducting a self-move with hired helpers or have hired a moving company, make sure you are fully ready when they arrive.

Follow the moving day inventory checklist to guarantee that all goods are placed on the truck.

If you rented a truck, ensure you estimate the fuel usage (use cash or credit card) and travel time to your new residence. If you hire hourly helpers to unload the truck, make sure everyone is clear about the arrival time.

CONCLUSION

Planning for the relocation can help you manage any barriers that arise along the way, and it can help you start to enjoy your new place as quickly as possible. Keep in mind, each move is unique and we would like to assist in making it a little easier.

*Click here to download the checklist*