Many of us have horror stories of trying to get friends to help us move from one single-person apartment to another. But when you’re moving a whole family from one location to another, your problems are multiplied, as is your anxiety level.
To prevent that anxiety and disaster from happening on your next move, it’s important to have a plan in place that you can check off as you go. With that in mind, we’ve created a checklist to help you prepare for a move that you will look forward to.
Here is the ultimate family moving checklist to help you with a smooth transition this year:
One Month (or more) Before Moving Day
- Hire a professional moving team and select the day you will move out of the old home and into the new house. (This will usually involve getting quotes from different movers and doing the proper research, so don’t leave this until the last minute!)
- Take care of your children’s needs. This means that you need to arrange for registering them in their new school (and transfer documents from the old one such as transcripts).
- Talk to your children to make sure they understand what is happening. Many kids will be excited by the prospect of someplace new, but others may be afraid, especially if that is the only home they’ve ever known.
- Go through your home methodically and start sorting items into three piles—keep, trash, and donate. The less you must pack up and move, the better!
- Get supplies (boxes and tape) and start packing.
Three Weeks Before Moving Day
- If you’ve decided to go it alone and move by yourself, then you need to book a moving truck.
- Have your kids start to pack their belongings and help them with this process.
- Have a yard/garage sale. Get rid of as much unnecessary stuff (and pick up a few dollars) by selling the things you don’t want.
- Make sure you have prescriptions filled as there may be a bit of time as you move to your new home and get settled.
- Find a doctor in the new area you are moving to. (Your current doctor may have suggestions on who to choose.)
- If you have pets, decide how you plan to move them. (Usually, you will have to do this in your own vehicle since moving companies won’t transport animals.)
- Finally, decide if you want to move your houseplants or if it would just make more sense to start fresh with your new home.
Two Weeks Before Moving Day
- Complete the moving paperwork. This means you need to complete the task of changing all your address change forms with governmental agencies, creditors, and the like. Don’t forget the change of address forms with the postal service. If you have any subscription services that deliver to your home, change these as well.
- Contact the utility company. Now is also the time to set up having your old utilities shut off and your new utilities turned on. Obviously, this won’t go into effect until the day of the move, but you do need to make the arrangements.
- Determine if you need your car shipped. If you are planning a long-distance move and own multiple vehicles, then you may need to hire a service to ship your cars.
One Week Before Moving Day
- Finish with the packing. This is the time to get everything you’ve held off from packing and get it ready for the move.
- Set aside the essentials. You need to set aside a bag for yourself and your kids for essential items. This should include a couple of days of clothing, toiletries/medicines, and electronic chargers. You should also include a toy or two for your child to make sure they are entertained as you move and get unpacked.
Moving Day
- Get a good night’s sleep as you need to be ready early in the morning.
- Get breakfast and coffee for the movers. Even a simple donut is a nice sign of appreciation. Also make sure you have cash on hand for a tip.
- It’s time for one last walk-through of the home. You may also need to do a final cleaning of the old house and a good scrubbing of the new house.
Planning Is the Secret to a Great Move
If you are thinking about a long-distance move with your family, then you really need to plan to prevent it from going poorly. Take the time to follow these steps and you will be amazed at how smoothly it goes.
And, if you are looking for more great checklists that can make your move smoother, here are a few links to our previous checklists and guides you’ll find helpful:
- In-Town Moving Tips: Moving Across Town Checklist
- A Guide to Moving to a New Province: Checklist Provided
- Tips for Helping Your Elderly Parents Move
- Move Like the Pros
Use Experienced, Professional Movers Who Know Your Area
Crescent Moving & Storage has been in business for over 40 years providing reliable, timely, and safe moving services for businesses and homeowners in the Vancouver area. Rain or shine, summer or fall, we’re there for you! Find out why so many trust Crescent Moving to care for their most valuable assets. Contact us for a FREE, no-obligation moving quote.