Moving Checklist: Organize to be Easy

Moving is an important life event. While it can be exciting, it often becomes overwhelming and stressful because of the many tasks involved. To make moving simple, you need to make it organized. Our checklist is designed to simplify the process, covering everything from starting the move to settling into your new home. Get our moving checklist in Google Sheets (with optional moving budget template) and read the article to organize your move and get helpful moving tips to make your move smoother.

How to make a move with AOA moving checklist in Google Sheets?

1. Access the Checklist: Click the link to open it in Google Docs.
2. Make Your Copy: Go to ‘File’ > ‘Make a copy’ to save it to your Drive.
3. Customize: Edit your copy to fit your moving needs.

Simple steps for a smoother move!

Get The Moving Checklist

Initiation of Moving Process

Checklist:

• [ ] Research Moving Companies

Read more about AOA Moving Services! We provide a customizable variety of moving services for any budget!

• [ ] Create a Moving Budget
• [ ] Schedule a Moving Date
• [ ] Legal and Administrative Preparation
  • [ ] Home Sale/Purchase Contracts/Property Transfer Paperwork
  • [ ] Rental Agreement Review
  • [ ] Update Home Insurance
  • [ ] School Records Transfer

Additional items:

• [ ] Document Organization: Ensure all moving-related documents are organized.
• [ ] Photograph Valuables: Document the condition of valuable items for insurance.
• [ ] Plan for Pets and Plants: Arrange their safe transport.
• [ ] Start a Moving Folder: Consolidate quotes, receipts, and important contacts.

Moving Tips for this stage:

• Creating a Moving Folder: Utilize a binder or digital folder to organize all documents related to your move. This should include:
  • Quotes and Estimates: All quotes from moving companies and related correspondence.
  • Inventory Lists: Detailed lists and photos of items, categorized by room.
  • Receipts and Bills: Records of payments and purchases for the move.
  • Legal Documents: Contracts and agreements related to the move.
  • Contact List: Information for movers, utility companies, and other relevant contacts.
• Moving Budget Template:

• Document Management App: ‘Notion‘ is an excellent tool for digitally organizing moving documents, allowing you to scan, upload, and categorize receipts, quotes, and important papers. You can also use Evernote or OneNote.
• Valuables Inventory Example:

• Pet Relocation Service: For long-distance moves, consider using a specialized pet relocation service.

One Month Before Moving

Checklist:

• [ ] Inventory and Declutter
• [ ] Start Packing Non-Essentials

Read our packing guide to be ready for self-packing. Or read more about our packing services!

• [ ] Notify Important Parties
• [ ] Handle Legal Matters
  • [ ] Lease Termination/Notification
  • [ ] Transfer of Renters/Home Insurance
  • [ ] Utility Transfer Agreements

Additional Items:

• [ ] Order Adequate Packing Supplies: Estimate the number of boxes, tapes, and protective materials needed.
• [ ] Arrange Temporary Accommodation if Needed: If there’s a gap between moving out and moving in, secure a place to stay.
• [ ] Service Vehicles for Relocation: If driving to the new location, ensure vehicles are serviced.

Moving Tips for this stage:

• Packing Supplies Calculator: Use online tools like U-Haul’s ‘Moving Supply Calculator‘ to estimate the number of packing supplies needed based on your inventory.
• Temporary Accommodation Options: Platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com offer various short-term rental options that can be filtered based on your needs.

Two Weeks Before Moving

Checklist:

• [ ] Confirm Arrangements with Movers
• [ ] Pack Most Items
• [ ] Change of Address Notifications
• [ ] Prepare an Essentials Box

Additional Items:

• [ ] Secure Valuables and Important Documents: Identify a safe place to keep these during the move.
• [ ] Begin Deep Cleaning: Start cleaning rooms as they are emptied.
• [ ] Dispose of Hazardous Materials: Properly dispose of items that movers can’t transport, like chemicals.

Moving Tips for this stage:

• Change of Address Checklist:

• Essentials Box Content Ideas:

• Hazardous Materials Disposal: Check your local waste management facility’s guidelines for disposing of paints, batteries, cleaning chemicals, etc.

One Week Before Moving

Checklist:

• [ ] Finish Packing
• [ ] Prepare an Essentials Box
• [ ] Confirm Utilities Setup
• [ ] Plan for Moving Day

Additional Items:

• [ ] Confirm Travel Arrangements: If moving long-distance, double-check your travel bookings.
• [ ] Prepare Appliances for Moving: Ensure appliances are ready to be moved safely.
• [ ] Finalize Arrangements with Movers: Confirm time, addresses, and special instructions.

Moving Tips for this stage:

• Travel Arrangements Checklist:

• Appliance Preparation Guide:

• Movers Confirmation: A day before the move, reconfirm the arrival time, address, and any special handling instructions with your moving company.

Moving Day

Checklist:

• [ ] Supervise Movers
• [ ] Final Home Walkthrough
• [ ] Hand Over Keys
• [ ] Travel to New Home

Additional Items:

• Keep Essential Documents Handy: Ensure passports, contracts, and other vital documents are accessible.
• Prepare a Moving Day Kit: Include snacks, water, and basic tools.
• Take Meter Readings: Record the final readings of gas, electricity, and water meters.

Moving Tips for this stage:

• Essential Documents List:

• Moving Day Kit Contents:

• Meter Readings Guide: Take a photo of each meter reading and email it to yourself for a record. Notify your utility providers of the final readings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, moving can be a complex process, but with careful planning and organization, it can be transformed into a seamless and stress-free experience. This comprehensive checklist is designed to guide you through every step of your moving journey. Remember, at AOA Moving Services, we’re committed to ensuring your move is as smooth and efficient as possible. From the initial stages of preparation to the final moments of settling into your new home, our team is here to support you. Contact us for a moving experience that’s as comfortable and worry-free as it gets!