Moving, especially for first-timers, can be very stressful, irrespective of whether you want to move across the street or to another state. But coming up with an effective plan, which includes the best moving checklist, can make the entire process much easier.
If you plan to move in a month or within three months, it is best to ensure your moving checklist includes the following steps:
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Find the Best Moving Company
When choosing the best moving company, review the online profiles of all top-rated movers on your list. Look at their ratings, customer reviews, credentials, and job experience too. And if you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask.
Once you identify the best company, such as Arrow Moving & Storage Co, have them visit your home to do a thorough inspection and give you a free quote. Make sure you also ask your preferred company to explain how they often set their rates for cross-country, out-of-the-state, long-distance, and local moves.
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Consider Decluttering and Donating Some Stuff
Before you throw stuff in boxes, take time to go through your things and that of your kids and spouse to know what to purge and keep. Are these things worth the effort to pack and move to my new home?
If they are not worth keeping, donate them. For clothes, take them to Dress for Success or Goodwill. And if they are appliances and furniture, take them to The Salvation Army, and as for non-perishable foods, like canned vegetables, pasta, and rice, take them to a local food bank near you.
Remember, donations are usually tax deductible. That means if you are planning to itemize all your deductions when filing a tax return, ensure you get a receipt from those associations or organizations.
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Now Start Packing
Actual packing starts several weeks before your day of the move because it is one of the laborious tasks, which can take longer than most people estimate.
If you are looking to begin packing early, you need to start with the things you don’t use every day, like your winter clothes, when moving during summer.
You will require an assortment of boxes and other supplies to pack everything orderly and safely. Some of the packing supplies you need may include stretch wrap, labels & markers, packing tape, wooden crates, and wardrobe boxes, to name a few.
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Change the Address
Once you get a new home, update the address with USPS to ensure you don’t miss important emails. You may do that in person through online or at a local post office.
All you have to do is to start filling out the USPS change-of-address form with new and old address details. And then pay a small fee to finalize the entire process. The USPS team will forward all emails to your new address.
The Takeaway!
A checklist for planning a home move is important in all your moves. Your checklist and plan must include the logistics behind the entire physical movement, including hiring the right movers and packing the essentials you need.
