Wondering how to plan your move? It’s true that there are so many things to do. But whether it’s local, long distance or international, when moving’s methodical, it’s stress free.
Here’s a breakdown of what you need to do when.
2 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR MOVE
PLAN WHERE YOU CAN PUT EVERYTHING IN YOUR NEW HOME
This is really how to plan your house move like a pro.
Do you have a floor plan of your new home? Then you can decide where to put everything in advance. You’ll be able to see what will look good where. And importantly, what will fit where.
Downsizing? If your belongings aren’t a good fit for your new place then read on.
ORGANIZE WHAT TO TOSS, DONATE AND KEEP
This is especially true if you’re moving long distance or moving internationally. But even if you’re just moving locally, now is a good time to minimize your stuff.
When you think about how to organize your move, you normally think of tossing clothes and unwanted gifts. But how about large items like refrigerators and couches, too? Will you want them at the new place?
GET MOVING INSURANCE
A key part of planning your move is moving insurance. Because if anything were to go wrong, you’d be covered. There won’t be any unexpected expenses when you have insurance, so you can plan your moving budget with confidence.
BOOK YOUR STORAGE
Moving far away, or to somewhere smaller? Sometimes you need to store your stuff for the future. And so booking storage is a key part of how to organize your move.
Make sure you choose a secure, climate controlled facility so you get your belongings back exactly as you left them.
KIDS? TELL THEIR SCHOOLS YOU’RE MOVING
Check how far in advance you’ll need to enrol the kids in their new school. It really helps the teachers and administrative staff when you give them ample warning.
And you can start to get any documents you’ll need for their new schools now.
CHECK YOUR INSURANCE COVERS YOU IN YOUR NEW PLACE
Medical insurance? Dental insurance? Car insurance? And don’t forget home insurance. Planning your move wisely means covering all your bases.
MOVING INTERNATIONALLY? APPLY FOR VISAS
When you’re making a big move to a different country you’ll need to organize visas and permits. That way you can hit the ground running.
Get your passports and international driving licenses sorted in plenty of time. Great international movers help you with how to plan your move, so just ask us for more information.
CHOOSE AN EXCELLENT MOVING COMPANY
This is the most important thing because moving day needs to be done right.
You need a team like Air1 Moving & Storage who are fully licensed, with a great reputation. And we’ll work with you on how to plan your move.
A MONTH BEFORE YOUR MOVE
TRANSFER SERVICES YOU CAN KEEP
Often you can switch the address on services like the internet really easily, especially if you’re moving locally.
AND CANCEL ANYTHING YOU NEED TO
Like gym membership, subscriptions or utilities that you can’t just move with you.
ORGANIZE MAIL FORWARDING
This is way simpler than you may think. Just go to the USPS site and do it online in a couple of minutes.
2 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR MOVE
TRY TO EAT ALL THE FOOD IN YOUR HOME
Mmm, there are worse jobs than this.
And it’s a vital part of planning your move. You don’t want to have to pack more in the way of food than you have to.
TALK TO YOUR FAMILY ABOUT MOVING
Kids and adults alike might feel anxious about the move. So talk about any worries and try to take it easy in the weeks leading up to moving day.
PLAN WHERE THE MOVING TRUCK CAN PARK
Now’s the time for planning your move with your neighbors on board. Because the moving truck will need to park. First outside your current place and then outside the new one.
So be sure to ask your neighbors to keep the space clear when you need it.
THE WEEK BEFORE YOUR MOVE
ORGANIZE PACKERS OR START TO PACK IT YOURSELF
You definitely have enough to do already.
So we highly recommend just getting a packing and unpacking service. That way, you can spend the time you save getting back to work, meeting your new neighbors or exploring the local area.
PREP YOUR PETS
Planning your move with pets may require a little animal psychology.
Dogs in particular can get nervous when they see boxes everywhere. Get them used to it by leaving a couple of boxes out in advance, and leaving their pet carrier out too.
THE DAY BEFORE YOUR MOVE
PACK WHAT YOU NEED WITH YOU ON MOVING DAY
Basically an overnight bag, but with a couple of additions.
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All the usual medication for you, your family and your pets
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Fresh bed linen
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Nightwear
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Clothes for a couple of days
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Quick and easy food for the first meals
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Pet food
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Coffee maker and cups
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Valuables
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Toilet paper
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Hand soap
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Hand towels and bath towels
Plus cleaning supplies in case you need to wipe up before unpacking.
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All purpose antibacterial cleaner that can also clean glass
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Paper towels or rags
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Trash bags
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Mini-toolkit
It’s all so exciting, but now you need to get an early night before moving day.
HOW TO PLAN YOUR MOVE LIKE A PRO: CALL AIR1 MOVING & STORAGE
We’ve been in the Los Angeles moving business for over 20 years, so we move like a well oiled machine. And we’ll advise you on how to plan your house or apartment move so it all goes perfectly. All you have to do is relax and look forward to getting into your new home.
There’s no time like the present to start planning your move, so call us at (866) 552-2916. Prefer to write? Then use our quick contact form, or email us at [email protected].
