Stay On Schedule and Efficient When You Create a Moving Schedule

The key to a move is limiting the disorganization. This bears especially true when moving out of state.

To help with the move and maintaining a sense of organization, focus on designing moving plans before, during, and after.

Create a Relocation Schedule Before Moving

• Contact the Chamber of Commerce of the new town you’ll be moving to for a new residence packet.
• Get estimates from several moving companies. Or, if moving yourself, check on truck rental prices.
• Obtain medical, dental, legal, accounting, and veterinarian records. Store everything together, preferably in an accordion folder, and carry the folder yourself on moving day.
• If you have kids and the move involves changing schools, make arrangements to have their school records transferred.
• Complete a change of address form with the post office. In most cases, this can now be completed online. You’ll also want to change your address with the DMV.
• Contact utility companies, both for your old place and new residence.
• Cancel all delivery services.
• Send out change of address notices to friends and family. Also notify all magazine subscriptions.
• Gather any prescription medications needed prior and during the move.
• Pack all important documents – birth certificates, passports, banking information, insurance papers, Social Security cards – in the same folder. Carry this with you on moving day, treating it like car keys in knowing where it is at all times.
• Pack a box with essentials for when you arrive in your new home. This, at the minimum, should include: toilet paper, flashlight, towels, shower curtain, change of clothes, and a first aid kit.
• Limit buying perishable food in the immediate days prior to your move.

Ideas for Your Relocating Plan During the Move

• As mentioned above, carry all important papers and documents with you during the move. This includes medical and dental records, birth certificates, and insurance information. Do not leave with the movers.
• Give the movers, if applicable, your cell phone number in case they need to contact you during the move. And make sure they have your new address.
• Be around the house when the movers are there so as to answer any questions.
• After your place is emptied, clean or hire a cleaning service.
• Try to be in your new place at least one day before the moving company arrives, so as to have utilities working.

After You Relocate: It’s Not Over Yet!

• Have packed boxes placed in corresponding rooms.
• Assess shelving and closet organizers needs. If needed, install before unpacking.
• Contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. Many DMVs require new residents to register and obtain new license plates within a certain number of days after relocating.
• Contact new doctors and veterinarians, as well as the local pharmacy if prescription medication will be needed.

Do you have any extra tips for making a helpful moving schedule? Share in the comments below for others planning to relocate soon.