Guest post by Laura McHolm

Did you know May is National Moving Month? May is the kick-off to the busiest moving season. In fact, nearly 40 million of us move in the summer and begin to plan in May. If you are one of those on the move this season, we want to help you plan. Unlike the popular perception, moving doesn’t need to be a stressful and overwhelming process! The key is to plan ahead and then the to-dos of moving are very manageable.

Okay, so what are the to-dos and when do I do them? Here you go, use this expert two-month moving calendar to keep you organized. Simply follow these steps and check them off one-by-one. The insider secret to a stress-free move: stay in the know and know what is ahead!

EIGHT WEEKS TO GO:

Start the process of selecting a mover.

Check your mover’s record with the BBB, on Yelp and other social review sites. A great reputation is the best way to choose a mover.

If you’re being relocated by your company, verify what the company relocation policy covers and what responsibilities fall on your shoulders.

Start to inventory your belongings: Decide which items to donate, recycle, to take and which items (if any) need to go into short-term or long-term storage.

Your tape measure is your new BFF – measure all the rooms in your new home, include layouts of doors, closets and windows. Measure all the furniture that is going with you and create scaled cutouts to place in a scaled layout for each room. Once you have finalized a room layout that works, photocopy your final layout for each room. Give a copy to the movers on moving day and tape a copy to each room.

FOUR WEEKS TO GO:

Mail change of address cards or change your information online:

• Post office
• Social security
• Insurance companies
• Credit card companies
• Credit bureau and/or other creditors
• Employer (to forward W2s)
• Car registration
• Broker
• Mail order accounts
• Department of motor vehicles
• Magazines
• Friends and relatives

Arrange to clean furniture, drapes, etc. in your new place if necessary.

Gather personal records (medical, dental, etc.)

Arrange to transfer children’s school records

Gather all pet’s vet records and make sure all pets are micro chipped and it corresponds to a cell number that goes with you on your move.

Order new tags and licenses with new address.

Check homeowner’s insurance policies to see if moving is covered. Be sure your new home is protected by transferring fire, theft and other

personal-property insurance.

Start to pack.

THREE WEEKS TO GO:

Make arrangements to discontinue current utilities and schedule the start-up of new utilities:

• Telephone service
• Telephone listings
• Cable TV
• DSL/Cable/Phone line for internet access
• Electricity (check for refund)
• Gas (check for refund)
• Fuel oil
• House cleaners
• Babysitters
• Dog walkers
• Gardeners
• Pool service
• Diaper service
• Water
• Water softener
• Parking

Have appliances serviced for shipment.

TWO WEEKS TO GO:

Arrange to transfer local bank accounts. Speak to your bank and find out about new checks being printed, etc. Don’t forget your safety deposit box contents.

Ask doctors, dentists and veterinarians for medical records.

Cancel newspaper delivery.

Refill all prescriptions. Get prescriptions transferred to new pharmacy closer to new home.

Make arrangements to move children and pets. Do you need a babysitter for a day or two? A pet sitter?

Confirm that mover will move houseplants; if not, make arrangements. Houseplants, usually, cannot be moved by a mover, especially on long distance or out of state moves.

Start to disassemble any shelving, closet systems, etc. that you plan to take.

If you need one, hire a cleaning crew to clean your empty place to get your deposit back. Will your new place need a cleaning crew before move in too?

ONE WEEK TO GO:

Pack in separate boxes the items necessary for first days in new home: Label “LOAD LAST.” And label where to put each of those boxes in your new home: “top of kitchen counter.”

Medicine (always keep prescriptions on you)

Comfortable clothes

Linens and towels

Toothbrushes and toiletries

Paper goods

Disposable plates and silverware

Foil and wax paper

Plastic containers

Microwave

Vacuum cleaner

Garbage bags

Tool kit

Step ladder

Extension cords

Light bulbs

Cleaning items (mop and pail, broom and dust pan, etc.)

Each member of the family should also pack a suitcase with what they need for a few days while you’re getting settled into your new place.

Don’t forget cell phone chargers, medications and favorite teddy bears.

If the movers are packing all or part of your goods, call to schedule and confirm the details. Make sure your mover knows how much packing you expect to do yourself and how much you expect them to do.

Plan to use up most food items before the move. If you have any leftover food on moving day, donate it to Move For Hunger.

TWO DAYS TO GO:

Defrost and dry refrigerators/freezers to be moved.

Gather valuables and important documents from jewelry cases, safe deposit box, etc. to take with you in car. Do not pack these items with your other belongings.

MOVING DAY:

Moving Out

Arrange to be on hand for last minute details and to give directions to movers.

Leave the whole day for your move. Don’t plan to go back to work, arrange a dinner date, etc.

Have payment for movers on hand. Avoid having to run out to bank, ATM, etc.

Have tips ready for everyone who is assisting you: cleaning crew, doormen, nanny, dog sitter, movers, etc.

Before leaving, check each room and closet. Check garage, basement and attic.

When you leave, turn off lights, close windows and lock doors.

Moving In

Supervise placement of boxes and furniture. Refer to your premade layout. Scotch tape a copy of the layout to each room’s door.
Check for damages. Inspect large items; look for boxes that are crushed or open. Inform the moving foreman and review the claims procedure with him.

Go back to the truck. Make sure nothing was left behind. Check all the compartments where fragile items are often kept for their protection.

Settle in to your new place, take photos for friends and family. A new chapter in your life has just begun! Let the new adventure begin!

Laura McHolm is an organizational, moving & storage expert and co-founder of NorthStar Moving Company. NorthStar Moving Company is an award winning, “A+” rated company, which specializes in providing eco-luxury moving and storage services. www.northstarmoving.com