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Are you ready for your upcoming move? We’ve put together a list of things you should do before you go.
4 Weeks Before
Sort and purge. Identify stuff you don’t need and either sell it or donate it. Anything you haven’t used in 2 years is fair game. The less stuff you have, the less energy expended – better for you and the environment. Have a yard sale or post items for sale on Craigslist or Ebay.
Hire a moving company. Do your research. An on-site estimate, such as Unpakt, is the best option.
3 Weeks Before
Order supplies. Book the delivery of your plastic reusable bins and other supplies such as wardrobes, dollies, and packing paper.
Make repairs. Take down pictures, art, and mounted items in time to patch up any holes or paint if necessary so you are not charged later.
Will it fit? Measure the size of that favorite sofa or headboard and the dimensions of your new place to be sure it will make it through the doorways and fit properly inside.
Confirm with movers. Get written confirmation from your moving company of your moving date, costs, and other details.
2 Weeks Before
Begin packing. Start packing the things that you use most infrequently, such as special occasion china, or kitchen accessories.
Valuables. It’s probably best to keep track of and personally transport any valuable jewelry or special items. A safe box is a good option to store these valuables during transport.
File for a change of address. Go to your local post office and fill out a change-of-address form, or do it online at usps.gov. But in case there are stragglers, it’s always wise to ask a close neighbor to look out for mail after you’ve moved. Check in with him or her two weeks after the move, and again two weeks after that.
1 Week Before
Organize business affairs. Inform brokers, banks, schools, doctors, veterinarians, newspapers, babysitters, gardeners, housekeepers, credit card, insurance and utility companies of the move dates as well as the new address.
Pack your bags. Pack a suitcase for each member of the family as if you were going away for 2 weeks. You’ll be living out of a suitcase for a while, but packing up everything else is easier and less stressful when you have what you need day to day.
Reconfirm with the moving company. Double-check the details. Be sure they have your contact information/cell phone. Be sure payment has gone through with your credit card or be prepared with a money order or cash. Put a tip amount in cash in an envelope so you are prepared to pay on moving day.
Keep a small bag of tools with you. You’ll need these to reassemble furniture when you arrive at your new place.
Moving Day
Take inventory. Before the movers leave, sign the bill of lading/inventory list and keep a copy.
One Week After Move
Contact Bin It. Confirm pick-up date so Bin It can take your boxes away.