Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Staying Organized Every Step Of The Way

Take Inventory 

Go around your home, room by room, and try to take inventory of everything you have, from furniture to appliances, electronics, personal belongings, clothes, etc. Try to write everything down in an organized list so you’re able to communicate how much you have to your move consultant. This will help determine how many moving boxes you’ll need, among other things. 

Select A Moving Company and Book Your Move

Arguably the most important part of this timeframe is getting your move scheduled early to ensure the moving company you choose has availability on their schedule. Giving yourself two to three months in advance will give you a better chance of finding your preferred moving date. 

Begin Taking Care of Important Records

At this stage in your long distance move, you’ll want to start taking care of things like alerting your employer of your move, changing your financial records to reflect where you’re moving, getting insurance situated, and handling all utility bills at your old home. 

Arrange Any Storage You Might Need

Long-distance moving is an extensive process, and it may require you to put some of your belongings in storage. If this is something you’ll need, now is a good time to get it taken care of so you can find available space and get your belongings transferred before you move.

Get Rid of Items You Don’t Need

There’s never a bad time for a good home cleanout, especially if you’re leaving it behind and moving far away to a new area. Go through your home, take inventory of what you have, and determine what can stay and what can go. If you haven’t used it recently, it can probably be thrown away! 

Begin Packing

One month prior to moving day is a good time to start the process of packing, allowing you to chip away at the process and avoid a situation where you need to do it all once. During this timeframe, pack away things you know you won’t need in the month leading up to moving day.

Read Up on Firearm Laws

Since you’ll probably be driving to your new home, you’ll want to check up on firearms and ammunition laws for states you plan to drive through if this applies to you. 

Finish Packing

Now that you’re a week out from moving day, it’s time to lock in and get the rest of your packing finished. We recommend purchasing professional moving boxes and packing supplies to tackle this job, as it’s the best way to keep your personal belongings safe during transport. 

Take Care of Any Landlord Situations and Mailing Addresses 

Now is the time to get your mailing addresses switched to reflect your upcoming move. If you’re renting, be sure to square away everything with your landlord, including transferring your keys and securing your security deposit. 

Follow Up on Your Moving Estimate 

Assess how much you have packed up and ready to move and make sure it’s in line with what you estimated with your moving company. If it’s more or less than originally anticipated, contact your move consultant to update them. 

Last-Minute Packing

You’re one day away from hitting the road, so now is the time to pack up any loose items around your home and get this process finished. Pack an essentials bag you’ll be able to access with clothes, toiletries, and chargers that you might need. 

Pack Your Vehicle

For whatever isn’t being loaded into a moving truck, now is the time to pack it into your vehicle before hitting the road. 

Be Ready For Your Movers

Be prepared for your scheduled arrival time of movers so you’re able to direct them around your home and answer any questions as they begin loading the moving truck.

Pack Perishable Items Into Cooler

If you have any food or snacks you were holding onto in your fridge, be sure to pack them into coolers if you plan on keeping them or throw them away. 

If you need help with your next long distance move, click here to find out how TWO MEN AND A TRUCK can help you!