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Moving is a time for excitement and change, but keeping track of all the details related to your move can be overwhelming. When should you change your address? What should you pack last? What should you do with important documents? Luckily, Farm Bureau Financial Services can help! Discover how you should be organizing your move using this moving checklist and discover what you may be missing.

Two months before you move

A few months is a long time to prepare for your move, and in most cases you might not have a full two months before you take possession of your new property. But don’t let that stop you from thinking ahead to some of the most critical components of moving: the proper preparation!

Start by creating a folder for all the important documents related to the move. This will help you keep moving truck reservations, moving crew notices, and packing supply lists in check. Simple steps help ensure you’ll be ready to go when it’s time to move. Great places to start include sorting through closets, drawers and cabinets for anything you can give away or discard.

Scheduling time for important but seldom-considered tasks like cleaning out freezers, collecting boxes for packing, or setting time aside for a garage sale will have you well ahead of the game!

One month before you move

One month until move-in day leaves you with time to handle the tasks ahead. Start off your one-month countdown by booking the movers or rental trucks. It may seem like a long way off, but moving companies will love you for it. 

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Now is also a good time to call utility companies in preparation for your move. Shutting off utilities in your old home, turning them on in your new home, and forwarding any wanted services to your new residence are all vital to feeling at home from day one. Smaller jobs like filing your change of address with everyone from the USPS to your bank to Uncle Sam will ease any headaches you might feel after the move.

The most important step of your one-month deadline: start packing! Pack away seasonal items, rarely- used clothing, family heirlooms, and other keepsakes. It will save time and worry in the future.

Two weeks before you move

Other people would be scrambling right now, but not you! Your preparation has put you in control and you are ready for the next steps. Call to confirm your rental truck or moving company appointments to be sure you’re ready to go on moving day. Also, safely dispose of hazardous materials that won’t be making the trip, like gasoline from yard tools or high-power cleaners. 

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One week before you move

Even though it will feel like time is of the essence, your preparation and early packing will put your mind at ease. Call to transfer any last-minute services like lawn care or prescriptions. It’s all about taking steps now, so there’s no panic later!

One essential item to create is a “first-night” survival kit. Tools, sheets, toiletries, chargers for phones or laptops, a few sets of clothes, a first aid kit, and some cleaning supplies are all items you’ll be glad to have the day after you move.

One day before you move

The night before the move you will be calm and confident if you’ve followed our tips for preparation so far. It’s time to finish packing and wrapping up any loose ends in your house. However, you may want to save your “first-night” kit and any truly valuable items to take with you in your vehicle.

Moving day

Today is the day! You’ve packed, you’ve prepared, and now it’s time to move. Load up the moving truck, help direct movers, or even stay out of the way; whatever you can do to make things go smoothly should be your goal. Be sure to walk through your home after everything has been moved out to close windows and doors, pick up any missed items, and shut off lights.

Arriving at your new home is exciting. Make sure you do a pre-move-in walkthrough to locate important items like the circuit breaker, water or gas shutoffs, water heater, and air conditioning units or controls. Now is also a good time to ensure the internet and cable services, if forwarded, are in working order. Finishing your walkthrough means you can finally move in!

It will feel great to check off that last box on your moving checklist on the big day. Everything will be in its place, and everyone will start to feel at home, but are you still missing something? If your new home isn’t protected, it should be. Learn more about home and property insurance options from a local Farm Bureau agent and turn your house into a home