The pandemic stay-at-home protocols forced us to reevaluate our homes and where we live. Questions about our home size, needing a home office long term and thoughts of relocation to more affordable cities or closer to family were on the minds of many during the last year. Whether due to a life change or a change brought about by the pandemic, millions of people are moving and creating the \u201cGreat Reshuffling.\u201d<\/p>\n
This record rise in Americans moving, coupled with the typical busy moving season in the summer and a shortage of workers, has created the perfect storm. Moving companies are incredibly busy and are working hard to hire the qualified help they need. Moving is challenging enough without scrambling to find a reputable moving company.<\/p>\n
So what does this mean for those planning to move this summer? Plan ahead! Make your moving reservations as early as possible to beat the surge and put your organizational skills in overdrive.<\/p>\n
If possible, give yourself eight weeks to handle the moving to-dos in an orderly, low-stress manner. Use the steps below in this two-month moving calendar to keep you calm and prepared. Simply follow these steps and check them off one-by-one :<\/p>\n
EIGHT WEEKS TO GO :<\/p>\n
\u2022 Start the process of selecting a mover
\n\u2022 Check a mover\u2019s record with the Better Business Bureau in your state and social review sites. A great reputation is the best way to choose a mover
\n\u2022 Book your mover
\n\u2022 Start to inventory and divide up your belongings: Decide who gets what, which items to donate, recycle, to take and which items (if any) need to go into short-term or long-term\u202fstorage<\/p>\n
FOUR WEEKS TO GO :<\/p>\n
\u2022 Mail change of address cards or change your information online at the following:
\n\u2022 Post office
\n\u2022 Local Department of Motor Vehicles for License & Registration
\n\u2022 Social security
\n\u2022 Insurance companies
\n\u2022 Credit card companies
\n\u2022 Credit bureau and\/or other creditors
\n\u2022 Employer
\n\u2022 Broker
\n\u2022 Mail order accounts
\n\u2022 Magazines
\n\u2022 Friends and relatives
\n\u2022 Gather personal records (medical, dental, etc.)
\n\u2022 Arrange to transfer children\u2019s school records
\n\u2022 Gather all pet\u2019s vet records and make sure all pets are microchipped and chip corresponds to a cell number that goes with you on your move. Order new tags and licenses with new address and your cell phone number
\n\u2022 Check homeowner\u2019s insurance policies to see if moving is covered. Be sure your new home is protected by transferring fire, theft and other personal-property insurance<\/p>\n
START TO PACK<\/p>\n
THREE WEEKS TO GO :<\/p>\n
Make arrangements to discontinue current utilities and schedule the start-up of new utilities :
\n\u2022 Landline telephone service
\n\u2022 Cable TV
\n\u2022 Internet
\n\u2022 Electricity (check for refund)
\n\u2022 Gas (check for refund)
\n\u2022 Fuel oil
\n\u2022 House cleaners
\n\u2022 Babysitters
\n\u2022 Dog walkers
\n\u2022 Gardeners
\n\u2022 Pool Service
\n\u2022 Diaper service
\n\u2022 Water
\n\u2022 Water softener
\n\u2022 Parking
\n\u2022 Others
\n\u2022 Have appliances serviced for shipment<\/p>\n
TWO WEEKS TO GO :<\/p>\n
\u2022 Arrange to transfer local bank accounts
\n\u2022 Ask doctors, dentists and veterinarians for medical records
\n\u2022 Cancel newspaper delivery
\n\u2022 Refill all prescriptions. Get prescriptions transferred to a new pharmacy closer to the new home
\n\u2022 Make arrangements to move children and pets. Do you need a babysitter for a day or two? A pet sitter?
\n\u2022 Confirm that the 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
\n\u2022 Start to disassemble any shelving, closet systems, etc. that you plan to take or arrange with the mover that they will be doing this on the day of the move
\n\u2022 If you need one, hire a cleaning crew to come clean your empty place to get your deposit back. Will your new place need a cleaning crew before you move in too?<\/p>\n
ONE WEEK TO GO :<\/p>\n
\u2022 Pack in separate boxes the items necessary for first days in the new home: Label \u201cLOAD LAST.\u201d And label where to put each of those boxes in your new home:
\n\u2022 Medicine (always keep prescriptions on you)
\n\u2022 Comfortable clothes
\n\u2022 Linens and towels
\n\u2022 Toothbrushes and toiletries
\n\u2022 Paper goods
\n\u2022 Disposable plates and silverware
\n\u2022 Foil and wax paper
\n\u2022 Plastic containers
\n\u2022 Microwave
\n\u2022 Vacuum cleaner
\n\u2022 Garbage bags
\n\u2022 Tool kit
\n\u2022 Extension cords
\n\u2022 Light bulbs
\n\u2022 Cleaning items (mop and pail, broom and dust pan, etc.)
\n\u2022 Each member of the family should also pack a suitcase with what they need for a few days while you\u2019re getting settled into your new place. Don\u2019t forget cell phone chargers, medications and favorite teddy bears
\n\u2022 If the movers are packing all or part of your belongings, 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
\n\u2022 Plan to use up most food items before the move. If you have any leftover food on moving day, donate it to\u202fMove For Hunger
\n\u2022 Register to vote<\/p>\n
TWO DAYS TO GO :<\/p>\n
\u2022 Defrost and dry refrigerators\/freezers to be moved
\n\u2022 Gather valuables and important documents from jewelry cases, safe deposit box, etc. to take with you in the car. Do not pack these items with your other belongings<\/p>\n
MOVING DAY! YOU MADE IT!<\/p>\n
Congratulations, you conquered \u201cThe Great Reshuffling!\u201d Not only did you move during a very unique time, you stayed organized and, hopefully, the entire process was much more stress-free. As the winner of this moving marathon, you now get to slowly unpack and peacefully settle into your new and improved lifestyle.<\/p>\n