Is there a checklist for moving? Definitely, YES! Have you decided to move? Congratulations! It is a big step towards your new life. But we must admit, it is stressful. You want to make everything goes smoothly. It is very important to plan every part of your move and choose a moving company. So, it would help if you prepared a checklist for moving. It will help you organize the move process and not leave anything undone. We recommend preparing for your move at least 3-4 weeks in advance.
Here is the list of the things you should do at least three weeks before the move:
Set a date for the move
The first thing to do is to set a date for the move. Avoid the beginning and the end of the month unless necessary (these days are usually busier and more expensive than other days in the month). Keep in mind that some buildings do not allow moves on weekends, so check with the building management before deciding on what day you would like to move.
Set up details about your old and new home
It is very important to have the correct addresses of your old and new home. So, if you do not know them, make sure that you write them down. If you are moving from a building to a building, see the number of apartments. If it is an elevator building, check if the building has some restrictions. Some building allows the usage of an elevator from 9-5 pm, and in others, you may need to schedule the elevator for your move. If your building does not have an elevator, you need information on how many flights of stairs lead to your apartment. One of the important things to know is if your buildings require a Certificate of Insurance (COI) for the move. If they do, you will need to provide additional information to the moving company, and your building management will give them to you.
Make inventory list
The next thing you have to do is to make a list of items that you have to move. We recommend starting with the furniture. Visit every room in your home and decide what you are taking from it. Put the more oversized items on the list first (beds, dressers, desks, chairs, sofas, pianos, pool tables, side tables, cabinets, shelves). After you finish with the more oversized items, list smaller ones (lamps, mirrors, rugs, plants, etc.) Keep in mind that you will have to empty all your furniture (clothes, kitchen items, books, shoes, etc.). Those items will have to go in boxes, so approximately count how many boxes you will have (we recommend putting 10-15 boxes per person).
Think about the handling of furniture
Some items like sofas, pianos, pool tables, and gym equipment need special handling to be moved. If you have these items on the list, think if they can go through the door or if they can fit in the elevator. Most of these items need to be disassembled for the move and then reassembled in your new home. Make sure to note that. Items that may also require special handling are chandeliers, tv stands, entertainment centers, tables with glass or marble tops, etc.
Collect or buy moving supplies and boxes
Since many items need packing, we recommend you provide packing material. Collect or buy boxes and moving supplies such as tapes, bubble wraps, mattress covers, plastic bins, wardrobe boxes, etc. If you decide to hire professionals to pack you, you may ask them to provide packing material. In that case, they will charge you for material and packing service. Some stuff like wardrobe boxes or plastic bins moving company offer for rent, charging just the packing service.
Choose the moving company.
Get in touch with a few moving companies. You can ask your family, friends or colleagues to recommend if they have moved recently. If you are looking for a moving company through the internet, always read reviews. Good reviews lower the possibility of ending up with a bad moving company. Also, not every moving company offers the same service. You can book a move with a particular moving company, but their crew may not be able to move your sofa or piano out of your apartment because they need special handling. To avoid that, if you think you may need some unique service, ask the moving consultant if their moving crew can provide it. So, you should never choose the cheapest moving company, but the one that can handle your move from the beginning to the end, providing you with all the services you may need during the move.
One week before the move you should do the following things:
Start packing your belongings.
Packing is one of the most important things in the process of moving. Organizing items based on common factors, room use, or other factors will help track your items during the move and unpack in your new home. The easiest way is to pack room by room, trying not to leave anything behind. Protect fragile items with paper or bubble wrap, so they do not get damaged or broken during the move. Try not to put too many things in the box so they won’t be too heavy. Always label the boxes by room or items. Jewelry, money, or other valuable items to bring in the car.
Clean your apartment
It would be best to clean the apartment before moving out of it. You show a way of courtesy to your landlord or new tenant. Throw any accumulated junk. Get your rugs and curtains cleaned, and do not use them until you arrive at your new home. Check the furniture for any scratches or damages. This will help you know if your furniture has been damaged or has already been damaged during the move. Clean the refrigerator or defrost it, especially if you take it with you. Make sure that you empty it.
Prepare the box with the important stuff.
Prepare one box with items that you may need during the move. Do not forget to put chargers, toilet paper, wet napkins, some snacks, water, scissors, or pet food (if you have a pet).
Determine which items or boxes go first and last
Go through your inventory list and decide which items or boxes will be loaded first and which can stay to be loaded last. You can set priorities according to their value or necessity.
Final preparations on the day of the move
Wake up earlier on the day of the move. Pack up your last items. Set aside items that you will not put in the moving truck. Double-check the appliances to ensure they are empty. Also, check your dressers, closets, drawers, or cabinets. Make sure that you do not leave anything behind. If possible, disassemble some of your furniture so the movers can load them faster. In the end, try to be in the new location before the movers so you can help them put the items in the right places.
If you need any help or advice, don’t hesitate to contact us at 718 835 1555 or visit our website https://skylinemovingnyc.com/.
