If you’ve been thinking about contacting an international moving company and booking your move, you first have to plan what you need to do before your relocation day. You will have to schedule your movers, make travel arrangements, and prepare for packing your belongings. With a moving to-do list, the whole process will be much easier and stress-free.
Have you been wondering what you need to do before the move? You might be overwhelmed by the sheer number of required tasks before moving overseas, so it will be wise to draw up a moving list. There are specific tasks you should try to complete six weeks in advance and some tasks you can leave for the relocation day. If you aim to move efficiently and avoid relocation stress, follow our useful tips on how to prepare a checklist.
How Do You Make a Moving To-Do List?
Whether you’re relocating to Argentina or trying to move to Canada, you want to schedule your relocation correctly. A to-do list for moving will give you a clear overview of what you have to accomplish before the move-out date. Your relocation will be less hectic, and you can also predict some unexpected difficulties along the way if you know what you have to do in advance.
So, the question is – how do I make a moving schedule? If you don’t have enough time to sit down and write everything down, you can find printable relocation lists on the Internet. They are usually divided into different sections depending on the approximate time when each task has to be completed.
Also, you could create a ”relocation” folder on Google Drive and type out important information you require when relocating across the world. In this document, you can keep all the photos of receipts, relocation company details, records, and quotes, so you have everything stored in one place.
What to Do 8 Weeks Before Relocation?
Some tasks are more complicated than others, so you have to think about doing them well ahead of time. Eight weeks before the relocation is considered to be the perfect time to begin preparing for the move. If you complete these first crucial tasks properly, your move will be easy and effortless. Let’s see what you should do.
Choose Your Movers
When moving abroad, you want to ensure that you leave your belongings in capable hands, so choosing the best relocation company is of utmost importance. Start by researching available companies online and reading different customer reviews and testimonials.
If you are insecure about basing your decision solely on Internet research, ask your friends and family members for recommendations. Before contacting the company, ensure that it is insured and licensed so you don’t fall prey to rogue movers. If you manage to ask different companies for relocation quotes, it will be easier for you to select the best one.
Get All the Necessary Documents
It is essential to have all the documents needed to travel abroad collected on time. It is easy to forget some paperwork you will require when you have to box up your whole home and prepare for your new life overseas. Don’t forget to pack:
- Passport or a passport card,
- Birth certificate,
- Driving license,
- Marriage certificate or divorce papers,
- Social Security Card,
- Financial records,
- School or university papers,
- If you are relocating with a dog, ensure that you have a pet passport.
If you collect and store all of your documents in one place before the move, you will have time to categorize them. If you don’t want to lose or misplace anything, divide your paperwork into two categories. The first category should be the papers you will need when you move to another country, and the second category should be the papers you require to cross the border, which should be kept in a carry-on bag.
Declutter and Recycle Old Items
Purging your home takes a long time, so you should get rid of some of your belongings early. First, you should check your basement and your attic for some unused and old appliances. Also, if you have old furniture and broken items, make sure to discard them. Decide if there are adequate reasons to move each item into your new home because you want to have fewer boxes when relocating.
When deciding what to keep and what to leave behind, keep in mind that you can donate some of your unwanted belongings to the local charities. Items that cannot be donated, like broken electronics, plastic, and paper, should be recycled.
What to Do 5 Weeks Before Relocation?
As your relocation day comes closer, you will have more tasks on your moving list of things to do. You might feel more pressure about the whole process, but you will manage to accomplish everything with good organization and a thorough plan.
Schedule With Your Relocation Company
When you finally decide to invest in international moving services, ensure that you get all the necessary information from the agents. Inquire about the date of the move and what you can expect on the relocation day. For instance, if you are not confident that you will manage to prepare all of your belongings on time, get more information from the agents about their packing service. Some of your bulky and oversized objects can be taken care of by movers so you can organize your packing process better.
Another wise thing to do will be to decide if you want to ship your car overseas. If you want the movers to provide you with an overseas vehicle shipping service, it would be best to inform the company of that decision when scheduling the move so they collect all the necessary information about your car.
Get Supplies and Materials
Before you start preparing your belongings for the boxing-up process, ensure that you have all the equipment, supplies, and materials. If you invest in high-quality materials, you will prevent things from breaking in transit. You’ll be moving internationally, so ensure that you buy cardboard boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, plastic stretch wrap, and magic markers. You can purchase your supplies online or check the Craigslist website, where you can find some materials free of charge.
Here is a video on where you can find free cardboard boxes so you can save money on your move.
Start Boxing Up Your Items
You will also require a moving packing list when you begin preparing your belongings for relocation. As soon as you gather all the necessary supplies, you can start to box up your entire home gradually. If you begin early, you will be able to organize your belongings carefully.
Begin with those items you rarely use or that are simply ornamentation. You could pack your boxes with clothes you won’t be wearing during the week before the move. Also, it would be wise to start boxing up fragile items and fine china, which should be packed with care and precision. It’s important to work your way through your home and pack the nonessential things first.
What to Do 2 Weeks Before Relocation?
Have you asked yourself – what should I do two weeks before moving? We can help you get the correct answers. The most complicated tasks have to be completed a month before the relocation, so the tasks that are left are less stressful but still essential. These include updating your accounts, changing your address, and making an inventory list.
You’ll Be Relocating to a New Home, So Change Your Address
Bear in mind that changing your address should also feature on your relocating abroad checklist. Companies may not update contact information right away so you have to forward your mail. This will ensure that you don’t forget anyone. It is also very simple to change your address. You only have to visit the United States Postal Service website and fill out a Change of Address form.
Contact the Utility Providers
You should not forget that you have to contact your utility providers and inform them about your move. At that point, you’ll arrange for the disconnection of services like electricity, water, Internet, cable, and gas. If you schedule the termination of the services at least two weeks before the move, you could give yourself an opportunity to make eventual necessary changes or adjustments. Also, check if you have paid all the utility bills, so you don’t leave any unsettled payments before the relocation to your new home.
A Moving Inventory List
As you pack your belongings for the move, write down an inventory list of all the objects you own and their condition. Begin with larger items (like furniture and kitchen appliances) and then switch to smaller objects like pictures, lamps, and books. Don’t forget to write down all you have in your cupboard and drawers so you know everything you have packed for the move. If you are concerned about keeping your belongings damage-free during the trip, take pictures of some essential objects. That way, you can easily spot any scratches or bumps that occurred during the move.
What Should You Do on Relocation Day?
When your movers arrive, you will have to pay attention to how they are handling your relocation boxes. Supervise how your things are packed and loaded into a truck. You should give the crew a tour of your house and explain what you require help with and what should be taken extra care of. Tell them what objects should be loaded last into the truck because you will use those items immediately upon arrival. Also, don’t forget to tip them when they finish the job.
Once they finish taking all of the boxes to the truck, you can do a final walkthrough. Have your inventory list nearby and check if all of the belongings have been packed and stored properly. Also, a final walkthrough will give you an opportunity to see if you have missed anything during the packing process.
What to Do When You Move in A New House?
Whether you are relocating to the friendliest country in the world or leaving for the best city in Europe, it will take time for you to adjust to the new country. A list of things to do when moving into a new house will help you settle in better. The first thing you should do is start unpacking. Don’t rush with the unpacking process because it can get exhausting pretty quickly. You can do it gradually but make sure to finish unpacking a month after the move at the latest. Also, try to meet the neighbors and introduce yourself to new people. This is a great way to get to know the neighborhood as well as to feel the atmosphere of the new place.
Your Move Will Be a Success If You Have a Checklist
So, is there a checklist for moving? Yes, there is. You should always prepare a list of things to do when moving before scheduling your relocation or packing your essentials. Good preparation will give you a chance to have a better idea of how your move should go. If you encounter some difficulties or problems, you can always lean on your relocation company for help. They will know exactly how to solve your dilemmas. We wish you luck.
