Moving to a new home can be an exciting adventure, but it can also be a daunting task. With so many things to consider and organize, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive moving checklist to help you stay organized and ensure a smooth and stress-free relocation. Whether you’re moving across the street or across the country, following these steps will help you stay on track and make your move a breeze.
1. Start Planning Early
Moving requires careful planning and preparation, so it’s essential to start early. Ideally, you should begin the moving process at least eight weeks before your moving day. This will give you enough time to complete all the necessary tasks without feeling rushed.
- Confirm Your Move: Make sure to schedule your BlueBox storage container to arrive well in advance, allowing ample time for packing and loading your belongings.
- Inventory and Declutter: Take inventory of your belongings and start decluttering your home. Begin with storage areas like the attic, basement, and garage. This will help you determine what items you want to take with you and what can be sold, donated, or discarded.
- Create a Floor Plan: Create a floor plan of your new home to plan for furniture and appliance placement. This will save you time and effort when unpacking at your new location.
2. Secure Your BlueBox Storage Container
BlueBox offers personalized support and flexibility designed around you. When it comes to your move, having a portable storage container can make the process much more convenient. Here are a few things to consider when securing your BlueBox container:
- Check Space Requirements: Ensure that you have enough space to accommodate the BlueBox container. It requires a width of 12′, a height of 15′, and a length of 40′. Paved surfaces are preferred for placement.
- Check Local Restrictions: Check with your homeowners’ association, apartment complex, or condo complex to see if there are any restrictions regarding the placement of portable containers. If you plan to place the container on the street, you may need to obtain a permit from local authorities.
- Complete Necessary Permits: If your container will be traveling to or through California, make sure to submit the state-required invasive species forms at least five days before transit through your MyPODS.com account.
3. Prepare for Packing and Loading
Now that you’ve made the necessary arrangements, it’s time to start packing and loading your belongings. Follow these tips to stay organized and ensure the safety of your items:
- Label Moving Boxes: As you pack, make sure to label each moving box with its contents and which room it belongs to. This will make unpacking much more manageable and help you locate specific items quickly.
- Consider Professional Help: If you need assistance with packing and loading, start collecting quotes from packing and loading companies. BlueBox can refer you to trusted local labor providers to ensure a seamless move.
- Order Moving Supplies: Order moving supplies from BlueBoxBoxes.com. In addition to moving boxes, you may also need moving blankets, which can be rented or purchased from most BlueBox locations. Your BlueBox moving specialist can assist you with ordering these supplies while scheduling your container for delivery.
4. Take Care of Administrative Tasks
In the midst of the physical aspects of your move, don’t forget about the administrative tasks that need to be addressed:
- Change Your Address: File a change of address with the U.S. Postal Service. This will ensure that your mail is forwarded to your new home. You can pick up the USPS Mover’s Guide at your local post office for additional information.
- Update Vehicle Registration: If you’re moving to a new state, research the process for updating your vehicle registration. This will help you avoid any issues with local authorities.
- Review Insurance Coverage: Contact your insurance provider to ensure that your home and vehicle are adequately covered at your new location. This will protect you in case of any unexpected events during the transition. Additionally, check with your insurance provider if they cover belongings during a move, or if you need to purchase additional moving insurance. This could provide protection against damage or loss of items during transit.
5. Ensure Your New Home Is Move-In Ready
Before you start your journey to your new home, it’s essential to ensure your new property is ready for your arrival.
- Transfer Utilities: Contact utility companies (electric, gas, water, etc.) to arrange for service at your new home and disconnection at your old one. The process might require several weeks’ notice, so ensure you do this well in advance of your move.
- Schedule Professional Cleaners: Consider scheduling a professional cleaning service for both your old and new home. It’s easier to clean your old home once all your items are out, and your new home will feel more welcoming if it’s clean when you arrive.
- Inspect Your New Home: If possible, visit your new home before moving day. Check for any necessary repairs, and make sure electricity and water are working properly. This will save you from unpleasant surprises on moving day.
6. Make Final Preparations
A few days before your move, it’s time to tie up any loose ends.
- Prepare an Essentials Box: Pack a box with everything you might need for the first night in your new home. This could include toiletries, a change of clothes, medication, basic kitchen utensils, etc.
- Plan for Pets and Kids: Make sure to arrange care for your children and pets during the move. If possible, it can be helpful to have them stay with friends or family to minimize stress for all parties involved.
- Confirm Details with Movers: If you’ve hired a moving company or enlisted friends to help, confirm the date, time, and location details.
7. Moving Day
The big day has arrived!
- Supervise the Loading Process: If you’ve hired professionals, supervise the loading process to ensure your belongings are handled with care.
- Check Every Room: Before leaving your old home, check every room, closets, and the garage to ensure nothing is left behind.
- Document the Condition of Items: Take photos or videos of your belongings to document their condition before the move. This could be helpful if you need to file a claim for damaged items.
8. Settling In
Once you’re in your new home, it’s time to get settled.
- Unpack Strategically: Start by unpacking essential items first, like bedding, kitchen items, and toiletries.
- Meet Your New Neighbors: Introduce yourself to your new neighbors. They can provide valuable information about your new community and might even become new friends!
- Enjoy Your New Home: Take some time to relax and enjoy your new space. Remember, unpacking doesn’t have to be done in a day.
Wrapping Up Your Local Move with BlueBox Storage
In conclusion, moving can certainly be a formidable endeavor, but with careful planning and judicious organization, you can transform it into a seamless, stress-free experience. Adherence to our comprehensive moving checklist can facilitate a smoother transition, and before you know it, you’ll be feeling more at home in your new place.
However, having the right partners can also make a world of difference in your moving journey. If you’re in Oregon or the Treasure Valley of Idaho, consider BlueBox Storage as your moving ally. Specializing in mobile storage & local moves, BlueBox Storage not only simplifies the process but also offers both temporary and long-term storage solutions.
With BlueBox Storage, your belongings are in safe, reliable hands, making your move all the more effortless. Start exploring their services today, and make the daunting task of moving an event you can manage with ease and confidence.
