Moving involves a lot more than simply heading to your new address. There’s even more to the process than making sure the movers in Jacksonville, NC, have all of your stuff. There’s utilities to turn off and on, making sure everyone has your new contact information, and this is before you start packing.

While some things you can’t do until moving day, like packing your toothbrush. Others you can take care of a few days or even weeks early. Having a pre-moving checklist can ensure success while limiting the stress that often comes with any big or small move.

Tips on Creating a Pre-Move Checklist

Getting started a couple of months early can make your North Carolina move go a little more smoothly.

8 to 6 Weeks Before the Move

You may feel like you have plenty of time, but moving day will be here before you know it. Start researching moving companies, compare prices, and narrow it down to a couple of services. Don’t settle on just one, have at least one backup. This way, you’re not in panic mode if your first option is fully booked.

Go ahead and start taking inventory of belongings. About 6 weeks before your move, separate what you want and don’t want to keep. Now’s a great time to hold a garage/yard sale. You can get rid of some stuff and make a few bucks. What’s left over from the sale can probably go to charity.

If you’re going to need a storage unit, reserve one now. Most offer the first month for free, so don’t worry if it’s still a month before moving day.

One Month Before Your Move

About four weeks or so before your move, contact the moving company. Most moving companies are busy, especially in the summer. If your first choice is completely booked, try your second option. Make sure to verify the date and time the movers will show up.

If you need to make travel arrangements, do this now. Booking a plane ticket a few weeks in advance often results in lower fares. If you’re driving to your new address, take your car in for a tune-up. This includes an oil change, tire check, and overall inspection.

Start collecting boxes, you’re going to need several. Local grocery stores often have empty boxes you can grab for free. This is also a great time to start gathering packing supplies like tape, cushioning to protect fragile items, and labels.

Labeling the boxes will make unpacking go faster and more smoothly. You don’t have to worry about trying to find bathroom supplies in the midst of your kitchen items. The movers may even deposit the labeled boxes in the appropriate rooms.

One month before your move is also when you want to contact the utility providers like gas, water, electricity, internet, and cable. Let them know your moving date and your new address if you plan on using the same company. If your utility company changes with your address, get in touch with the new one. This way the lights will be on when you move into your new home.

One to Two Weeks Before Your Move

Give all of your friends and family your new address, this also includes your employer, physician, dentist, and anyone else necessary. Contact the movers and confirm your appointment. If you’re flying, double check your reservation.

Start disassembling your big items, like bookshelves, bed frames, and sectional couches. You can also start boxing up items you don’t use every day. As you pack up items, give each empty room a good cleaning.

You may also want to pack a suitcase with the essentials and enough clothes to last a couple of days. Hopefully, your belonging show up on time at your new address, but glitches can happen. If you have a packed suitcase, your missing boxes are more of an annoyance than a full-blown emergency.

Go ahead and throw a moving party, especially if friends and family are helping you pack. This is also a great way to say goodbye to your old place.

Moving Day

Hopefully, you had a good night’s sleep because it’s going to be a busy day. Pack up anything left out and double-check your suitcase. After finishing up packing, do a thorough walkthrough. Open every drawer and closet to ensure you’re not leaving something behind.

When the movers arrive, look over the paperwork. By attention to the destination address. Don’t forget to check the estimated delivery date and time to ensure it matches your expectations. Sign the movers paperwork and say goodbye to your old place.

A Checklist Makes Moving Easier

A simple checklist can take out most of the stress that moving brings. Start a month or two before the move and tackle a project every day. This way, you’ll be ready when the movers show up on moving day.