Moving Checklist: What To Do Before Your Move?

The prospect of moving to a new place can be both thrilling and nerve-wracking. While Bethesda is known for its vibrant neighborhoods, excellent schools, and proximity to the nation’s capital, it is also a hub of economic and cultural activity, which draws individuals from across the state. However, moving within Maryland or to other states can often feel overwhelming. Whether relocating within the city or moving from a different region, a well-organized moving checklist can be your key to a smooth and stress-free transition. From researching residential moving services to packing tips, this ultimate moving checklist will dive into some things you should know about the moving process.

6 – 8 Weeks Before the Move

1) Schedule cancellations of utilities and services

It’s important to contact your current utility companies (electricity, gas, water, etc.) and inform them when you plan to leave. This will ensure that there won’t be any final bills waiting for you when it comes time to go. You should also cancel other services, such as cable or internet, that may transfer slowly between locations. Properly scheduling the cancellation of services ensures a smooth transition and can help avoid unnecessary disruptions. Take tips from the real estate agent.

Contact each service provider as soon as your moving date is confirmed. It is best to give them a significant notice period to ensure a smooth cancellation process.

2) Get organized

Organization is key when it comes time for moving day. Start by making an inventory list of all your items in each room so everything gets noticed during packing boxes. You can do it before you start packing. This will also help with sorting through items – if something doesn’t make it onto the list, then chances are it can be donated or thrown away instead of being packed up and moved with everything else!

3) Start sorting

Once you have an inventory list ready, start sorting through all your belongings room by room and decide what can stay in storage at home or go into storage elsewhere, like a self-storage facility/storage unit. For your furniture, contact furniture stores. Anything that isn’t needed anymore can be sold online, garage sale, or given away – this way, less stuff will need packing, and fewer boxes = less cost when hiring movers!

4) Research moving companies

Doing research ahead of time is essential when choosing a reliable Bethesda local movers – check out moving company reviews online and ask friends and family who they’ve used in past moves for recommendations too! Make sure to get quotes from several companies to compare prices before deciding which one suits you best financially.

Additionally, look into the qualities to look for in a moving company to know precisely what you should expect for the price you’re paying.

4 Weeks Before the Move

Now that some groundwork has been done (canceling utilities & services), here are some tips for what needs doing 1-4 weeks prior to a successful move:

1) Book a moving company

Once quotes have been compared & chosen – book in advance because the availability of hired movers might become limited closer to Moving Day! If possible, try scheduling midweek moves since weekends tend to fill up quickly due to high demand – plus, many companies offer discounts midweek too.

2) Begin packing

Start packing nonessential items first, such as books & decorations – these usually take up more space than necessary, so getting them out of sight early helps free up some extra room later. Label moving boxes clearly with their contents and destination, and organize boxes by room in a new house/apartment so unpacking becomes easier once settled into a new place. So consider this before you begin packing. If you have large electronic items or a work-from-home setup, explore tips for safely packing and moving IT equipment.

3) Label

Labeling boxes “fragile” or “non-fragile” might be useful for professional movers, especially if furniture needs special attention while loading/unloading vans, etc. Additionally, labeling each box per its destination room will save time later.

2 Weeks Before The Move

1) Strategize Your Food Situation

Start stocking up on non-perishable foods like canned goods and healthy snacks since they don’t expire quickly; this way, there’ll still be something edible even if groceries still need to be bought. Additionally, buy frozen meals which can easily be reheated post-moving day without much hassle.

2) Pets And Plants

If bringing pets along, consider booking pet transporters specializing in safe animal relocation; the same goes for plants since those require special attention while transporting long distances. Before the move, schedule a visit to the veterinarian for a health check-up of your pets and valid medical records. Ensure they are up-to-date with vaccinations and obtain a copy of their medical records. Discuss any concerns or specific needs your pets may have during the move.

Research state and local regulations regarding moving plants across borders, as some areas have restrictions to prevent the spread of pests and diseases. Consider repotting your plants into lightweight and unbreakable containers a few weeks before the move. This will make them easier to transport and reduce the risk of root damage.

3) Take Care Of Your Car

If driving yourself, fill up the tank because no one wants to run out of gas midway through their road trip.

If driving yourself, ensure the car is serviced and fueled well ahead of schedule. This way, the vehicle won’t break down midway through the journey causing unnecessary delays. Also, check road rules and regulations applicable at the destination beforehand just in case of any difference from where you live.

A Few Days Before The Move

1) Contact The Moving Company

Ensure professional movers have accurate directions and contact details where applicable; double-check pickup times, confirm delivery dates, new address, etc. Additionally, ask whether the company provides insurance against damaged furniture, etc. Also, check for their driver’s license and auto insurance of the moving truck. Clean the old place before handing over keys again; clean both inside and outside properties thoroughly – vacuum carpets and wipe walls if necessary.

2) Pack Your Essentials

Packing essentials during the moving process is crucial to ensure you have all the necessities readily available during and immediately after the successful move. By strategically packing supplies, you can avoid unnecessary stress and save time searching for crucial items in boxes. Take time for a final walk-through. Designate one or more sturdy boxes as your “Moving Essentials” box(es). These boxes should be easily identifiable and not get mixed up with the rest of your belongings. You can use colored tape or markers to label them. Once you arrive at your destination, if you are happy with the moving company, tip movers to show your gratitude.