In order to make sure your moving experience is smooth, we recommend you use our Moving Checklist to begin preparing in advance for your move. The earlier you start planning for your move, the more chances of a successful experience you will have. You can even provide a few copies this Moving Checklist to your family and friends who may help you relocating and assign them responsibilities or tasks.
If you want to download this Moving Checklist just CLICK HERE for the PDF version.
Stage 1: 8-6 Weeks prior to your move
✓ Contact Affordable Movers to get a free moving estimate. Make sure to let us know if there are specific instructions (e.g.: piano moving, etc.) or if you have questions regarding moving potentially hazardous substances (e.g.: paints, etc.).
✓ Check areas that are usually not visited and start organizing and cleaning them (e.g.: attic, basement, etc.).
✓ Get rid of unnecessary stuff. You may have heard the expression “use it or lose it”, or you can just give away the things that you are not using or think you won’t use in the near future. Donating your goods is always nice but selling is an alternative if you have valuable stuff.
✓ Nowadays, we can easily buy and sell stuff on sites like Craigslist so don’t get attached to that old rug and just buy it back once you need it. This is particularly important when you’re moving to a smaller space.
Stage 2: 5-4 Weeks prior to your move
✓ Start packing your stuff and make an inventory with all or the most important things to relocate (e.g.: expensive furniture, musical instruments, etc.).
✓ If you won’t have enough space in the new location, start contacting warehouses to get estimates for storage lockers. Make sure to ask for the approximate space available per sizes (5×10 ft, 10×10 ft, etc.). Although it’s recommended to find a storage warehouse near your new home, consider farther locations if the price is more convenient, especially if you won’t be doing too many trips to it.
✓ Make a Relocation Contact List of all the companies and friends that have your old address to update them with your new address (e.g.: utility companies, banks, your grandma, etc.).
✓ Purchase all the moving supplies you may need like boxes, tape, bubble wrapper, etc. If you still need more at the day of the move just let us know in advance so that we can bring what is needed.
✓ Arrange new telephone, Internet, and other services at new residence.
Stage 3: 3-1 Weeks prior to your move
✓ Start cleaning appliances that may take extra time for preparation like stoves, microwaves, etc. Defrost your freezer and fridge and use all the frozen food.
✓ Have your major appliances disconnected and prepared for the move.
✓ Drain gas and oil from equipment such as lawn mowers, snow blowers, etc. Dispose of paint and similar substances according to the dispositions of the municipality.
✓ Make sure to organize and differentiate the boxes that should be relocated than the ones that will stay (e.g.: garbage, stuff sold to new tenants, etc.) in order to avoid having all moved to the new location accidentally.
✓ It’s a good idea to keep your most needed personal items in a separate box so that you don’t have to waste time trying to find your underwear, work fob, etc., when needed.
✓ Pack all fragile items accordingly and prioritize which ones are the most valuable and consider moving them yourself (e.g.: jewelry, very fragile musical instruments, etc.).
✓ Contact all the companies and friends in your Relocation Contact List to inform them of the new address and relocation date.
Stage 4: Moving Day
✓ Make sure that you provide with a reliable contact number for our movers to contact you when they are in their way to pick up your goods. In case of unexpected circumstances (e.g.: storm, heavy traffic, detours, etc.) make sure to inform them as early as possible to avoid delays.
✓ Once the movers arrive, make sure to inform them of any potential hazard or specific instructions like electric wires, extra fragile items, parking location, etc.
Stage 5: After your Move
✓ Once you have moved to the new location make sure to check your inventory list to see if everything was moved accordingly.
✓ Follow up your Relocation Contact List if you don’t receive your bills or mail within one month after your move.
✓ Enjoy your new home!