Moving is a stressful process. With so many things going on, it can be easy to let something slip and fall by the wayside. Here is a list of a few things that you absolutely cannot forget to do. Remembering to do these things before you move will make your life a lot easier.
A family is in the process of moving. Boxes cover the room. The mother, father, and child are kneeling to write on one of the boxes.
1) Clean According to the Lease
If you are renting your current place, cleaning becomes especially imperative. Landlords may even withhold some of your security deposit if you do not clean sufficiently. Cleaning requirements are often spelled out in your lease, so take a look at it to see exactly what is required of you. If the thought of conducting a thorough cleaning of your place after expending copious energy packing, then you may want to consider using end of lease cleaners. These services will ensure that your home or apartment is in tip-top shape upon your departure so that you can keep all of your security deposit and not encounter any complaints from your landlord.
2) Take Plenty of Pictures
After your current place is all clean and tidy, make sure to take pictures to prove the condition in which you left it. Unfortunately, not all landlords are honest, and some may try to claim that you left a mess so that they can keep more of your money. However, if you take pictures, you will have concrete proof to dispute their claims. These pictures can also help to prove that you left the premises by the time you were supposed to. Taking pictures can be really helpful to protect you from claims that you did not do what you were supposed to in your moving out process.
3) Forward Your Mail
Make sure to update your address with the USPS to receive all your mail. It would be best if you did this seven to ten days before your move if you want to start receiving mail immediately upon your relocation because it can take some time to process. After doing this, you should also double-check that there are no pending deliveries that will arrive at your previous address after you leave.
4) Transfer Utility Services
Taking a little time to make sure that you cancel your existing utility services and set up your new ones will ensure that you do not end up paying for something you are not using and that you have no interruption in service at your new place. Services you need to think about include recycling, trash, water, electricity, and natural gas. You may also need to think about the internet, cable, and any other services you currently use in your home.
5) Pack a Bag of Essentials
Be prepared for some of your belongings to get mixed up or temporarily lost in the move. You do not want to spend the first night in your new place wondering what box your toothbrush ended up in. Consider packing a bag that contains everything you will need for the first day or two in your new home. Keep this bag separate from everything else to have the things you need when you reach your destination. Otherwise, you may find yourself rummaging through several boxes to discover where your pajamas ended up when all you want to do is sleep after a hard day of moving.
Conclusion
While moving is certainly stress-inducing, it does not have to be entirely overwhelming. Consider writing a checklist of all the things you need to get done and determine when you will be able to do them. We think these tips are a great place to start!
