With just two months on the horizon, it’s time to kick your preparations into high gear. A well-organized plan during this critical period can make the entire moving process smoother and less stressful. On that note, here’s a comprehensive guide on what to do two months before your move happens to ensure you’re fully prepared and not caught off guard.
Create a Moving Checklist
Begin by crafting a detailed moving checklist. Break down the tasks you need to accomplish over the next eight weeks and delegate if possible. This will help you prioritize and stay on top of important deadlines, ensuring that nothing gets overlooked in the hustle and chaos of moving preparations.
Start Decluttering
Two months before your move is the perfect time to start decluttering. Go through each room, separating items into categories: keep, donate, sell, and discard…forget about emotional attachments and instead rely on the have-I-used-this-on-the-past-6-months rule. If the answer is yes, keep it. This strategy not only streamlines your packing process but also helps you start fresh in your new home with only the items you truly need and love.
Quote With Professional Movers
If you’re planning to hire professional movers, start reaching out to reputable companies (5-star rated, licensed, bonded, and insured). Obtain at least 3 quotes and don’t forget to read customer reviews to ensure you choose a reliable and trustworthy moving company. Here’s a moving tip: the earlier you book your move, the cheaper it is. Here’s another one just because: it is cheaper to move on weekdays than on weekends.Â
Don’t Go Cheap on Packing Supplies
Stock up on packing supplies such as boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper. Many moving companies offer packing materials, so check with your chosen mover to see if they provide these items. Having everything on hand early on will prevent last-minute errands that just add to your stress levels.
Update Your Address
Inform essential contacts about your upcoming change of address. This means family and friends of course, but it also means updating your address with the post office, utilities, subscription services, and any government agencies. Notify banks, credit card companies, and insurance providers to avoid any disruption in services.
Plan for Your Pets and Plants
If you have pets or plants, make early arrangements for their transportation. Schedule a visit to the vet to ensure all vaccinations are up-to-date and obtain copies of medical records just in case. Take the time to research pet-friendly accommodations if you’re moving long distance. As for your plants, consider gifting them to friends or neighbors if the move poses a challenge for their well-being. Moving tip: do consider gifting your plants, most moving companies don’t move plants nor liquids.
Start Packing Non-Essential Items
Start packing items that you know for sure won’t need in the next two months. This means items such as seasonal clothing, books, and decorations…all good candidates for early packing. Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to in order to not stress out when the time to unpack comes.
Consider Full-Value Coverage
While we all think nothing bad is going to happen, accidents do occur and while a basic coverage does the work 99% of the time, it’s always recommended to protect your move with full-value protection. Check with your moving company to understand their liability policies and consider investing on full-value coverage…at least for valuable or sentimental items.
Conclusion: Book Your Move in Advance
As the two-month mark approaches, taking these proactive steps will set the stage for a well-organized and stress-free move where nothing falls through the cracks! Make sure that your transition to your new home is as seamless as possible by following these steps systematically. Should you require assistance for an upcoming move, feel free to call us at (703) 570-7464 or send us a message by clicking on the “CHAT WITH US” button located on the bottom right corner of your screen. Happy moving!