Follow This Checklist for a Stress-Free Move

Yes, there is such a thing as a stress-free move. Moving to Carson City is sure to be an exciting event for you and your family, so you will be happy to know there are plenty of ways to make the transition smooth. 

Keeping organized will keep all the working pieces in check and keep you on track. Planning ahead is a big part of making the process fun and seamless, so make sure you give yourself enough time in advance of the move to accomplish all that needs to get done. One to two months minimum is ideal, but you can certainly work with a shorter time period if you stay focused. Start here by following this checklist.

Pare Down Your Belongings

The truth is you probably own many more items than you actually need. This fact never becomes more evident than when you are faced with moving. Packing things you haven’t used or even seen in years can feel overwhelming, and a waste of time. Before you start packing, take inventory of what you have and realistically think about what you want to bring with you. Clothing, kitchenware, books, furniture, and knick knacks are all pieces that can be sold or donated. By purging the items you haven’t used in over a year or selling things that are too big and inconvenient to move (like furniture), you can easily start fresh in your new home. It’s time to channel your inner Marie Kondo and “keep only those things that speak to the heart, and discard items that no longer spark joy.”

Pack the Right Way

If you are packing up your items yourself, you’ll want to invest in proper moving boxes along with bubble wrap or newspaper to keep fragile items safe during transit. Label each box with the intended destination for your new home. “Kitchen,” “Blue Bedroom,” “Downstairs Powder Room” are examples. Also, keep in mind the spaces of your new home. At Little Lane, you will have a pantry, mudroom, and extra cabinetry to use. Be as specific but brief as possible. 

To avoid having to rifle through boxes when you can’t find the item you’re looking for, create a written, detailed list of the objects in the box and place it on top.  Keep the things you use daily aside and pack them at the last minute in a clearly marked box or duffel bag that is always within easy reach. 

Create a Task Timeline

Depending on your current move timeline, break down what you need to do and when. What are the priorities you have now? Tasks such as choosing a moving service and transferring records should be started sooner rather than later. Tasks to be done as moving day approaches might be to call utility service companies to stop utilities in your current home, and start them in your new one. Some tasks you will want to keep in mind for your timeline include:

• Create a moving binder to keep track of receipts, estimates, and the inventory you are moving
• Research movers – be sure your mover’s writing estimate has a USDOT number on it. This means that they are certified with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
• Ask schools to transfer your children’s records.
• Pack in steps – complete one room at a time.
• Do a change of address at your post office or fill out the online form at usps.gov.
• Have the family’s medical records forwarded to your new health care providers.
• Ask us at Little Lane for local recommendations and contacts. We are here to help.

Commit to Get Things Done Every Day

Your task timeline, on the whole, might look a little overwhelming. But when you commit to working on it daily – even if it is something small like transferring subscriptions to your new address – you’ll feel like you are making big strides. 

Make Time for Family

Moving is exciting but it also can be disconcerting for kids. Take the time to have open discussions with your spouse and your children to give them the opportunity share their experience. They are likely to range from feeling sad to excited, with some hesitancy about making new friends and attending new schools. Also remember that pets are highly affected by these changes, so be patient with them, too.

When you follow this ready to move checklist, you’ll be more able to see what needs to be done realistically and objectively, as well as take the time necessary to do things the right way.