A housekeeping checklist to use before you even start packing

When you think about moving, one of the first things most people think of is packing up belongings. And, while it’s often a big component of any relocation plan, there are a number of other steps involved in moving that you could – and perhaps need to – take care of before you even assemble your first cardboard box (or eco-friendly plastic moving bin).To review some key pre-packing tasks you can tackle before packing to make your move a smooth-sailing success, keep reading!

If you’re thinking about your next move holistically, there are a lot of moving parts to consider (pun intended!). Here are a few housekeeping tasks to prioritize on your checklist first:

• Get rid of what you don’t need. There’s no need to pack up what you don’t actually plan to take with you. So, doing a bit of sorting of what you’d like to keep, what you’d like to try to sell, and what you’d like to donate/throw away may be wise to do before you pack.
• Organize what you’re taking with you. Once you’ve decided what’s going with you to your new destination, make life easier when you eventually unpack by doing a little organizing. Specifically, keeping items that belong together or would be used in the same room (e.g. toiletries and hairdryer together so that when you unpack your bathroom items, everything is there!).
• Make contact with your service and utility providers. Whether you need to transfer service to your new location or cancel services, it’s wise to give your service providers a heads up about your upcoming move. You may need to make arrangements ahead of time so that you aren’t paying more than you need. This is also a good way to make sure to take care of outstanding bills as well.
• Gather your packing supplies. There’s nothing worse than getting down to packing and realizing you don’t have what you need to do it correctly. Depending on what you’re packing, you may need: packing tape, packing paper to wrap fragile items, cardboard boxes or plastic rental bins, markers, scissors, and the like. That way, there’s no need to break for more materials once you’ve gotten started.
• Set up your change of address. To ensure you get all your important (and fun!) mail to your new address, you’ll want to put in a change of address request with the post office. That way, they’ll forward your mail to your new address as soon as you get there. You can typically visit your local post office or put in your request online.
• Take care of your subscriptions, mail and otherwise. Moving is the perfect time to cut out subscriptions you haven’t yet canceled. However, if you want to keep the goods comin’, make sure to contact the companies to update them with your address or other information. That way, you’ll avoid a blip in your subscription access after your move is complete.
• Let folks know you’re moving. Outside of a landlord, put in notice with your employer, family, friends, and anyone else in your community that may want or need to know you’re leaving where you’re at right now. Even if it’s just down the road from your current address, having your newest address will allow for them to get in touch or update any necessary documentation so that there’s no delay in making contact with you!
• Back up important files. You may be packing up important documents (which are typically best packed with you in your personal vehicle if possible), but it’s good to make a backup. Scan your documents and make sure you save them in a secure spot on your computer or on the cloud. That way, if something should happen to your hard copies, you’ve still got what you need in a place that’s accessible.
• Make a plan for your pets and plants. The flora and fauna in your habitat may require special arrangements to weather the move. How will you get your newest golden pothos to your new place to set down roots once again? What does Fido need, beyond a chew bone and a fluffy bed, to make the move with you? Answering these questions before you get to the nitty gritty of packing will help you take care of those in your care.

These are just some of the ideas you can check off your list before you even assemble a cardboard box. Taking a methodical approach to your relocation may save you time and stress. Another strategy that can help you in those ways: hiring professional movers, like the ones at Piece of Cake Moving and Storage. Our relocation experts are well-versed at moves of any size or complexity. Plus, we’re ready to get you moving 24/7/365 with a fair, flat fee guarantee. Give us a call and you can check a successful move off your list. Not convinced? Don’t take our word for it. Take a look at the reviews from thousands of our satisfied customers.