Here's Your Moving Out Checklist
—
June 3rd, 2022
Are you getting ready to move? We know the moving process can feel like a big problem that you don’t know how to solve. What you need is a good plan. Once you have that in place, all you have to do is follow the steps. That way, you’ll stay on track and transition into your new space without too much headache. To help you out, we’ve come up with a moving out checklist.
Moving Out Checklist
For Renters
If you are renting, read over the details of your lease agreement. Make sure you follow protocol for giving formal notice, understand who is responsible for what, stick to any guidelines your landlord has laid out, and do what you need to do in order to receive your deposit back. Be sure to ask for a copy of the agreement; that way you can review it with anyone who may be joining you in the move and also use it as a checklist.
If you are no longer renting, be sure to cancel your renters insurance. If you are going to continue to rent, you will want to transfer your renters insurance over to your new location. Contact your insurance company to solidify dates, but what you want to do is have your current renters insurance stop the day you move out and start again at the new rental the day you move in.
Book a Moving Company, Reserve a Moving Truck and Ask for Help or Time Off
Certain times of the year can be busier to move than others, like the end of the school year or summertime in general. To avoid any hiccups on your actual moving day, be sure to book the help you need weeks in advance.
Some of the tasks you can do ahead of time are:
- Book a moving company
- Reserve a moving truck
- Ask your friends or family now if they’re available on your moving day
- Rent a storage unit if there is lag time between homes
- Consider requesting time off work
If you do these things now, it will allow you to focus on the steps ahead while you’re in them. That way you’re not scrambling for help when you could be packing, cleaning or moving boxes.
Submit Your Change of Address
This is another action step you can take ahead of time to create some mental space during the move.
Places you should notify of your move include:
- Post Office
- Banks
- Credit card companies
- Landlord
- Utility companies
- Employer
- Any home services (cleaners, in-home pet services, lawn care, etc.)
Gather Packing Supplies
Having your packing supplies on hand is important so that you can start packing up non-essential items right away. Common packing supplies include: boxes, tape, newspaper, and bubble wrap.
We know that moving can be expensive, so if you’re looking to save, visit some stores near you to see if they have free boxes you can take. Some places to ask would be Walmart, Lowe’s, Costco and your local grocery or liquor store. At Alamo Mini-Storage, we also carry all of these items and more for purchase.
Packing process
As mentioned above, it’s a great idea to start packing non-essential items right away. Meaning, the things you don’t often use and won’t miss for a few weeks.
It would also be wise to minimize the amount of things you are bringing altogether. Have a box for donations open at all times and drop the items you no longer love or need in as you sort through your belongings. It may be time to simply throw some things out. Let go of the old so you have less clutter in your new space. Remember: This is a fresh start!
One last tip: Keep your cleaning supplies out. Once you get an area packed up, clean it. Clean what you can as you go so that you’re not left cleaning the entire home at the very end.
Now You’re Ready to Move
Do you feel ready now? A little planning can go a long way. Yes, moving can feel a bit overwhelming straight out of the gate, but it’s also very exciting! Whenever you start to get bogged down by the details and demands, remind yourself of all the new opportunities that await. Just take it one step at a time and keep your eye on the prize!