Step-by-Step Home Moving Checklist

So you’ve signed that mortgage contract, sold your old place, and are ready to move into your new home. Of course, as moving day approaches, so can your stress levels. However, don’t make it harder on you and your family than it has to be. Instead, check out our comprehensive moving checklist to ensure that you stay on track, stay motivated, and have everything ready to move on the big day.

Now’s the Time to Downsize.

Now it is time to consider what you really want to bring with you. Then, a few months before the real packing adventure begins. Go through your storage closets to see if there’s anything you need to sell, give away, or toss. There’s no better time to do some cleaning, and you’ll thank yourself when it comes time to load boxes onto the moving van.

Go through your home’s closets and see if there are any clothes in good condition that you’d like to donate to organizations like Goodwill. Old clothing and towels can be donated to animal shelters or used for cleaning supplies. Don’t let the donations stop there: as moving day draws closer, go through your supplies as well. Donate any non-perishable food or supplies you’re not going to use up before moving day.

Larger items like furniture and electronics can be both simpler and more complicated to get rid of. They’re usually easy enough to give away for free, but if you want any cash for them, be prepared to push hard and wait. If you’d like to make some money off your cleaning efforts in general, a yard sale will usually take at least a few items off your hands. You can also try your local Facebook Marketplace, but some items sell quicker than others on this site: if you’re strapped for time and want the item gone fast, you’ll need to post it as a free offer or donate it locally.

Children should be involved and have their own Moving Checklist.

Encourage them to go through their toys and books for things they’d like to donate or sell if you have children. However, don’t push the issue too hard if they’re resistant. A move for a child is a big deal indeed, and emotions may be running high. Consider sweetening the deal by letting them keep any money they make off the sale of old items…but, if they want to use it on more toys, ask them to wait until they move is over. A similar note goes for partners and spouses, as well. Just because you’re both adults doesn’t give you free rein to clean out their closet for them.

Research Moving Companies.

Any given city will have many moving companies eager to help you move to Collingwood. It is up to you, do your research and find the best company for your needs. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and expect answers. For example, how long have they been in business, and how were the employees trained? What kind of liability policies do they have for lost or damaged items? These are all vital pieces of information and are definitely things you want to get out of the way sooner rather than later.

Doctors, Schools, and More.

As moving day ticks closer, you’ll want to be sure that you’ve got everything for your arrival. That potentially means finding new doctors, new schools, and new hairstylists. For doctors and veterinarians, ask your current practitioner if they have any recommendations in Collingwood. For schools, call your children’s new school district to get the facts on enrollment deadlines and needed paperwork. You definitely don’t want to stress your kids out further by messing up their school schedule.

There are a few schools of thought for; you guessed when you should move your children during the school year. Moving during summer break is much less disruptive to their academic schedule. Still, it can end up making them spend a summer alone, without the opportunity to mingle with kids their own age and acclimate to their new surroundings. Moving during the school year can drop them right into a new social group from the get-go, but this disruption can upset and stress a child far more than the alternative. Moreover, they may wind up missing a long-awaited event at their school – such as prom or graduating with their friends. If a move during the school year is unavoidable, consider making arrangements with a local friend or family member for the child to briefly return to their old hometown for the duration of said event. However, do not under any circumstances promise this to your child if you are not absolutely confident in your ability to deliver on it.

Moving Day is Coming … have your Moving Checklist ready!

While it may not be your idea of a fun time, don’t slack when it comes to packing things up. About two months before the move, start packing up your lesser-used items, such as your holiday and seasonal supplies, decorative furniture, and so on. As the weeks creep forward, start boxing up more frequently-used items. And when the actual day arrives, hopefully, you are left with a few overnight supplies left to be packed. Packing is stressful, certainly, but being behind schedule is more so, and rushing can result in lost or damaged items. Create a home moving checklist for all household members by what they can handle.

A good Collingwood Real Estate Agent will help with your move!

Please speak with your REALTOR®, and ask them to provide you with their ultimate home moving checklist to compare with yours. When moving day comes, it is best not to stress if things don’t go as planned. A wrench can easily be thrown into the most foolproof plans. Finally, and most importantly, don’t forget to reach out and ask for help. A good real estate agent is always available to help every step of the way.

Don’t have Collingwood REALTOR® to help you move?

Finding the best Collingwood real estate agent with so many available to help you buy and move to the area can be challenging. We can definitely help you sort that out!