The Importance of Having an Inventory Check List
The Importance of Having an Inventory Checklist
Get those pencils ready! One of the most important things you will do is to create a binder or an organized folder that contains all your moving material, from estimates to receipts to your checklist. We have created a short list of things that you need to do for your move.
Regardless of the size of your move, you will cross the finish line with less stress, if you keep up to-date with your check list. Before you begin, know that it is easy to become overwhelmed and set your “to-do” check list to the side and begin to plow through the days.
However, if you build a check list that is organized by what and when something needs to be done, then you will find that your move will go smoother than you ever imagined.
As soon as you can:
Get Your Moving Date on the Calendar! At this point, you should know if you have a firm moving date that works for you and your family. There’s lots to check like schedules for work, school, and volunteer obligations. It’s never too early to plan your move!
Let the People Know Your “to-tell” list needs to include employers, schools, and anyone who will be depending on you. Be sure to schedule time off from work.
Organize a Moving Folder After you’ve added the checklists, you may want to create sections for items such as documentation, receipts, and contact info. Make notes and keep those! Keep track of moving estimates, final bills, and other info you get from moving companies. Add them to your moving binder.
Create a Moving Budget and track your spending. Don’t go beyond what you have budgeted!
Researching moving companies: Get at least three quotes, check customer reviews, and see if the prices quoted “work” with your moving budget.
Hire Your Mover: Don’t wait until the last couple of weeks to do this! Nail it down up front!
Consider Insurance Everything may arrive at your new home in perfect condition without being broken or damaged. But just in case, you may want to opt for moving coverage insurance to protect your belongings.
Confirm important moving dates with any companies you’ve booked services through. These should already be listed in your moving binder. Now, you just need to verify everything is still scheduled as planned.
Identify what kind of move you’re doing. Will you do it yourself (DIY), hire a moving team to do it all, or find an option in between? There’s a huge difference between these two. And the costs are different, too. But there are advantages and disadvantages for both.
Create an inventory This not as tough as you think, and it will prevent a massive headache if you have to file a claim for damaged, lost, or stolen, goods.
Create a layout of your new home and where items will go. This is really an important step because it will help you visualize where you want things to be placed as they come into your new home. Be sure to measure! Downsizing is where this helps the most! Will that large cabinet fit into your new kitchen area?
Pack your first box! Purchase moving supplies and begin to pack. Many people begin with packing vital documents and getting valuables to a safe place. Make sure these critical boxes are in an easy-to-find location. It always feels good to have that first box packed and taped!
Four Weeks Before Your Move—
Identify items that need special packing and care Don’t forget about the big, fragile, and oddly shaped items that require extra attention (e.g., pianos, breakables, etc.)
Declutter. This is the perfect time to have a garage sale for the stuff you’ve always wanted to get rid of or to follow through on your promise to donate to charity finally.
Make Personal Moving Arrangements. Plan your actual travel route, whether it is close by or across the state. If a moving team is moving you, you will still need to plan your travel to your new home.
Contact internet, TV, utility, and home security providers to arrange for services at your new home. Also, you want to know what to do to have utilities cut off at your old home.
Inventory Your belongings for insurance purposes and to make sure that everything arrives to your new home. Photograph everything that has value.
Change your address Contact businesses that may need your new address (e.g., banks and insurance companies) and arrange to have the post office forward your mail. You can access a change of address for the US Postal service online. Best do it a few weeks in advance to make sure your mail change is flawless.
Update or cancel your memberships and subscriptions. Transfer that gym membership or cancel it.
Make arrangements for child or pet care. You should have your children and pet protected on your moving day and especially while you’re loading the truck.
Pack a 24-hour moving kit with other essentials besides your clothes. It’s a great idea to include some healthy snacks, flashlights, and phone chargers.
Two Weeks Before Your Move
Clean your old and new home before moving. It’ll save time and the hassle of working around boxes and furniture.
Identify unpacking priorities. It’s pretty tough to unpack everything in a single day, so plan out how to tackle unpacking in chunks.
Clear a path on a moving day! Make sure the people helping you move can get the boxes from your house to the moving truck without tripping over things.
Plan your meals before and after your move. Believe it or not, you will get tired of pizza! Bookmark your favorite takeout menus or grab a few frozen items from the grocery store. It’s also a good idea to leave a few essentials unpacked so you can still do a bit of home cooking.
After Your Move
Double Check the paperwork If you hired movers, make sure the paperwork matches what was done before they leave.
Change your locks immediately A must do! You don’t know the history behind the keys that were handed to you at closing, so call that locksmith! If you are renting, insist that all locks are changed, and you have new keys in hand.
Go grocery shopping During moves, most people eat out a lot. Even before you are settled in your new home, make sure you go to the grocery store. Picking up familiar items and having those available for you and your family suddenly makes life easier and helps you to feel more at home.
Set up your beds and the bathroom Beds and coffee are essentials. Movers will help you get things placed and beds are one of things that need to be done first. Make sure you have sheets, pillowcases, and toilet paper.
Check your utilities. Make sure everything is working, and research ways to save on your utility bills.
Later—
Save your moving binder If you ever need to move again, you’ll already have a roadmap for the process. Also, continue to add important numbers to it that include workmen, repairmen, your moving team, and contacts that helped you with the move.
Sit back and relax. You’ve finished everything on the moving checklist!
Finally: Write Thank You Notes! You will want to say “Thanks” to those who helped you have a successful move!
At Lambert Moving Systems, we understand that each move is unique and requires personalized attention. That is why we take the time to understand your specific requirements and tailor our services accordingly. From packing and loading to transportation and unloading, our dedicated team will handle every step of the process with utmost care and precision. We use top-quality packing materials and modern equipment to ensure the safety and security of your belongings throughout the entire journey.
As Alabama’s Authorized northAmerican Mover, Lambert offers award-winning services coast to coast and is your go-to provider for exceptional moving and storage solutions. Call or Schedule an Appointment to experience excellence.
Are you in the market for a mover in Alabama? Lambert Moving Systems is one of the top companies for moving in Alabama. We’ve been around for 90 years. Find your location below to get in touch now!
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