Moving? Save Time and Stress with This Handy Timeline

Guest Blog from The Betty Brigade

Moving?  Save Time and Stress with This Handy Timeline

“Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up.” 

--  A.A. Milne

That sentiment may sound a bit wacky, but it’s really true.  Organizing involves doing something ahead of time – i.e., planning -- to make what comes later, smoother and easier.  And this principle can be applied to many, if not all, areas in life. 

Moving, for instance. 

The time it takes to create a good plan is far exceeded in time saved.  Planning also reduces stress, confusion, broken items… You get the picture.   A good timeline will help you capture the important elements of the moving process, while also breaking down the process into segments.  To quote another great mind, Henry Ford, “Nothing is particularly hard if you divide it into small jobs.”

Here is our suggested timeline.  This can, of course, be adjusted according to your specific dates and deadlines, but it’s a good place to start:

TWO MONTHS BEFORE THE MOVE:  

n  As much as possible, get rid of what you don’t need or love.

n  Make a room-by-room inventory of what is left. 

n  If you have children, arrange for their schools to transfer their records to the new schools.

SIX WEEKS BEFORE THE MOVE:

n  Start using up supplies and food.

n  Measure furniture and décor dimensions to make sure they’ll fit in your new place.

n  If you’re doing your own packing, purchase supplies -- and get packing!

n  Get at least three estimates, then choose a mover.

ONE MONTH BEFORE THE MOVE:

n  Fill out a change of address card at the post office, or do it online at usps.gov.

n  Notify banks, creditors, magazines you subscribe to of your change of address.

n  Alert utility companies to disconnect services the day after you move and to have service activated several days before you arrive at your new home.

n  Arrange for medical records to be sent to new health care providers.

TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE MOVE:

n  Empty your safe deposit box and close the account.  Place the contents of the box in a security box that contains your moving estimate, along with important financial records and documents.  (You will take this with you on moving day.) 

n  Confirm arrangements with the moving company.

ONE WEEK BEFORE THE MOVE:

n  Refill prescriptions.

n  Cancel newspaper subscriptions.

n  Obtain health certificates from your vet for any pets.

n  Pack the suitcases you’ll be moving yourself, with clothes, toiletries and jewelry.

THREE DAYS BEFORE THE MOVE:

n  Reconfirm with the moving company. 

n  Plan to pay the movers, including tips, and check on accepted payment methods.

n  Defrost the freezer if you’re moving the fridge.  You’ll be eating take-out for a few days! 

MOVING DAY:

n  Make sure that the USDOT number on the side of the truck matches the one on your estimate. 

n  The last box(es) on the moving truck should hold all the bedding, so you can make the beds as soon as they’re set up.  (You’ll appreciate this at bedtime!) 

And we can’t resist one more quote to wish you happiness in your new home!

“May the roof above you never fall in,
And those gathered beneath it never fall out.” 

-- Irish Blessing

Judy DiForte is marketing manager for The Betty Brigade, an Ann Arbor-based relocation, organizing and event planning company founded in 2003.  To subscribe to The Brigade Bulletin newsletter and other emails packed with helpful tips, email judy@bettybrigade.com or phone (734) 994-1000.