Shifting is stressful, let’s face it. That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive shifting checklist to assist you. 

You’ll be sure to have everything done between now and the big day with some tips and our 6-week printable shifting checklist for your impending move.

It’s critical that you plan for every facet of your shift. What’s the good news? We’ve got your back. We won’t sugarcoat it: there’s a lot to do to get ready. However, you’ll be glad you started early and used this comprehensive shifting checklist to remain on top of your to-do list.

6 Weeks Before Shifting

1. Schedule time with friends and family before shifting day.

Throw a casual dinner party to cram in a few last memories at your current residence. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy to work.

2. Collect free boxes from nearby bookstores, restaurants, liquor stores, grocery stores, and office supply stores. Most people have more boxes than they know what to do with and will gladly give them away for free.

3. Look into packing techniques to make moving days go more smoothly.

4. Use different coloured stickers/tape for each room to label your moving boxes.  This will make unpacking much easier once you arrive at your new home.

5. Make a list of your valuables before loading them onto the shifting truck.

Keep a list of the boxes in which you packed your belongings.

6. Make a note of any delicate moving boxes.

You don’t want your grandmother’s dinnerware strewn with textbooks.

7. Before unplugging any electronics, take photos of them.

When you’re reconnecting things like your TV and stereo, this will help refresh your memory.

8. Label all of your hardware for simple reassembly of your furniture.

9. Gather free packing supplies such as socks, t-shirts, towels, and linens.

10. Find out if there are any moving day requirements if you’re moving into an apartment.

11. Take care of small home repairs before leaving.

If you reside in an apartment, this may determine whether or not you receive your security deposit back.

12. Have your vehicles maintained if you’re travelling across the nation.

You don’t want to have to cope with a breakdown in the middle of a move!

13. If your move necessitates shipping your car, be sure nothing is left in it!

It’s possible that spare tires and jacks will go missing.

14. Make sure all of your furniture will fit through entrances, stairwells, and elevators.

Once you’ve measured twice, it’s time to move!

15. Look for points of interest in your new neighbourhood.

Find a new hangout location or restaurant to frequent! Starting with Yelp and Foursquare is a good idea.

16. Last but not least, pack a bit every day for this section. You don’t want to be caught off guard and find yourself packing everything at the last minute.

4 Weeks Before Shifting

You’ve officially reached the one-month mark after four weeks. 

Begin collecting the crucial paperwork you’ll need to carry to your new location. It’s also a good time to start selling and giving stuff. When you aren’t weighed down by belongings you won’t be bringing with you, it will be much easier to accomplish items on your shifting checklist.

17. Get moving insurance to protect all of your belongings during the relocation.

18. Confirm your moving truck’s parking choices.

For moving day, you could require a parking permit. If you’re considering a do-it-yourself move, you’ll want to figure out how much it will cost to rent a moving truck.

19. Items that you can’t pack or sell, such as frozen foods and bleach, can be used or donated.

20. Collect all financial, legal, and medical records (including dental and optical) in one location.

21. Gather all of your family’s birth certificates and passports.

Then, during your move, keep critical documents with you.

22. Inform your homeowners or renters insurance company of your impending relocation.

The most crucial thing to do before your move in terms of insurance is to contact your insurance agent/company to discuss your planned relocation date, coverage, and insurance plan.

23. Determine which cable and internet companies serve your new home, place an order, and set up an installation appointment. Don’t put it off since slots are filling up fast.

24. Don’t forget to drop off any of your dry-cleaning items.

25. Find a new doctor, dentist, and veterinarian in your new neighbourhood if you’re moving out of town.

26. Make sure your voter registration is up to current!

27. Plan your route and book hotels if you’re moving long distances.

28. Make sure your pets’ collars are adorned with ID tags.

29. Obtain copies of your veterinarian’s records and any necessary pet medication.

If you’re leaving the country, ensure your dogs are up to date on their immunizations.

30. Create a moving day playlist to listen to while you’re packing and moving.

2 Weeks Before Shifting

You have two weeks till you shift, and the big day is approaching! Start inputting your new address into your accounts and records. You should also use the two weeks leading up to your shift to plan ahead for things like luggage, food, medication, pets, and children. 

The day of the move is extremely hectic. Make sure you’ve checked off everything on your moving checklist by the two-week point. You’ll be glad you did, we promise!

31. Make a moving file to keep track of all your printed receipts and bills linked to the move.

You should retain a file of moving-related expenses in addition to your digital “moving” folder.

32. Corrosives, flammables, and dangerous goods should be recycled or disposed of.

Make sure you’re appropriately disposing of dangerous materials.

33. Prepare two weeks’ supply of meals and defrost everything.

Take a look at these fantastic meal-prep ideas.

34. Return items borrowed from family, friends, and neighbours.

35. Make a backup of your PC.

You’ll be glad you have everything saved in a second location if something goes wrong during your relocation.

36. Arrange for garbage and recycling collection at your new residence, and cancel your current subscription.

37. Take out the light bulbs from any lamps you intend to relocate.

38. Are you moving far? Clean out your safe deposit box and any gym or community centre lockers you may have.

39. Cancel or transfer your gym, yoga studio, CrossFit facility, or other fitness facility subscription.

40. Get your prescriptions filled.

41. Make a list of recommended emergency service technicians and providers.

You don’t want to be looking for plumbers in your new house when your toilet overflows.

42. Arrange for a babysitter or a play date to keep your children safe during the transfer.

43. Make sure your pets have a safe place to stay throughout your relocation.

Consider doggie daycare or enlisting the help of a friend to watch them for the day.

44. Send a notice of relocation.

There are numerous inventive ways to publicize your new address.

45. Update your address with lending companies, credit cards, banks, and your company’s payroll department. Remember to order new checks.

46. Have your mail forwarded.

47. Within 10 days after shifting, change your Social Security address.

48. Switch your utilities, such as water, electricity, and natural gas.

49. Make sure your driver’s license is up to date.

50. Make sure any monthly subscription boxes, newspapers, or publications you receive have your current address.

51. Update your auto insurance and registration information.

52. Before moving outdoor furniture, clean it.

53. If required, transfer your prescriptions to a new pharmacy.

Moving Week Checklist

The week has finally arrived. It’s time to organize your belongings, complete packing, and clean your previous residence. Get everything done as soon as possible to ensure a stress-free moving day – after all, who wouldn’t want that?

54. Donate food that hasn’t been opened.

Inquire with your moving company about their affiliation with Move for Hunger.

55. Double-check that all scheduled deliveries have been cancelled or rerouted.

Do you recall that backordered pair of shoes? Ensure that they are delivered to your new address.

56. Prepare your existing residence for the next occupant.

57. Defrost your fridge and freezer the night before by unplugging them.

Place a towel in front of it to absorb any water that may leak.

58. Drain your washing machine and ice maker’s water hoses.

59. Drain any oil or gas from barbecues, heaters, lawnmowers, or snow blowers.

60. Check shelves and closet nooks for anything that might be concealing.

61. Get ready for your landlord’s last walkthrough.

Fill nail holes with a bar of soap before doing a final walkthrough. Here are some DIY suggestions.

62. Prepare for rain or snow by checking the weather channel.

63. Put together an essentials package with everything you’ll need for the first 24 hours at your new house.

64. Prepare a contingency plan in case your movers are late.

65. Take pictures of your unoccupied apartment to ensure it’s in good working order.

66. Take cash out of the ATM to tip your movers.

67. Clean your home.

The former owners are frequently merely required to sweep their home or flat. Don’t you want your new property to be spotless and gleaming from top to bottom?

Moving Day Checklist

You’ve worked hard to get to this point. To get to this point, you’ve crossed more than 60 items off your shifting checklist. Make sure you get an early start preparation for the shifting day. The sooner you move in, the more time you’ll have to unpack and adjust to your new surroundings.

68. Set an alarm for the shifting day and get up early.

69. During the move, protect your floors and carpets.

70. Your movers have worked hard all day for you, so give them a tip.

71. Make your bed and unpack your shower curtain and toiletries as soon as your movers leave.

This makes taking a nap and showering a lot easier. And, let’s face it, that’ll be the first thing on your mind after you’ve settled in.

72. Become acquainted with your immediate surroundings.

73. Go shopping for groceries.

You’ve had your fill of takeout at this point. Having food on hand will help keep you from making unneeded purchases.

74. Do you have any curtains or shades? For the first night, cover your windows with sheets for privacy. Trust us when we say that this will help you sleep better.

75. Express gratitude to your real estate agent or broker.

They’re the reason you’ve relocated to your lovely new home. A small thank you note can make a big difference.

With the above shifting checklist, you will surely have an easy time-shifting. 

Do you want to save yourself more than 80% of the hassle? Get in touch with us and we will make sure you have an absolutely amazing shifting experience.