Moving Checklist April 12, 2022

Want a Stress-Free Move? Create a Moving To-Do List

Steven Rogers

Apart from sharing Captain America's name, our freelance writer Steven is also a big fan of moving, history, and geography.

Moving overseas is a hectic procedure. There will be a lot of things that demand attention, and if you are not prepared, the situation may suddenly feel overwhelming. That’s why a moving to-do list needs to be created once you have decided to relocate. Naturally, a person has to know what to put in this checklist. Therefore, read this blog if you are moving internationally. Having a well-prepared checklist is crucial for a smooth relocation.

When Relocating, a Moving To-Do List Is an Indispensable Asset

Relocating out for the first time is a daunting task, and you can make it much more difficult by being disorganized. Is there a checklist for moving? There certainly is! Having a plan makes a world of difference, so the first thing that needs to be done is to create a to-do list for moving abroad. Bear in mind that this has to be performed long before the actual relocation starts if you want to move efficiently, ideally two months earlier. From this blog, you will be able to learn:

  • What should be done two months prior to relocation,
  • Six weeks,
  • Two weeks,
  • The last few days before relocating overseas.

As you can see, a lot of effort is needed when relocating to a new country. It is certainly a big decision to make, and relocation stress and anxiety are inevitable. The aim is to reduce these negative side effects and make everything as smooth as possible. This can be achieved with a good moving list of things to do.

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Your Checklist Should Begin Two Months Before the Relocation

What you need to do before you move? Expect the list of things to do when moving into a new house to be long. That is why the preparation should start at least eight weeks ahead of relocation. Let us see what needs to be done first after deciding to start a life abroad:

  • First, you have to do your research. There are many things to consider when relocating across the world. Luckily, the internet has made this much easier. Nonetheless, it has to be done. Above all, you have to see whether the cost of living will suit you. Information about different neighborhoods, the healthcare system, or public transportation is always useful if you want to adjust quickly to the new address.
  • You have to start looking for an apartment or a house that will suit your financial situation. When going to live abroad, it is important to find a new house that will both be comfortable and affordable. However, a certain period may pass before anything suitable can be found.
  • Bureaucracy should be dealt with as soon as possible, and expect to invest a lot of energy in this. You will have to sort all the documents needed to travel abroad. The family doctor or a vet, if you are relocating with dogs, will have to be notified. All memberships, like gym or book club, will have to be canceled.
  • The relocation budget needs to be established. The best way to do that is to make a moving inventory list. This entails decluttering. Necessary items will have to be separated from unnecessary ones. Each and every item that has to be relocated will affect the relocation expenses. You will also have to hire an international moving company.
  • You will have to call the utility company and notify them that you are relocating. The good thing is that you can arrange for your utilities to be canceled on the day of your relocation. However, you have to notify the company in a timely manner.
  • If you are relocating without a job, it is necessary to start looking for one immediately. Luckily, the internet will be the main source of information as well. However, sometimes it can happen that you cannot find a job opening in your area of expertise. Opportunities are bound to arise, but it is always best to begin looking right away and contact the employers that you come across.
  • Finally, when starting a life overseas, the infamous culture shock is inevitable. If you want to come prepared, it is not a bad idea to start learning the language of that country. After all, the language barrier will have to be broken.

Let Us See What Needs to Be Done Six Weeks Before the Relocation

A month or so before the relocation, you have to begin with packing your household possessions. That means that packing equipment like boxes, tapes, and protective materials will have to be acquired. When relocating overseas, storage services are often necessary as well, so that should be taken into consideration.

However, packing is not just throwing your stuff into boxes. If you have decided to do the packing by yourself, information about how to pack fragile items will be necessary, for example. It is important to know how to prevent things from breaking when relocating internationally. Your possessions will have to cross a long journey, and you have to be sure that they are secured.

You Have to Clean All the Items That You Are Relocating to Your New Home

This may seem trivial, but it is imperative that you clean all your home belongings that have to be shipped overseas. First of all, a dirty armchair or a filled fridge are items that movers will never accept to relocate, and there is a good reason for that. Nevertheless, cleaning will require effort, and it is best to take care of it sooner rather than later.

This Is the Time to Decide Whether You Will Need a Moving Crew for Your Items or Not

After you have made your moving packing list, it is time to decide whether movers are needed or not. We have to say that professional movers can save you a lot of trouble, especially when relocating abroad alone. Such a company will provide you with the necessary packing service and, if needed, storage service, which is certainly required in this situation.

Also, shipping a vehicle overseas can be an issue if you are a car owner. However, when hiring international movers, they will also have in their offer the overseas vehicle shipping service, which is unbelievably convenient. Having a car can really speed up the whole process of adjustment in foreign countries. Moreover, with this service, you will be sure that it will be transported safely.

Decide What You Will Do With All the Unnecessary Home Possessions During This Period

After deciding what not to put in boxes, it is best to get rid of those belongings. If you find a few hours to spare, it is a good idea to organize a garage sale. Extra cash always comes in handy when relocating. However, if you are not in a situation to do so, donating is always possible. Therefore, contact the local services and donate everything that is still in decent condition. This is always a great thing to do. Here is a useful video on what you need to do to organize a garage sale.

YouTube video

What Should I Do 2 Weeks Before Moving?

By now, you should have already packed your larger objects, such as pieces of furniture or appliances. It is time to think about relocating essentials. This means preparing a bag that will be by your side during the trip. These are usually hygiene supplies, prescribed medication, and clothes for a day or two.

You should think about preparing your electronic devices for transportation, too. If you have a computer setup, it will require special preparation to ensure safe transportation. It is also important to consider what will be done with prized possessions like jewelry.

You Have to Clean Your Old Home and Repair Anything That Is Damaged

Before relocating out, all rooms have to be thoroughly cleaned, especially if you are renting the place. This way, the landlord will return the security deposit, which means another source of extra cash. If this is not performed, cleaning fees will have to be paid, which is certainly not ideal for this situation.

If the home is yours and you are planning to sell, it is necessary to repair any damages. Usually, these damages are not significant. We are talking about nail holes in walls, broken sockets, and shattered windows. This can all be replaced or repaired easily by yourself. There are many useful blogs on this issue that you can read. However, professional help is always available.

You may ask why is this important? Well, by repairing broken stuff, you are increasing the value of the property.

Spend Time as Much as You Can With Your Loved Ones During This Period

After you have packed and repaired everything, dedicate the rest of your free time to family and friends. It is tough to reconcile yourself with the fact that you are relocating away from your loved ones. But that is exactly why these final moments should be shared with them. They will help you overcome the relocation anxiety.

Three women enjoying life
You will not be able to hang out with your friends anymore, so cherish these moments before relocation

The Final Day Is Nearing, and a Few Things Left to Be Done

First of all, if you have been renting an apartment or house, once everything is packed, it is smart to take pictures and videos of the home. By doing so, no one can hold you accountable for anything that may happen afterward. Pack all the remaining belongings, such as kitchenware and toiletry.

Children and Pets Experience Relocation in a Similar Way

Relocation can be quite stressful for your children and pets. On the relocating day, movers will constantly circulate through the house, and there will be a lot of thumping and thudding. It is always a good idea to ask someone to watch your children or pets when the movers arrive. It will certainly alleviate the anxiety that they are experiencing.

Do Not Forget to Take Care of Yourself

As you have been able to read, relocation is not simple, and your mind will certainly be preoccupied with these matters. But, do not forget yourself. During these last few days, take a book that you have wanted to read or make a playlist out of your favorite songs. The relocation will be stressful, and things such as these can provide much comfort.

A pensive child sitting on a box
Relocation will be stressful for everybody, especially for your children

With a Good Checklist, You Will Be Much More Relaxed During the Relocation

How do I make a moving schedule? We sincerely hope that this blog provided you with a sufficient answer to this question. Relocation is quite challenging but highly rewarding at the same time. There are many wonderful reasons to move and many great places to live abroad. People sometimes become disheartened when they see the number of things they need to address. However, with a properly organized checklist at hand, everything will be much easier.

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