Moving can be a hectic, stressful time in anyone’s life.  Whether it’s your first time or your tenth time, moving out is no easy feat.  There are months’, sometimes even years’ worth of planning that goes into this significant event, and sometimes we can forget things.  That’s why AAA has developed a Moving Out Checklist to help you or someone you know make the transition as easy as possible.

Finances

Owning or renting a place can be a considerable expense.  Moving into that place is no different.  There are many important things to remember when it comes to budgeting and planning financially, and no moving out checklist would be complete without these tips:

Calculate what you can afford.  Spend one to two months looking at your essential costs like insurance and credit card payments as well as groceries.  Subtract those from your monthly income (after taxes) and see what you have left.  Use this number to consider your budget for security deposits, first month payments on rent or mortgage, as well as utilities.

Leave yourself some money to fall back on.  Unexpected expenses can occur, and it’s always vital to make sure you have some wiggle room in your budget to cover the costs of any unforeseen events.

Finding a Place

Once you have your budget situation figured out, you should start looking for a place to live.

Be thorough.  Carefully consider all your options when it comes to living somewhere.  Rent/mortgage, location, square footage, etc., are essential things to keep in mind.  Be dedicated when it comes to what you want.  Don’t settle on something just because it’s easy.

Consider the surroundings.  The place itself isn’t the only important thing.  What’s around it can matter too.  How close is the nearest grocery store?  What is the transportation situation like in the area?  Is it a good neighborhood?  These are all important to consider when finding a place to live.

Inspect!  Whether you’re viewing an apartment, condo, or house, it’s imperative to inspect the location thoroughly.  Check for damage inside and outside of the house, signs of pests, water leaks, etc.  It’s also important to take note of the neighborhood.  In what kind of condition are nearby places?  Does it seem like a safe area?

Furniture

No place is complete without furniture.  These big items can be a stressful part of any moving-out checklist.  If you’re keeping old furniture, buying new, or using a mix of both, here are some tips that might help:

Take care of your existing furniture.  Wrap mattresses in plastic; use furniture pads, foam corners for sharp edges, and other tools to protect your items during a move.

Shop smart for new furniture.  If you’re on a tight budget, don’t be afraid to shop for secondhand furniture.  Hunt for deals and remember that a little DIY can spruce up just about any old piece of furniture.

Ordering online.  Buying furniture online can be an easy way to get the furniture to your new place.  Most companies will deliver, taking the hassle of moving furniture off your shoulders.

Utilities

Most places’ utilities include water, electricity, gas, sewer, and trash.  While not necessarily essential, TV and internet can also be on this list.

Set everything up beforehand.  Before you move in, transfer utilities into your name or get them turned on yourself.  It’s important to have this done prior to moving, so you’re not trying to move into your new place with no lights, heating, cooling, etc.

Get insurance!  Don’t wait until after something happens.  If you’re going to be renting or owning a new place, make sure you get a comprehensive insurance policy in place.  The folks at AAA Ohio Auto Club Insurance Agency are here to find you a home/renters’ policy tailored to fit your needs.

Update your address.  This is also a good time to make sure you update your address for things like your license and registration, insurance, bank account, and post office.  Make sure that all of these essential parties know how to reach you.

Packing Up

Packing is probably one of the most tedious parts of moving out.  It can be hard to find the time or the motivation to pack beforehand, but it’s important to do so you aren’t trying to cram everything in at the last minute.

Don’t wait.  Pack up little things over time.  Pack away non-essential items gradually over the days or weeks leading up to your move.  Leave your essential items for last, so you have them up until the moving day.

Label your boxes.  It’s helpful to go room by room, labeling what room each box belongs in and perhaps what’s inside each box.  That way, you can take the boxes straight to the room they’ll need to be unpacked in at your new place, eliminating confusion down the line.

Moving Day

It’s finally here!  The big day that all your time and effort have been leading up to has arrived.  Don’t stress!  With a little preparation, you can make sure you’re well prepared for the move.

Rest up beforehand.  Ensure you (and anybody who might be helping you move) are well-rested and well-fed before moving.  Transporting, loading, and unloading your belongings can require a lot of energy.  Trying to rush can result in exhaustion or injury.  Pace yourself, stay hydrated and don’t be afraid to take breaks.

Consider hiring movers.  If it works with your budget, you may want to look into moving companies in your area.  It’s important to make sure you’re hiring reputable, insured movers to handle your belongings.  If you do hire someone, keep some cash on hand.  Movers work hard and appreciate cash tips for their effort.

Settling In

All of your hard work and dedication has paid off!  Now that you’re finally in your new place, complete your moving out checklist with these helpful tips:

Unpack your bedding first.  You’ll want a good night’s sleep after moving day, so take the time to set up your bed.  You might even want to hang curtains if you can to avoid any unwanted sunlight in the morning.  If you don’t have curtains, you may be able to substitute some extra sheets or blankets in the meantime.

Make a grocery run.  Take a break from unpacking and head to your local grocery store to stock up on food and cleaning supplies.  This will prevent you from having to constantly order takeout, which can be expensive and unhealthy.  Unpacking can be messy, so cleaning supplies are important to have on hand to keep your new place looking spic and span!

Moving is a big step in anyone’s life.  We hope our Moving Out Checklist can help take at least some of the stress off your shoulders and provide a little added peace of mind in your transition.  If you have any questions about homeowners’ insurance, renters’ insurance, or making a home inventory, we encourage you to reach out to your local insurance agent.  They’ll be happy to assist you and make sure you’re feeling safe and protected in your new place.

Happy moving!