Moving can be a stressful affair for anyone. One of the best things you can do to ease the burden is create several different lists. Staying organized will help you keep track of everything from tasks you need to complete to which items are packed where. Since you will be creating multiple lists, it is helpful to keep them all together in a notebook or three-ring binder. You might also find it helpful to divide your notebook or binder into sections so you can quickly and easily find the list you need.

To-Do List

This should be the first list you create. Start this one several weeks ahead of your expected move date as there will be many items that should be handled at various times leading up to moving day. Some items to keep in mind for this list will include:

  • Choosing a moving company or making arrangements to move on your own
  • Ensuring that you have obtained copies of your child’s school records, or transferred them to their new school
  • Notifying important organisations such as your bank and insurance agencies, as well as your friends, family and employer of your new address
  • Make travel arrangements including arrangements for pets if they will not be able to travel with you
  • Establishing utility service at your new address and discontinuing service at your current one.

Contact Information List

This is another important list you should create as soon as possible. Ensure that you have listed accurate contact information of anyone and everyone involved with your move, from the moving company or the business from where you intend to rent your moving truck, to friends, family, neighbours, and associates who might be willing and able to assist you. Also, be sure to include your real estate agent, schools, employer, financial institutions, utility companies, and emergency contacts.

Household Inventory List

Create this list when you begin packing. As you decide what items you are going to take with you, be sure to mark them down. This way you not only have an accurate inventory of all your possessions, but you also take the time to decide what is important to keep and what you can discard. You can also use this list to help plan how you are going to pack your belongings as well as keeping track of where each item has been packed. In addition to labeling each box with a description of the contents or the room in which they belong, number each box sequentially as you go and record the box number for each item in the margin. This way when you are looking for a specific item you can find it quickly and easily without unpacking every box in the room.

While no amount of planning or organization will eliminate every possible pitfall, keeping yourself organized with lists will certainly go a long way to make your move easier and less stressful.