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Cincinnati Movers Checklist for Local Moves

To make sure your move goes off without a hitch, it’s best to have a plan. The most important decision you have to make is which local moving company you’ll hire for the job.

Planning Your Move

There are more steps to a move than just hiring movers. Having a detailed plan that begins months before your move will help you in the long run by allowing for an effortless transition from your current location to your destination.

Here’s our checklist for your local move!

Three months before your move

Anywhere from 12 to 9 weeks before your move, you should:

  • Establish tentative dates and times for your move.
  • Decide which services you will need for your move: just heavy lifting, packing and unpacking, or even storage too.
  • Contact three different movers and get a quote for your move.
  • If you haven’t already, contact your realtor and begin the process of selling your home.
  • Buy a new home, apartment, or residence or begin the process of renting in your new location.
  • If applicable, register your children for school in your new school district.

Two months before your move

Around 8 weeks before your move, you should:

  • Sort through your items. Decide what you will not be moving with you and make a plan to sell or donate those items to local charities.
  • Create a moving binder to keep your moving checklist in, as well as receipts, quotes, estimates and inventory.

6 weeks before your move

  • Contact your accountant or reference the IRS to find any tax-deductible moving expenses.
  • Order moving supplies – boxes, crates, padding, bubble wrap.
  • Finalize your living arrangements in your destination city, even if it’s next door. This includes your finances and insurance.
  • Explore job opportunities in your destination city.
  • Set up a new bank account or contact local banks about setting up an account in your destination city. Your current bank may have a branch there!
  • Set up utilities in your name in your new residence, including energy and water.

5 weeks before your move

  • Confirm moving dates and arrange any storage or extra services needed with your local moving company
  • Organize your belongings into items you will take and items you will not. Make a plan to dispose of the items you will not be bringing
  • If you have unusual or valuable items, get an appraisal, or gather your receipts for these possessions

4 weeks before your move

  • Submit your change of address to the postal service and notify your friends and family of your new address
  • Schedule any repairs or installations for your new home
  • If applicable, apply for a new driver’s license
  • Obtain any important records to take with you on your move, i.e. dental, medical records, birth certificates, passports, important documents, etc.

3 weeks before your move

  • If you are doing your own packing, begin now
  • Make travel arrangements, including hotel stays and car reservations if necessary

2 weeks before your move

  • Transfer your bank accounts
  • Get a general maintenance check on your car
  • Drain any oil or gasoline from powered equipment around your house
  • If you have pets, get a copy of their health and immunization records
  • Return any library books, pay any debts, give back anything borrowed to friends or family
  • Visit any favorite places, go on a family outing, or hold a “going away” party before your move

1 week before your move

  • Make a checklist of things you plan on bringing with you on your trip
  • Pack your hand luggage
  • Discontinue any delivery services and subscriptions
  • Empty, unplug and clean your refrigerator and freezer
  • Gather any prescriptions and transfer them to a pharmacy local to your new destination

Your move is here! What now?

  • You’ve hired a team of expert movers, so there is no need to sweat the small stuff.
  • Be sure to check the inventory to see if you agree with the movers’ notes on the current conditions of your items.
  • Do one last check of the house – look in drawers, cabinets or closets for things you may have forgotten.
  • Turn off all lights and lock the doors.

What you should take with you on moving day

Of course all your possessions are packed away safely, but what about the things the movers can’t take? Be sure to take with you:

  • Credit cards and cash
  • House and car keys
  • Irreplaceable items and other valuables
  • Suitcases
  • Photo IDs, passports and drivers licenses
  • Moving documents like your lease
  • Snacks and drinks for the car ride
  • Pets and food, water and toys for them

Complete your move with ease with our checklist for local moves

Moving can be a stressful time for you and your family, which is why we offer this checklist for Cincinnati local moves.

Though it may be surprising to begin planning your move three months in advance, starting the moving process as early as possible will ensure that every detail will be taken care of and nothing will be forgotten.

By following these steps and creating a plan of action for all aspects of your move, you can keep track of what you need to plan ahead for and what you can get done right away. Hiring a local moving company is a huge asset to your move, as it will streamline the packing and moving process and take a lot of extra stress off you.