House Moving Checklist

There is some truth to the old adage that moving is life's single greatest trial, but thankfully these days a number of resources have arisen to help people ensure they don't miss a thing. From turning off utilities through transferring bills and mail, the details of moving and storage can be overwhelming in bulk. Most experts advise separating the various tasks of moving and storage and creating a timeline for each so you aren't overwhelmed on the final day.

Even with plenty of lists in place, it's not uncommon to see a number of mistakes occur again and again. One of the most popular is locking yourself out of the house. It may sound ridiculous, but many people return or transfer keys before they have everything they need. Needless to say, any moving and storage effort requires timely and consistent access to both locations if you want to get the job done right.

Hold onto the keys and you may still find yourself without some much-needed amenities on the day of that move. Families with children should think about ways to entertain them throughout a difficult day, and you may also want to pack waters and food if you plan to be working hard. Even if the manual part of that moving and storage effort is being done on your behalf, it still helps to consider the creature comforts during a time of considerable upheaval.

Of course that doesn't mean you should forego the basics of moving and storage, including mail, utilities, phone and even energy concerns. Assuming you've nailed down a drop-dead date for the transfer of ownership, it's important to have your successor's information in place for any charges related to the home. You may also want to ensure your emergency contacts are up-to-the-minute, particularly since this day can be rife with safety hazards as well.

Think ahead, work with responsible moving and storage companies and don't forget your family and the whole day should go well. Whether you need to keep things in escrow or want to be settled by sundown, having proper professionals on hand can offer much-needed peace of mind throughout a stressful ordeal.