Moving Guide

I’m thrilled to share an 8-week game plan that will help make your upcoming move a breeze. I get it, sometimes life throws us curveballs and we might not have a full 8 weeks, but starting as soon as you can is key. As a seasoned real estate pro who’s been around the block (pun intended!), I’m letting you in on my secret strategies for making the transition smoother than ever. Ready to dive in?

8 Weeks Out

Alright, so we’re talking 8 weeks to go – not too close, not too far. This is the perfect time to start laying down the groundwork for your move. And guess what? You’re not alone in this journey. I’ve got your back with a comprehensive moving checklist that’ll keep you on track and ensure no important task slips through the cracks.

• Set Up a Digital Moving Hub: Create a special folder on Google Drive to store quotes, receipts, and all the nitty-gritty details about your move. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later for having everything in one organized place.
• Meet Your Prospective Movers: Schedule in-home estimates with insured moving companies. Your friends and family are a treasure trove of referrals – don’t hesitate to ask around!
• Get Real About Your Budget: Draft a realistic budget for your moving expenses. That fancy sectional can wait – priorities first!
• Decode the Paper Trail: Read through documents from your chosen moving company before you put pen to paper. Being informed upfront is your secret weapon.
• Claim Your Moving Day: Request time off work for the big day. Consider aiming for a Friday move – that way, you’ll have the weekend to settle in.
• Embrace Decluttering: Plan a garage sale and donate what’s left. A decluttered start at your new home is like a breath of fresh air.
• Handle the Unusual Suspects: If you’ve got tricky items like guns, pianos, or fine art, plan how to move them safely. Sometimes, calling in the pros is the way to go.
• License & Insurance Check: Confirm your moving company’s license and insurance. Safety first, always.

6 Weeks Out

Welcome to the 6-week mark – things are heating up! It’s time to strike a balance between tying up loose ends and creating precious memories in your current space.

• Cherish Moments: Make time for friends and family before the move. A simple dinner party can be the perfect farewell.
• Box Bounty Hunt: Gather free boxes from various places – restaurants, liquor stores, and even your local bookstore. They’re practically begging you to take them!
• Digital Memories: Snap photos of your electronics before unplugging them. Trust me, these snapshots will be your lifeline when setting things up in your new place.
• Hardware Hack: Keep your furniture reassembly smooth by bagging up hardware and labeling them clearly.
• Apartment Intel: If you’re moving to an apartment, find out about any moving day requirements. It’s all about being prepared.
• Home TLC: Take care of minor home repairs before bidding adieu. Your security deposit will thank you.
• Measure Twice, Move Once: Measure doorways, stairways, and elevators to ensure your furniture fits like a glove. No Tetris moves here!
• Little by Little: Pack a little each day to avoid a last-minute packing frenzy. Procrastination? Not on our watch!

4 Weeks Out

You’re at the 4-week mark, and things are about to get even more exciting! It’s time to organize documents, tie up loose ends, and gear up for the move.

• Parking Prep: Confirm parking options for your moving truck – a permit might be necessary.
• Use It or Lose It: Start using up or donating items that can’t be packed or sold, like frozen foods and bleach.
• Document Dive: Gather all important financial and legal records – they’re like golden tickets to your new home.
• Important Essentials: Collect birth certificates and passports for everyone in your household. Keep these close during the move.
• Neighborly Affairs: Find a landscaper and snow removal service in your new neighborhood. Your future lawn will thank you.
• Fresh & Clean: Pick up your clothes from the dry cleaner – you’ll want everything fresh when you arrive.
• Health Matters: Get medical, dental, and optical records in order for your household members.
• New Neighborhood Allies: If you’re moving to a new town, scout out new doctors, dentists, and vets. Health matters, after all!
• Stay Civic-Minded: Update your voter registration with your new address.
• On the Road Again: If your move is long-distance, plan your route and book hotels along the way.
• Connectivity Check: Shop around for cable, internet, and phone bundles. Get your tech game on point!
• Pet Preparations: Ensure your furry pals have updated ID tags. A stylish ID is a must!
• Furry Friend Health: If you’re crossing borders with your pets, make sure their vaccinations are up to date.
• Moving Groove Playlist: Craft a playlist to keep the energy up on moving day. Music makes the world go ’round.

2 Weeks Out

We’re down to the wire – just two weeks left! Time to update your accounts, ensure your essentials are sorted, and prepare for the big move.

• Receipt Wrangler: Create a moving file to keep all those receipts and bills in check. Tax deductions, anyone?
• Eco-Friendly Farewell: Recycle or dispose of items like corrosives, flammables, and poisonous goods responsibly.
• Tech Backup: Back up your computer – a digital safety net never hurt anyone.
• Trash Talk: Set up trash removal and recycling for your new home while saying goodbye to your current service.
• Shedding Light: Remove light bulbs from lamps that are joining the move. No shattered bulbs here!
• Lockers & Safety Boxes: Clean out your safe deposit box and gym lockers. It’s a decluttering win!
• Medication Matters: Get your prescriptions sorted before the big day arrives.
• Little Ones Lookout: Arrange for a babysitter or playdate to keep the little ones safe and entertained on moving day.
• Announce Your Move: Share your new address with flair. Get creative and have fun with it!
• Contact Shuffle: Update your address with loan providers, credit cards, banks, and your workplace’s payroll department.
• Mail Forwarding: Don’t forget to forward your mail – staying connected is key.
• Official Notifications: Notify government offices about your address change, including Social Security, Veterans Affairs, and the IRS.
• Homestead Protection: Transfer your homeowner’s or renters’ insurance to your new abode. Safety first, always.
• Membership Shift: Cancel or transfer memberships at your local gyms and studios. Change can be good!
• Reading & Relaxation: Update your address for magazine subscriptions – your reading material needs a new home too.
• Utilities Unite: Transfer your utilities like water, electricity, and gas. Keep the lights on in style!
• On the Move with Wheels: Update your driver’s license to keep everything legal and proper.
• E-Commerce Update: Adjust your address with Amazon and subscription box services. Your goodies will find you.
• Auto Address Update: Update your auto insurance and car registration. Smooth moves on the road ahead!
• Outdoor Oasis Prep: Give your outdoor furniture a pre-move cleaning. Fresh starts all around!
• Pet Health First: Transfer pet prescriptions if needed and gather their records. Our furry friends deserve the best care.

Moving Week

The week we’ve been waiting for has arrived! It’s time to put the final touches on your belongings, give your old place a good send-off, and gear up for the big move.

• Last-Minute Changes: Ensure you’ve canceled or redirected any scheduled deliveries. Those shoes on backorder deserve a new home too!
• Farewell Clean: Give your current home a final cleaning before passing the torch to the next resident.
• Cool-Down for Appliances: Defrost your fridge and freezer the night before moving. A little prep goes a long way.
• Fluids First: Drain water hoses from your washing machine and ice maker – a dry move is a happy move.
• Say Goodbye to Combustibles: Empty oil and gas from grills, heaters, and more. Safety comes first, my friends.
• No Hiding Zone: Check shelves and closets for any forgotten items. No item left behind!
• Weather Check: Keep an eye on the weather forecast – rain or snow, you’re ready!
• First 24-Hour Essentials: Pack an essentials box with items you’ll need right away in your new home. A little preparation saves a lot of hassle.
• Tipping Time: Have some cash on hand to tip your hardworking movers. A little appreciation goes a long way.
• Fresh Start for New Space: Clean your new place thoroughly. A clean slate makes for a happy homecoming.

Moving Day

Guess what? Moving day is finally here! The culmination of your hard work, planning, and preparation has led to this moment. Let’s make it count!

• Early Riser: Set an alarm and rise and shine early. A great start sets the tone for the day.
• Floor Friendly: Protect your floors and carpets while the moving magic happens.
• Tip for the Team: Show your appreciation – don’t forget to tip your movers for their hard work.
• Home Sweet Home Setup: Make your bed and have your shower essentials ready. A comfy bed and fresh shower make all the difference.
• Grocery Grab: Get groceries to stock up your new home. Takeout’s great, but a home-cooked meal is even better!

Mastering Box Organization

Now, let’s tackle the art of packing boxes like a true pro. The secret lies in staying organized, and I’ve got a foolproof 1-2-3 plan for you.

• Number It Up: Give each box an individual number – it’s your ticket to tracking and peace of mind.
• Note the Contents: Keep a simple inventory in a designated notebook. Quick notes as you pack will save you headaches later.
• Color Coding Magic: Get colored packing tape and assign a color to each room. Mark your boxes with the corresponding color to make unpacking a breeze.

And there you have it, friends! An 8-week roadmap to guide you through your move like a seasoned pro. Remember, a well-organized move is a smoother move. Best of luck on this exciting journey, and here’s to your new adventure!

We are here to assist you every step of the way!

Taylor Engel & The Florida Keys Home Team