Your Ultimate Go-To Moving Checklist in NJ

Let This NJ Moving Checklist Make Life Easier

Moving doesn’t seem like a big project until you begin the process. The truth is, moving is stressful for many New Jersey residents, because moving isn’t just about packing all of your belongings in boxes and transporting them to your new home. There are many tasks that often get overlooked and cause you to become overwhelmed. We’ve put together the ultimate week-by-week NJ moving checklist to make your life easier.

8 weeks in advance

Research professional moving companies.

There are plenty of available moving companies in New Jersey. Do your research by contacting the Better Business Bureau, asking friends and family, and reading reviews online. Hiring a reliable moving company should be more important than choosing one based on price.

Research the local area.

If you are relocating to a new area, take the time to research schools, financial institutions, gyms, and other business services you will need once you move in. Having a plan in advance simplifies the transition.

Request quotes from moving companies.

Ask multiple moving companies for quotes on their services. Some companies offer packing and unpacking in addition to moving your belongings. The best movers will visit your home to assess how much work it will take. If they offer a quote without reviewing what you need, they may not be the best choice for the job.

7 weeks in advance

Hire a moving company.

Based on your research and quotes, pick a moving company that you feel comfortable working with. Contact them to schedule the moving date and sign any necessary agreements to secure the time you need. If you choose to move on your own, now is the time to gather commitments from family and friends to help on moving day.

Gather packing materials.

Moving isn’t possible without the right supplies. Check with local grocery stores, office supply stores, or friends and family for free boxes. If you can’t find enough, the moving company may also offer recycled moving boxes for free. Additional supplies that you need include packing tape and markers to label the boxes.

6 weeks in advance

Take pictures of valuable items.

Walk through your home and take pictures of large items and valuable items to document their current condition. Pictures are valuable evidence in the event something is damaged during the move.

Start the purging process.

Go through closets, the basement, and the attic to sort and organize belongings. If you find items you don’t need, donate them to local charitable organizations.

5 weeks in advance

Change your address.

Fill out a change of address card with the post office. Don’t forget to also contact your insurance company, schools, and other companies you do business with to change your contact details.

Pack the nonessentials.

Start packing items you don’t need during this time including pictures and home décor.

4 weeks in advance

Contact utility companies.

Call utility companies at your current and new home to make arrangements to pay your final bill and start services the day you move in.

Continue packing.

Don’t put off packing. Pack a new room every week from here on out to minimize stress in the days leading up to the move.

Don’t forget to label boxes.

Label every box with the contents and room it belongs in. This will make finding what you need after the move much easier.

3 weeks in advance

Figure out the details.

When is moving day? What time do you plan on starting? Do you need care for small children? These are all details to figure out before moving day.

Cancel or forward subscriptions.

Contact magazines, newspapers, and any other subscription services to change your address.

2 weeks in advance

Gather information for new owners.

If you are leaving appliances behind, gather all of the owner’s manuals and make a packet of information for the new owners.

Start cleaning.

Depending on how long it has been since you deep cleaned your home, there may be a lot of dust greeting you as you move large items. Dust, vacuum, and polish each room as it is emptied.

1 week in advance

Confirm details with movers.

If you’ve hired a moving company, now is the time to confirm the date, time, and expectations.

Moving Day

Give special instructions.

Provide special instructions to movers or those helping the day of so everybody knows your expectations.

Do a final walk-through.

Do a final walk-through of the property to make sure you don’t forget any belongings and that you are leaving it in great shape for the new owners.