Moving Binder for People Relocating and Car Shipping Across the Country

December 29, 2022Fun Facts and Lists
Julie Grace

Originally from The Golden City, Julie has explored the ins and outs of moving and has written all the tips down.

Relocating is a big undertaking – not only do you have to figure out all the details of your move and pack up every single one of your possessions, but you also need to plan out how you’re going to get everything to a new destination safely. Having a moving binder will help you stay organized and updated on every task of the move. So, let’s check how to make it.

What Is a Moving Binder?

A moving binder is an invaluable tool when relocating to another state. It allows you to keep all checklists, important documents, and information together in one place, so you know where everything is when you need it. Plus, if you have multiple people helping with the move – family members or professional movers – everyone will be on the same page regarding what needs to be done.

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Why Having It Will Ensure a Successful Move?

If you’re relocating across the country, especially if it’s for the first time, there are a lot of details to keep track of. From finding a new home to packing up your old one and storing items that can’t fit in your car, it can be overwhelming. One way to stay organized during the whole process is to use a moving binder. It surely can make your move stress-free.

A woman doing inventory
Having additional tools that make things easier is always welcomed when relocating

What Should Go in Your Binder?

Now that you know how this kind of binder can help you move efficiently, let’s check what it should include:

Important contacts

Include phone numbers and addresses for family members, friends, and acquaintances that may help out during the move, as well as contact information for any professionals (movers, real estate agents) that may be involved in the process.

Packing list

This is a comprehensive list of items that need to be packed and moved from one location to another. Having it will help ensure nothing gets left behind or forgotten about during the move.

Car shipping info

If you’re experiencing too much driving stress, you probably should leave this job to professionals. But it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t include any car shipping information in your binder as well. This includes estimated pick-up dates/times for any cars being shipped as well as contact information for the USA auto transport company that is taking care of them.

House closing info

Include all relevant house closing paperwork, such as purchase agreements and legal documents, in case they need to be referenced while packing up or unpacking at your new home.

Unpacking list

Once everything has arrived at your new home, refer back to this section of the binder, which contains a list of items that should have been brought over from your old home (for example, furniture pieces). This allows you to quickly check off each item and effortlessly unpack after the move.

Organize and Prioritize Your Tasks

One of the most important interstate relocation tips is to organize and prioritize your tasks. Making a list of all the tasks you need to complete before, during, and after your move can help you stay organized and on top of things. Prioritizing these tasks according to importance will also help make sure that nothing gets forgotten or overlooked. Some tasks to consider include:

  • Finding a place to live,
  • Researching the area you’re moving to,
  • Registering your car and getting a new license plates/driver’s license,
  • Transferring utilities like electricity and internet,
  • Hiring professional movers and door-to-door auto transport and terminal-to-terminal car shipping company,
  • Registering to vote in the new state
  • Setting up mail forwarding,
  • Notifying friends, family, and employers of your move,
  • Packing and decluttering,
  • Updating addresses on all important documents like bank statements and tax returns.

Organizing and prioritizing these tasks can help ensure that you get everything done in a timely manner. It can also help reduce stress and make your move more enjoyable overall.

Worried woman looking at laptop at desk
If you wish to avoid stress, create your own moving binder organizer

Make the Inventory of the Current Place

Having an accurate inventory of the furnishings and items in your current place is essential for making a successful move. When relocating, items stored in closets or drawers can be easily forgotten during packing. Taking the time to make an inventory before the move will help ensure that all of your possessions arrive safely at your new location.

Start by walking around your current place and making a list of all the furniture, large items, and other possessions you currently own. Be sure to include anything that is being moved with you to the new location or left behind for donation or disposal. If possible, take note of any valuables as well as any items that are being sold or given away. Check out some other to-do lists you might want to keep.

Keep a Room-By-Room Checklist

Having a room-by-room checklist will help you keep track of all the items that need to be moved. But, if you want to be efficient, it’s best to start with the big items – create a list of all the larger items in each room, such as furniture and electronic devices. Then proceed with a list of smaller items, such as books, clothing, decorations, and kitchenware. With a detailed checklist, you can be sure nothing is left behind.

Create a Packing Materials Shopping List

Before you begin shopping for packaging supplies, you should have a general idea of the items you will be packing and transporting. You risk buying the wrong stuff, not having enough of it, or buying the wrong amount if you don’t have a list to follow. That’s why the best way to ensure your move goes smoothly and without incident is to hire experienced long-distance movers.

Ensure There’s a List of Things You Shouldn’t Pack

Most people know the basics of what to pack when changing homes, but it’s just as important to consider what not to bring. In fact, although reputable relocation crews provide top-notch moving services and provide secure auto transport from state to state (whether it’s an enclosed auto transport or you prefer an open trailer option), you need to know there are some things movers won’t move.

That’s how you should leave behind all the perishable food. This includes anything that would go bad quickly, such as dairy products, fresh produce, and frozen items. Next are hazardous materials such as paint, bleach, oil, and other liquids that could be dangerous to transport. If you have any of these items in your home, it’s best to dispose of them properly before leaving the house.

Perishable food packed in glass jars
Don't pack perishable food and hazardous materials for the move

Take Time to Organize Important Inventory

Once you’ve identified what items to transport, it’s important to ensure that everything is properly organized for the big move. This involves taking the time to create an inventory of all items you’re planning on transporting and making sure that any valuable and fragile items are packed safely.

Pro relocation tip: keep your valuables with you during the move, especially if considering shipping cars in the USA.

If possible, break large furniture into small pieces or disassemble them to make them easier to transport. Furthermore, consider labeling each box with its contents and the room it belongs in once you arrive at your destination. This will save you a lot of time when unpacking and organizing everything post-move.

Enclosed Auto Transport

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Open Carrier Auto Transport

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Include Your Essentials Here

It is important to make a list of essentials when relocating long distances. When you are relocating far away, the last thing you want is to be without everything essential for your new home. Here is a list of items that you should consider packing:

  • Basic kitchen supplies – plates, glasses, pans, utensils.
  • Clothing items – enough for all seasons, including coats and shoes.
  • Bedroom items – sheets, blankets, pillows, mattress cover, comforter, or duvet set.
  • Bathroom supplies – toiletries, towels, shower curtains, and bath mats.
  • Electronics – laptop, television, and any other electronics you need.
  • Documents – birth certificate, driver’s license, passport, etc.
  • Pet supplies – food, toys, leashes, and other items necessary for relocation with your pets.
  • First aid kit – band-aids, medicines, antiseptic cream, and any other items you may need in case of an emergency.

Create Plans for Your New Home

When it comes to planning for a new home, the most important thing is to stay organized. Before you move in, create a moving binder that includes all the information about your new home. You can use it to keep track of tasks and budgets related to decorating and buying furniture.

Start by listing out all of the rooms in your home, then jot down what needs to be done for each one. Determine whether you can do the work yourself or need to hire a professional. Make sure to include materials and estimated costs in your budgeting plans.

Create a timeline for tasks related to moving in. List the dates by which you need to buy furniture or appliances, paint walls, hang curtains, and so on. This will help you stay organized and work towards your goal of settling into the new home.

A girl sitting on the floor amid boxes
Make sure you have plans for your new place as well

A New Apartment Checklist Will Ensure Nothing’s Forgotten

If you’re relocating to a new apartment, making sure that nothing is forgotten can be a daunting task. To make the move easier, creating a detailed checklist before packing is essential. Your checklist should include all of your belongings so that you don’t end up missing something once you move in.

Start by making a list of all large furniture items, such as couches and beds, and then add smaller items, like lamps and end tables. Don’t forget to include any electronics or appliances you plan on taking with you. Once the items are listed, start preparing your new home for the move-in. This, of course, includes apartment cleaning, so be sure to check out the video below for some super-efficient tips that will help you create your own cleaning routine.

YouTube video

Moving Organization Binder Printables Are a Must if You Want a Stress-Free Move

Relocating across the country doesn’t have to be stressful. With careful planning and preparation – like using a moving binder – you can make sure everything goes smoothly throughout the entire process. From contacting movers and booking car shipping services ahead of time to organizing packing lists for both homes before departure day arrives, having all important info compiled into one place will help alleviate stress significantly. This will allow you to focus more on enjoying your new adventure.

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