Moving Checklist for an October Move in West Salem
- Thomas Poole

- 14 minutes ago
- 5 min read
Planning an October move in West Salem can feel like a lot, but we're here to help break it down. We've put together a simple october move checklist to guide you through the process. Our aim is to make this transition as smooth as possible for everyone involved. Let's get started on making this move a success.
Key Takeaways
Confirm all details with your chosen moving company well in advance. This includes dates, times, and any special requests.
Gather all necessary packing supplies early. Having boxes, tape, and padding ready will save time and stress.
Arrange for utility services to be transferred or set up at your new address before moving day. Also, pack a separate box with items you'll need immediately upon arrival.
Preparing For Your October Move Checklist
As we get ready for our move this October here in West Salem, there are a couple of big things we need to sort out first. Getting these done early makes the whole process much smoother.
Finalize Moving Company Arrangements
This is a big one. We need to make sure our moving company is booked and confirmed. It's October, and it can get busy with people moving before the holidays or the weather changing. We should have already gotten a few quotes and compared them. Now, it's time to lock in our choice.
Confirm the exact date and time with the movers.
Review the contract carefully. Understand what's included, like packing, loading, unloading, and any insurance.
Discuss any special items we have, like large furniture or fragile heirlooms, to make sure they know how to handle them.
Get a final price estimate and understand how payment works.
It's always a good idea to have a backup plan, just in case something unexpected comes up with the moving company. Maybe a friend with a truck or a rental option.
Gather Packing Supplies
We can't pack anything without the right stuff. Starting early means we won't be scrambling at the last minute. We'll need a good amount of boxes, tape, markers, and padding.
Here's a quick list of what we should be looking for:
Moving Boxes: Various sizes are best. Don't forget smaller ones for heavy items like books and larger ones for lighter things like linens.
Packing Tape: Get strong, wide tape. You'll use more than you think.
Markers: For labeling boxes clearly. We need to know what's inside and which room it belongs in.
Bubble Wrap or Packing Paper: To protect fragile items. Old newspapers work in a pinch, but proper packing paper is better.
Furniture Pads/Blankets: If we're moving furniture ourselves or want extra protection.
We can often find these at office supply stores, moving companies, or even online. Sometimes, people give away used boxes, which is a great way to save money and be a bit greener.
Executing Your October Move Checklist
Now that we've gotten the initial planning out of the way, it's time to focus on the actual execution of our move. This phase is all about making sure the practical details are handled smoothly, especially with October weather potentially throwing us a curveball. We want to make sure our transition into our new West Salem home is as easy as possible.
Confirm Utility Transfers
This is a big one. We absolutely need to make sure our utilities are set up at the new place and disconnected at the old one. Missing this step can lead to a very uncomfortable first night in your new home. We should aim to schedule these transfers a week or two before the actual moving day. It’s good to have a list of all the utility companies we deal with.
Here’s a quick list of common utilities to consider:
Electricity
Gas
Water/Sewer
Internet/Cable
Trash/Recycling
We should call each company directly or use their online portals to schedule the service changes. It’s wise to get confirmation numbers for all these arrangements.
Pack an Essentials Box
This box is our best friend for the first 24-48 hours in the new place. Think of it as a mini survival kit. We don't want to be digging through dozens of boxes looking for toothpaste or a clean pair of socks. This box should contain items we'll need right away. We should label this box clearly, maybe in bright tape, so it's the last thing loaded onto the truck and the first thing brought into the new house.
What should go in this critical box?
Toiletries: Toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, toilet paper.
Medications: Any prescriptions or over-the-counter meds we might need.
A change of clothes for everyone.
Basic tools: A screwdriver, pliers, maybe a hammer for quick fixes.
Phone chargers.
Important documents: Leases, moving contracts, identification.
Snacks and water bottles.
Pet supplies if applicable.
Keeping an essentials box separate makes a huge difference. It saves us from that frantic search when we're tired and just want to settle in. We should pack it last and unpack it first.
By taking care of these tasks, we're setting ourselves up for a much less stressful moving experience. It’s all about being prepared and thinking ahead, especially when moving in October.
Wrapping Up Your October Move
Well, we've made it to the end of our checklist for moving in West Salem this October. It might seem like a lot, but taking it step by step makes it manageable. Remember to give yourself grace; moving is a big task, and things don't always go perfectly. We hope these tips help make your transition smoother as you settle into your new place. Enjoy your new home and the crisp autumn air here in West Salem!
Frequently Asked Questions
When should we book our moving company for an October move?
To get the best choice of movers and possibly better rates, we recommend booking your moving company at least 6 to 8 weeks before your move date. October can be a busy month for moving, so acting early is a smart move.
What are the most important things to pack in our essentials box?
Your essentials box should contain items you'll need right away when you get to your new place. Think toiletries, a change of clothes for everyone, important medications, phone chargers, basic tools, and snacks. It's also wise to include any important documents you might need quick access to, like lease agreements or moving contracts.
How do we make sure our utilities are set up in our new West Salem home?
We should contact our current utility providers (electricity, gas, water, internet) about 2 to 3 weeks before the move to schedule a disconnection at our old address and a connection at the new one. It's also a good idea to confirm the start date with the new providers a few days before moving day to avoid any surprises.

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