Moving as an artist or creator? Here’s your pre-move checklist.
Moving is stressful. Even for the hyper organized with the best intentions, there’s always one or two things that slip through the cracks.
But for artists or creators moving cross-town or across the country, there’s a whole other level of complexity. Expensive equipment, fragile gear, studio spaces, months of content schedules…
One small mistake and you could lose days (if not weeks) of productivity and income.
Fortunately, there’s a solution. A detailed moving checklist.
With the right preparation, artists and creators can make their move seamlessly. And the best part? It won’t cost a dime to prepare.
What you’ll pick up:
- Why Moving is Different For Artists and Creators
- The Free Moving Checklist Every Artist & Creator Needs
- How To Get Free Moving Quotes Online
- How To Protect Your Equipment & Content Calendar
Don’t forget to bookmark this guide for later.
Why Moving is Different For Artists and Creators
The average person packs up some boxes, calls a mover and calls it good.
Artists and creators have to think about way more than that. Camera equipment, lighting kits, audio gear, musical instruments, computers, editing stations…. let’s not even mention all of the content that has to stay on schedule.
Not only does all of this “stuff” have to safely get to the new location, but productivity can’t skip a beat either.
With over 207 million content creators worldwide it’s safe to say many fall into this category. Content is the business. And like any small business, keeping it running during a move is critical.
The problem…
Most moving checklists don’t cover enough detail for artists and creators.
That’s where this guide comes in.
The Free Moving Checklist Every Artist & Creator Needs
This free moving checklist is designed specifically with artists and creators in mind. By moving slowly and covering each box below, the move will be stress-free and cost-effective.
Research Free Moving Quotes Online ASAP
The first thing to do when planning a move? Secure moving quotes. Don’t wait. The longer the wait, the less availability there will be (especially during peak season) and the higher costs will be.
Request free moving quotes online from multiple companies 6-8 weeks before the move. Compare pricing, services and insurance in-hand. If moving locally (or to) Los Angeles, be sure to partner with affordable Los Angeles moving companies who have experience handling high-value items and equipment.
Double check that the quote includes insurance coverage for special items such as monitors, musical instruments and studio equipment.
Photograph & Video Everything
This cannot be stressed enough.
Before unplugging any equipment, take extensive photos and videos of the current setup. Include every angle of the studio, different shelving units and every wire.
Yes, every wire.
It’s a game changer when trying to recreate the setup. Taking these photos will cut setup time by 90%.
Be sure to photo:
- Cable management behind desks, shelves, speakers etc
- Monitor and light positioning
- Audio treatment on walls
- Desk/workstation setup
Backup EVERYTHING
Backup every digital file. Again, this cannot be overstated. If something were to happen to a computer or hard drives during transit, there’s peace of mind knowing everything is backed up onsite and offsite.
Use two backup methods:
- Cloud Backup (Google Drive, iCloud, DropBox)
- External Hard Drive that does not travel with the equipment
Pad Your Content Schedule
Creators are geniuses when it comes to producing content, but sometimes moving schedules can throw a wrench in the best intentions.
Pad the content schedule at least 2-4 weeks prior to moving. This means scheduling anything that will be posted on social media, content newsletters and client work.
Nobody knows how long it’ll take to get the next studio up-and-running. Padding the content schedule at least two weeks out buys the extra time needed and keeps the audience engaged.
Inventory Every Piece of Equipment
This step is often overlooked but it’s worth doing. A detailed list of everything being moved makes a massive difference.
Why? If the equipment is insured (and it definitely should be) serial numbers, estimated values and “before” condition photos will all be needed.
This inventory list also helps determine what to personally transport and what the movers can safely transport.
Tip: Cameras, laptops, external hard drives and anything else that is high-value or can’t be replaced should always remain with the creator on moving day.
Tell Your Clients About the Move
Again, clients need to know as soon as possible. Send a quick email 4-6 weeks out notifying them of the moving dates and availability windows.
This doesn’t just apply to clients, but other brands and collaborators too.
It’s better for everyone to know what’s going on instead of suddenly not hearing back for weeks.
Look Into the New Space
Moving to a new area? If so, look into the new space beforehand. How fast is the internet? Is it loud? What’s the lighting like? These are all things worth considering before the next studio space gets set up.
Because it’s easy to overlook details like this when rushing to find a new space.
Plan For Moving Day
Moving is unpredictable. And while most people think everything will run smoothly on a moving day, it rarely does.
Recent survey data showed that approximately 78% of movers experience additional costs they didn’t plan for.
As artists and creators, this risk can be minimized by following these tips for moving day.
- Keep a carry-on bag at all times. This should include: laptop, chargers, phone chargers, nice clothes, etc.
- Label all boxes with camera equipment, monitors etc. as “HANDLE WITH CARE”
- Do not let the movers pack up anything that would be devastating to lose. Personally pack these items.
- Have those studio setup photos saved on a phone. They’ll be needed!
Sounds easy enough, right?
Wrapping It Up
Moving as an artist or creator is daunting, but with the right mindset and preparation it can be one of the easiest moves to make.
Taking the time to follow this free moving checklist will save a ton of stress, moving costs and headache.
Don’t wing the move. Plan it out. Cover every detail. And most importantly… protect the equipment and keep that content flowing!
