Moving Into A New Home Checklist

Moving Into A New Home Checklist

This may sound very old school, but a moving binder where you list all that you need on the weeks leading to the move can help you stay on top of things. You don’t need to have a literal binder or notebook, per se. If you’re the techy type, a dedicated planner or calendar on your mobile phone will be enough to keep you organized.

Moving day needn’t be a headache. This checklist and timeline will help ease the stress of moving to a new home.

Two Months Before Moving Day

Find a Moving Company

Whether moving day turns out to be a pleasant experience or a disaster for you and your family depends on how reliable (or not) your movers are, so make sure to pick the right local moving company for the job.

There may be plenty of moving companies offering a bargain deal, but don’t base your choice solely on how much cheaper it’s going to cost you. Do your research. Ask some of your friends and family for recommendations. Be careful about accepting moving quotes over the phone — request for an on-site visit and a written estimate from the movers.

Declutter and start packing preparations

You should have started decluttering and preparing for the move already, but in case you haven’t yet, now is the best time to begin. Get rid of the things you don’t need or rarely use. Donate some of your stuff to charity, organize a garage sale, or sell them on an online marketplace — the less you take with you, the smoother your move will be.

Also, start stacking or ordering packing boxes. You’ll want some double-walled ones for your more fragile and valuable possessions. You can also ask your friends, relatives, or even the grocery store around the corner if they have some extra boxes lying around to cut expenses on moving supplies.

One Month Before Moving Day

Begin packing

When packing your stuff, start with the items you don’t use too often or won’t need anytime soon. If you’re moving in the summer, for example, pack your winter clothes first.

As you pack, make sure to separate your valuables and, if possible, move them on your own.  Take jewelry, heirlooms, and important documents on the car with you on moving day. Also, make a detailed list of your more precious possessions and consider getting additional insurance for these items.

Explore your new neighborhood

Get to know your new community – or at least identify hospitals, gas stations, and grocery stores nearby your new place. You’ll want to list down the contact numbers of the fire and police departments, too, just in case.

If you have school-age kids, you should have already arranged their transfer to a new school in the area at this time.

Weeks Before Moving Day

Update home and billing address

Don’t forget to redirect your mail and update your billing address a few weeks before moving. Get in touch with your bank, your credit card provider, and your insurance companies and inform them of your new home address. If you have existing subscriptions, update your billing address with them too.

Clean and get to know your new home

The previous homeowners may have already deep cleaned the house before moving out, but it’s better to clean and sanitize the place again and, maybe, change the locks for safety.

While preparing the place for the move, you should also take the time to familiarize yourself with your new house and study its layout. Also, locate critical utility controls, such as the circuit breaker box, the main water valve, etc. If you have trouble finding them, consult your house’s blueprint.

The Day Before The Move

Pack an overnight bag

Be sure to pack important documents and other essentials in a box or hand carry bag to take with you on moving day. You’ll want quick access to your passport, mobile phone charger, medicine, and other things you use on the daily.

When packing an overnight bag, pack as if you’re packing for a long-weekend vacation. This way, you won’t feel the need unpack as soon as you settle in to find the things you need.

Double-check

It’s easy to forget or overlook things during this roller coaster ride of packing-and-preparing for moving day – it pays to double, even triple-check. Make sure that everything is accounted for, so you’re all set for the big day tomorrow.