Moving into a new home is an exciting time, but it can also be extremely stressful if you aren’t properly prepared. Here are 7 important things you should do before moving into your new house to make the transition as smooth as possible:
1. Create a Moving Budget
Moving can get expensive, so creating a budget is crucial to keep your costs under control. Make a list of all the expected moving expenses including movers, supplies, change of address fees, new furniture, repairs, etc. Get quotes from moving companies and add a buffer for unexpected costs. Track your spending to avoid going over budget. Having a moving budget keeps you financially organized during this hectic time.
2. Use Up and Donate Unneeded Items
Moving is a great opportunity to declutter your life. Go through every room and storage area in your current home and decide what you actually need and use. If you haven’t worn it in over a year, toss it. Get rid of duplicates and items in poor condition. Sell valuables you no longer want. Donate gently used clothes and household goods to charity. Ask friends if they want any of your unwanted stuff before tossing it. Clearing out clutter before packing makes the move much easier.
3. Deep Clean Your Current House
Moving is the perfect excuse to thoroughly clean your current home. Tackle all those cleaning projects you’ve been putting off like scrubbing walls, washing windows, cleaning out the garage, etc. Hire professional carpet and drapery cleaners if needed. Disinfect all areas of the house to leave it fresh for the next residents. Clean as you pack each room. Return any borrowed, rented, or leased items. A sparkling clean home makes unpacking the new place less overwhelming.
4. Change Your Address
Update your address with the post office, banks, insurance companies, investment firms, and any other businesses you deal with. This prevents important correspondence from getting lost during your move. Fill out change of address forms with the USPS for efficient mail forwarding. Notify service providers like your gas, electric, internet, cable, and trash companies about the move date so service is uninterrupted. Change the address on your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and voter registration.
5. Pack Like a Pro
Packing properly makes a huge difference in how stressful your move will be. Create a master to-do list and timeline for the packing process. Sort items into “essential” and “non-essential” boxes in case you run out of time. Pack one room at a time starting with non-essentials like the garage and attic. Use quality packing materials likebubble wrap and tissue paper to prevent damage. Label boxes by room and contents. Keep a “moving day box” with essentials like toilet paper, tools, snacks, and cleaning supplies separate. Ask friends to help pack the day before the move. Careful packing prevents the headache of damaged and lost items.
6. Hire Reputable Movers
Moving your stuff yourself can be exhausting. Professional movers are experts at safely and efficiently getting your belongings to your new home. Research and get estimates from at least 3 highly reviewed local moving companies. Ask about their licensing, insurance, experience, and process. Be wary of movers with super low prices as they may not be licensed or insured. Make sure the mover’s insurance covers the replacement value of your stuff. Schedule at least 2 months in advance for the best rates and availability. Tip generously! Reputable movers are worth the money for reduced stress.
7. Snag Utilities and Services
Contact utility companies like power, water, gas, and internet to have them switched over to your name starting on your move-in date. Schedule transfer of services like security monitoring, lawn care, pool cleaning, newspaper delivery, etc. Identify new providers if your current ones don’t service the new area. Research plans and rates and find the best deals. Installing utilities early and uninterrupted utilities keeps things running smoothly when you first move in. Some services may require deposits or installation appointments.
Moving into a new home marks an exciting new chapter in life. However, improper planning and preparation can quickly lead to frustration, arguments, damages, and lost items. Following this comprehensive 7 step checklist ensures your move is organized, efficient, and stress-free. What techniques have you used to simplify moving into a new home? Let us know in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving Into a New House
Moving into a new house can be an exciting yet stressful time. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about what to do before moving into a new home:
How early should I start packing before moving day?
It’s recommended to start packing at least 2 months in advance of your moving day. This gives you plenty of time to pack slowly and carefully without having to rush. Start by packing non-essential items like seasonal decor first, then move room-by-room through the house as it gets closer to moving day.
What’s the best way to transport plants when moving?
Protect delicate plants by first pruning them back and removing any dead leaves/flowers. Place small plants in boxes and fill in the gaps with packing paper or bubble wrap to keep them secure. For larger plants, place a plastic bag over the roots and soil then wrap in burlap or moving blankets. Transport houseplants in a temperature controlled environment.
Should I hire professionals to deep clean my old home before I move out?
Yes, hiring professional cleaners is highly recommended to thoroughly clean your entire home before moving out. Tell them you are moving so they can perform deep cleaning tasks like carpet/drapery steaming, tile/grout scrubbing, dusting ceiling fans, etc. This ensures you get back your full security deposit.
How do I transfer my utilities and services to the new address?
Call your utility companies and service providers at least 1 month prior to moving to let them know your move date and new address. Schedule them to turn off service at your old home and transfer/start service at your new home seamlessly on move day.
What’s the most cost effective way to move large furniture?
Renting a moving truck and moving large items yourself can save substantially on moving costs. Use thick blankets and a hand truck to safely load large furniture like couches, mattresses, and tables into the truck. Make sure to securely tie down all furniture and appliances to prevent damage during transit.
How should I organize my moving boxes?
Use a colored label system like red for kitchen, blue for bedrooms, green for family room, etc. Write the room name and brief contents description on all sides of the box. Number boxes 1/15, 2/15 etc. so you know if a box is missing. Keep a list detailing contents of each box number. Store boxes by room for easier unpacking.
Who should I notify about my upcoming move?
Make sure to notify the post office, banks, creditors, magazine subscriptions, and any other services of your new address at least 1 month before moving. This ensures your mail gets forwarded promptly and services transition smoothly after your move.
Moving into a new home can be chaotic, but proper preparation and planning will ensure your move is organized, stress-free, and financially under control. What are your best tips for simplifying a move? Let us know below!
Conclusion
Moving into a new home is an opportunity for excitement and positive change. However, insufficient planning and lack of preparation can turn your move into a stressful nightmare. By following this comprehensive 7 step checklist, you can tackle all key tasks well in advance so that your move goes smoothly.
Taking the time to declutter, thoroughly clean, and methodically organize will help make unpacking your new place a breeze. Carefully packing possessions, hiring reputable movers, and promptly transferring utilities reduces chaos on moving day. And sticking to a realistic moving budget prevents financial headaches.
While moving requires significant effort, our tips will ensure your new home gets set up quickly so you can comfortably settle in and enjoy this major life transition. With strategic preparation and planning, your move will be organized, efficient, and relatively stress-free. The sense of accomplishment from properly setting up your new home makes all the hard work worthwhile.
Does this article help prepare you for an upcoming move? What other moving tips have we missed? Let us know in the comments section below!
