Moving Guide for Your New Home

Congratulations on your new home! To help you make a stress-free move, we've put together this step-by-step guide with helpful tips and reminders.

1. Pre-Move Preparations (4–6 Weeks Before Moving)

Declutter and Organize

• Sort through your belongings and decide what to keep, sell, donate, or recycle. Start with storage areas like the basement and attic.

Research Moving Options

• Choose between a DIY move or a professional moving company. If hiring movers, get quotes from at least three companies, check their reviews, and book early.

Gather Supplies

• Get moving boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, markers, and other packing materials. Many stores or community groups offer free boxes.

Create a Moving Binder

• Keep all moving-related documents in one place. Include estimates, receipts, moving checklists, and a list of items to remember.

Transfer Utilities and Services

• Schedule the transfer of utilities to your new home, including electricity, gas, water, internet, and trash service.

2. Packing Tips (3–4 Weeks Before Moving)

Start with Non-Essentials

• Begin packing items you won't need immediately, like seasonal clothes, books, and decor.

Label Everything

• Label boxes with their contents and the room they belong to. Consider color-coding boxes by room to make unpacking easier.

Take Photos of Electronics

• Before disconnecting electronics, take photos of cable connections to make reassembly faster in your new home.

Prepare a Moving Essentials Box

• Pack a box with essentials like toiletries, chargers, medications, snacks, cleaning supplies, and a first-aid kit. Keep this with you for easy access.

3. Moving Day Preparations (1–2 Weeks Before Moving)

Confirm Arrangements

• Confirm all moving details with the moving company or rental truck service. Verify addresses, arrival times, and any extra fees.

Update Your Address

• Notify your bank, insurance companies, postal service, subscriptions, and any important contacts of your new address.

Disassemble Furniture

• Take apart larger furniture pieces to make moving easier. Place screws and small parts in labeled bags and tape them to the furniture.

Clean Your New Home

• If possible, clean your new home before moving in, or arrange for professional cleaning to save time on moving day.

4. Moving Day Tips

Do a Final Walkthrough

• Before leaving, do a final check of your old home to make sure nothing is left behind. Don't forget closets, cabinets, and the attic.

Supervise the Loading Process

• Make sure all boxes are loaded carefully and labeled properly. Check items off an inventory list as they go.

Set Up a Kids'/Pets' Area

• If you have kids or pets, create a designated area to keep them occupied and safe during the move.

Keep Important Documents and Valuables with You

• Carry items like passports, jewelry, contracts, and any high-value items with you rather than packing them in the moving truck.

5. Settling In (After Moving)

Inspect Your Belongings

• Check that everything made it to your new home safely. Report any damage to the moving company immediately if applicable.

Unpack Essentials First

• Start by unpacking your essentials box, then set up key areas like the bathroom, kitchen, and bedrooms.

Explore and Meet the Neighbors

• Take a walk around your new neighborhood, introduce yourself to neighbors, and get a feel for the community.

Change the Locks

• For added security, consider changing the locks on all exterior doors of your new home.

Test Smoke and CO2 Detectors

• Ensure that all safety detectors are functioning, and replace batteries if needed.

Organize Important Home Information

• Collect information about your new home, like appliance manuals, warranties, and contact details for local services.

Local Service Recommendations

For an even easier transition, here are some recommended services in your area:

• Utility Companies
• Local Moving Supplies Store
• Handyman
• Cleaning Service

We hope this guide makes your move smooth and enjoyable. Here's to new beginnings in your beautiful new home!