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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!