The Ultimate Moving Checklist provides you with a step-by-step guide to everything you need to know before, during, and after your move. From setting up your new home to getting settled in, we’ve got you covered.
The Ultimate Moving Checklist!
Moving can be a stressful and overwhelming process, but with the right planning and preparation, it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, a thorough moving checklist can help ensure that everything goes smoothly.
BEFORE YOU MOVE
We’ll help you get organized and prepared for your big move. We’ll cover important things like starting your search for a new home early, determining your budget, and gathering all the moving supplies you’ll need. We’ll also help you create a timeline to keep you on track and organized throughout the process.
Start the search early
Begin your search as far in advance as you can to give yourself plenty of time to find the right place and secure it before your move-in date.
- Determine your budget: Before you start looking for a new place, make sure you know what you can afford. This will help narrow down your options and ensure you’re not wasting your time looking at places that are out of your price range.
- Create a moving timeline: Determine when you’ll need to start packing when you’ll need to turn off utilities at your old place, and when you’ll need to turn them on at your new place. This will help you stay organized and on track throughout the moving process.
- Hire a reputable moving company: If you’re hiring professional movers, be sure to do your research and choose a reputable company. Get estimates from multiple companies and read reviews before deciding.
Setting Up Your New Home
- Set up / transfer your utilities: Set up your utilities, including electricity, gas, water, and internet, before you move in
- Change your address: Update your address with the post office, your bank, and any other institutions or organizations that need to know your new address.
- Update Your Driver’s License
- Update Your Voters Registration
- Forward Your Mail (U.S. Postal Service)
- Make necessary home repairs: Take care of any necessary home repairs or renovations before you move in. This will save you time and hassle once you’re settled in your new home.
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Packing and Preparing for the Move
- Buy packing supplies: Such as moving boxes, packing tape, etc.
- Create a packing plan: Make a list of everything you need to pack and start packing as early as possible. Consider creating a packing schedule to help you stay on track.
- Determine what to take and what to leave behind: Decide what you want to take with you and what you can leave behind. Consider selling or donating items you no longer need or use.
- Label your boxes: Clearly label your boxes with their contents and the room they belong in. This will make it easier to unpack and get settled in your new home.
1 WEEK – Before You Move
☐ Keep zip lock bags handy to hold any disassembled furniture parts
☐ Stop buying groceries or donate non-expired perishables to your local food bank
☐ Pack a “necessities bag” to keep the items you will need first (toiletries, chargers, a small tool kit, and some cleaning supplies.)
☐ Pack a “personal suitcase” with the things that you need easy access to. (Medications, change of clothes, snacks, and water)
☐ Transport valuable items yourself
☐ Re-confirm your reservations/appointments (movers, rentals, hotels, sitters, etc.)
🛒 MOVING & PACKING SUPPLIES (Here)
24HRS – Before You Move
☐ Clean your fridge, then leave it to defrost and dry
☐ Drain gasoline and other fluids from lawnmowers, generators, snowblowers, etc., and other machinery and tighten all gas caps
☐ Be fully packed BEFORE the moving day
WHAT TO DO DURING YOUR MOVE?
In this section, we’ll focus on the actual process of moving. We’ll cover things like packing your belongings carefully, hiring a reputable moving company, coordinating with your new landlord, and taking care of yourself during the physically and emotionally exhausting process.
Loading the Moving Truck
- Pack heavier items in smaller boxes: Pack heavier items in smaller boxes to make them easier to carry and to prevent the boxes from becoming too heavy to lift.
- Pack fragile items carefully: Use bubble wrap or other protective materials to ensure that your fragile items don’t break during the move.
- Load the truck carefully: Be sure to distribute the weight of your boxes and furniture evenly throughout the truck to prevent it from tipping or becoming unbalanced.
Transporting Your Belongings
- Protect your furniture: Use blankets or other protective materials to cover your furniture during the move to prevent it from getting scratched or damaged.
- Secure your belongings: Make sure that all your boxes and furniture are securely fastened in the truck to prevent them from shifting or falling during the move.
- Drive carefully: Take your time and drive carefully to ensure the safety of your belongings and those around you.
MOVING DAY TIPS
☐ Place Boxes Near the Front Entrance or garage for quick loading
☐ After the truck is loaded do a final walkthrough to check all rooms, closets, and cabinets for any missed items
☐ Don’t forget to check if all water lines are shut off, light switches are set to off, windows are closed and locked
☐ Take photos of your new home before you move anything in.
AFTER YOU MOVE IN
In this final section, we’ll help you get settled into your new home. We’ll cover things like unpacking as soon as possible, setting up utilities, forwarding your mail, and exploring your new neighborhood. We want to make sure you feel at home in your new surroundings as quickly as possible, so we’ll offer tips and advice for making the transition as smooth as possible.
Unloading and Unpacking
- Unload the truck carefully: Just as you loaded the truck carefully, be sure to unload it carefully as well. This will prevent any accidents or injuries.
- Unpack room by room: Focus on one room at a time and unpack your boxes in an orderly manner. This will make it easier to find things and get settled in your new home.
- Set up your new home: As you unpack, take the time to set up your new home and make it feel like yours. Hang up pictures, put away your belongings, and make your new space feel comfortable and welcoming.
Get to Know Your New Neighborhood
- Explore your new neighborhood: Take the time to walk around your new neighborhood and get to know the area. Find out where the nearest grocery store, gas station, and other important places are located.
- Meet your neighbors: Introduce yourself to your new neighbors and try to get to know them. This will help you feel more connected to your new community.
- Join local groups and organizations: Look for local groups or organizations that align with your interests and join them. This is a great way to meet new people and get involved in your new community.
Adjusting to Your New Home
- Take your time: Moving can be overwhelming, so take your time and allow yourself to adjust to your new home at your own pace.
- Seek support: If you’re feeling overwhelmed or homesick, don’t be afraid to reach out to friends and family for support. It’s normal to feel a sense of loss after moving and talking about your feelings can help you cope.
- Get involved: Find ways to get involved in your new community, whether it’s through volunteering, joining a club or group, or participating in local events. This will help you feel more connected to your new home.
PACKING CHECKLIST
☐ Pack for the new house, not the old one.
☐ Donate usable items (Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, or Goodwill)
☐ Take Down and pack all pictures and wall décor. Use soap to fill in nail holes
☐ Pack clothes directly on hangers
☐ Take pics of electronics so you can remember how and where the wires go
☐ Label Your Boxes with their content and destination. Write FRAGILE (where needed)
☐ Pack dishes vertically, they’ll be less likely to break
☐ Cover liquids with plastic wrap
Moving doesn’t have to be stressful. With careful planning and preparation, you can make your move a smooth and successful one. Follow these tips and use this moving checklist as a guide to ensure that everything goes smoothly before, during, and after your move.
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