Moving into a new home is exciting, but it can also be a daunting task if you’re not prepared. With a little prep work, you can make your move-in go smoothly so the couch is ready for that post-move nap before you know it. If you’re getting ready to move, we’ve got your new-home checklist.
Checklist For Moving Into A New Home
It’s a common mistake to limit your moving checklist to moving day. However, there’s a bunch that should be done before you pack the truck.
1. Budget For Moving Costs
According to U.S. News and World Report, the average cost to hire a moving company can vary widely, anywhere between $1,000 – $8,800. This isn’t a small cost. You should set aside money in advance and make sure that you’re ready.
The cost estimate is based on several factors including whether you’re doing a lot of the work yourself or hiring professionals. Many of the moving quotes you can get are based on both the distance of the move and how much stuff you have. If it’s a long-distance move, you could have clothing and certain items shipped to your new home or somewhere nearby ahead of time.
2. Hire A Moving Company
If you decide you would rather hire a moving company than pay your friends in pizza, make sure you understand what they’re going to do for you. A full-service moving company will pack everything up for you.
You can also get special insurance through the moving company sometimes. Moving pots and pans is a different proposition than moving a baby grand piano played by your grandfather. Not only is there insurance, but they will take special precautions with your real valuables.
3. Arrange Transportation
Sometimes arranging transportation is as simple as deciding who goes in what car crammed in with all your worldly possessions. But for longer-distance moves, you may choose to have your vehicles and belongings mostly shipped in advance of your arrival.
If you do that, it’ll be important to arrange transportation to the airport or train station on the day of the move and then have someone there to pick you up upon arrival.
4. Schedule Time Off
Remember to speak to your employer and take time off for your move. If you can, try to take more time than you think you’ll need. This gives you time to not only unpack everything but to actually make the house livable.
5. Take Inventory Of Your Belongings
In each room, document everything that’s being packed away in each box. This will help serve two purposes:
It’ll show the condition of everything at the time it was packed away in case there’s damage in route to your new home. Additionally, if you get personal property protection with your homeowners insurance policy, this will allow you to have evidence of what you own.
6. Safeguard Important Documents
You’ll want to make sure you have important documents safeguarded and maybe even with you while you’re moving. Think about things like Social Security cards, birth certificates and passports. Anything that would require jumping through hoops if you lost them is important to consider in this list.
7. Schedule Your Utility Shut-Off And Start Dates
Once you move, the utilities are in your name, so you want to make sure to notify your new utility provider about your moving in and let your current utility company know when they can shut off service. That way there are no lapses and you’re not paying where you no longer live.
8. Create An Organized Packing System
You want to put everything you have in your home together in a cohesive manner. One helpful way to think about this is if you’re packing up your kitchen, silverware might go in one box while plates go in another. But you might pack items related to specific rooms near each other in the moving truck so that when you go to unload and unpack, it’s easy to find things.
9. Clear Out Unnecessary Items
When you move, it’s a good time to clear out the clutter that’s built up over the years. Do you really need the calendar with your hip surgery date from 2002? If it has utility, sentimental value, or brings you happiness, keep it. Otherwise, you’re probably okay to clear it out.
The one caveat here is that you’ll want to keep your financial documents for a while.
10. Deep Clean The House
You want to make sure you do a deep cleaning and really scrub and vacuum all the surfaces in your house. The new homeowners will appreciate it, but it also has a benefit for you. The moving around of objects you have to do to help accomplish this will ensure that nothing is left behind under that couch that hasn’t been moved in 10 years.
11. Make Any Necessary Repairs Or Updates
If you’re a renter, you’ll need to make any repairs necessary to get your deposit back. If you live in a home right now, there are certain repairs that may need to be made if the appraisal comes back that you have certain health and safety issues that need to be fixed. You’ll have to make those before the home can sell.
Additionally, buyers may have a home inspection done. You’ll have to work on fixing anything you agree to as part of negotiations.
12. Set Aside Must-Haves For Moving Day
You’ll likely have certain must-haves for your moving day. In addition to the traditional phone, keys and wallet check, think about things that are going to make life easier and bring you comfort. Things like snacks and tissues. If you have kids, you’ll want to make sure they have entertainment and access to loved stuffed animals.
