The Ultimate Moving Guide, Checklist, and Supplies

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Many preparations often need to be made when moving from one location to another. There are countless things to keep track of and do, but taking the time now to get organized and document what’s needed will reduce the anxiety of moving and last-minute stressful situations. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive moving worksheet, recommended products, and many helpful tips that will help make your move a more enjoyable experience.

PACKING LIKE A PRO
Before you start, take a few minutes to review these packing tips – they may help save your back and your pocketbook.

  • Start packing early! The earlier you can begin packing, the less you will need to do as moving day approaches.
  • Label everything. It’s so much easier to place boxes in the right rooms and unpack them when you know what’s inside each one.
  • Keep like items together. This should be fairly obvious, but not always possible. If you have extra room in one box, top it off with bedding, towels, or pillows, but try not to mix items together to the point where you don’t know which box something might be located.
  • Use extra pillows, blankets, and towels as padding for fragile items.
  • Create a staging area. An empty room or garage to keep all your boxes, filled or empty, and other moving supplies can help keep you organized. If possible, use the garage so that the items are that much closer to their transportation.
  • Use shrink-wrap. Loose items and drawers or cabinet doors can be kept in place and protected with a few layers of shrink-wrap.
  • Use moving blankets – especially where furniture may rub against another item. The blanket will help protect the edges and surfaces of those pieces from being damaged.
  • Use a loading ramp. If you are loading items yourself into a moving truck or other vehicle, a ramp will eliminate unnecessary strain on knees and ankles.
  • Use special packaging for items like dishes, televisions, and hanging clothes. Not only will it save you time in unpacking, but these boxes are specially designed to protect those items that a regular box or tote can’t.
  • Use a dolly or hand truck along with furniture straps for heavy items. You’ll save some energy along with wear and tear on your body. 
  • Load your most needed items in last so that they are the first to come out. Try to pack lighter items in large boxes, and remember to stack the heavier boxes on the bottom!
  • The following are some points from “The Ultimate Moving Checklist,” which provides a comprehensive list of items you may wish to consider and check off as you complete them.




BEFORE MOVING OUT

  • Purchase moving supplies (see section below) and inventory your belongings – especially valuable items.
  • Start packing your belongings at least a few weeks before the move to avoid a last-minute rush– the more belongings, the earlier you should start. Pack all items carefully, and label each box with the contents and the room where it should go in your new home.
  • Find a reputable moving company or rent a moving truck and book it well in advance.
  • Arrange for any necessary storage space for items that won’t fit in your new home.
  • Call your utility companies (gas, electricity, water, cable, internet, etc.) as soon as you know the address of your new home to notify them of your move and arrange to have your services disconnected or transferred. Even better, contact all of them as soon as you start shopping for a new home to find out how much lead time each one of them requires for service transfers or disconnects. For those utilities not transferring, including water and sewer, contact those providers as soon as you know the address of your new home and arrange for connection at your new home on the closing date.
  • Arrange care and transportation for any children or pets on or around your moving day when things are most hectic.
  • Create a Homeowner’s Journal. This is a binder or folder with warranties, paint samples, service records, and other information related to the home that may be useful for the new homeowners.  Create one for the new owner of your current home as well as one for your new home.
  • Initiate a “Change of Address” with the United States Post Office.
  • Clean your old home, inside and out, after you move out as best you can, or arrange for a professional cleaning service after everything has been removed.

WHEN MOVING IN

  • Make sure your new home is clean and ready for your arrival. Do it yourself or hire a professional cleaning service.
  • Take inventory of your belongings to make sure that everything has been delivered to your new home.
  • Unpack essential items first, such as kitchenware, bedding, and toiletries.
  • Check your belongings for damages that may have occurred during the move and document each one.
  • Familiarize yourself with the new home’s circuit breaker panel as well as the heating and cooling systems. Be sure to change the furnace and HVAC filters.
  • By the end of the first move-in day, have at least one room box free and set up with furniture as your initial serenity room.
  • Change the locks on all doors for security reasons, and set up any necessary home security measures. Ideally, you should contact a locksmith and security systems provider in advance of your move-in. Taking this approach will ensure your peace of mind after your move-in.
  • It will take time to unpack everything, so be sure to take the time to rest and hydrate!

AFTER MOVING IN

  • Review the article 12 Things Every New Homeowner Should Do
  • If you haven’t done so prior to your move-in, get familiar with your new neighborhood and explore local amenities like grocery stores, restaurants, and parks.
  • Introduce yourself to your new neighbors and start building relationships.
  • Update your address with your employer, contacts, and any relevant parties (banks, credit card companies, etc.) to ensure you receive your mail and important documents.
  • Register to vote and get a new driver’s license or ID card if needed.
  • Celebrate! Take some time to celebrate your move and enjoy your new home!

Finally, you may find a complete list of helpful products and additional tips in the article “The Ultimate List of Supplies to Make Moving Easier.” As always, I am here to help you with any advice or recommendations on moving service and security systems providers.