Moving comes with a lot of details. Between packing, changing addresses, arranging utilities, coordinating movers, and getting settled in your new home, it’s easy for something to slip through the cracks. A little organization ahead of time can make the entire process much easier. This guide brings together practical packing tips, a comprehensive moving checklist, and helpful resources to help you stay organized from the first box you pack to the day you finally feel settled.
PACKING LIKE A PRO
Good packing is about more than getting everything into boxes. These simple strategies can save time, protect your belongings, and make unpacking much easier.
- Start packing early. Begin with items you rarely use and work toward everyday essentials as moving day approaches.
- Label everything. Include both the contents and the room where each box belongs so movers can put it in the right place.
- Keep similar items together whenever possible. If you have extra room in a box, use bedding, towels, or pillows as filler rather than creating a box full of unrelated items.
- Use extra pillows, blankets, and towels as padding for fragile belongings.
- Create a staging area. An empty room or garage can provide one place for packed boxes, empty boxes, and moving supplies. A garage is especially convenient because everything is already closer to the moving truck.
- Use stretch or moving wrap to help secure loose items and keep drawers or cabinet doors closed during transportation.
- Use moving blankets anywhere furniture could rub against another object. They can help protect edges, finishes, and surfaces from damage.
- If you are loading a moving truck yourself, use an appropriate loading ramp and follow the equipment’s safety instructions rather than trying to lift heavy items unnecessarily.
- Consider specialty boxes for dishes, televisions, mirrors, and hanging clothes. They can provide better protection and make unpacking easier.
- Use a dolly or hand truck and properly rated moving straps for heavy items. When in doubt, get help rather than risk an injury.
- Load the things you’ll need first at your destination last so they are easy to reach. Pack lighter belongings in larger boxes and keep heavier boxes toward the bottom when stacking.
- For an even more detailed plan, download “The Ultimate Moving Checklist” and check off tasks as you complete them.
BEFORE MOVING OUT
- Purchase the moving supplies you’ll need and make an inventory of your belongings, especially valuable items.
- Begin packing several weeks ahead if possible. The more belongings you have, the earlier you should start. Clearly label each box with its contents and destination room.
- Research a reputable moving company or moving truck rental and reserve it well in advance.
- Arrange any necessary storage space for belongings that won’t immediately fit in your new home.
- Contact utility providers as soon as your moving dates are known. Arrange for service at your current home to be disconnected or transferred at the appropriate time and for essential services at your new home to be available when you arrive. Lead times vary, so check with each provider.
- Arrange care and transportation for children or pets during the busiest parts of moving day if that will make the move easier and safer.
- Create a Homeowner’s Journal containing warranties, paint information, service records, manuals, and other useful details about the property. Consider leaving one for the new owner of your current home and starting another for your new home.
- Submit a “Change of Address” with the United States Postal Service.
- Once everything has been removed, clean your old home as thoroughly as possible or arrange for a professional cleaning service.
WHEN MOVING IN
- Make sure your new home is clean and ready for your arrival, whether you handle the cleaning yourself or hire a professional.
- Take inventory as belongings arrive so you can confirm that everything has been delivered.
- Unpack essentials first, including toiletries, bedding, medications, chargers, basic kitchenware, and anything you’ll need that first night.
- Check belongings for damage that may have occurred during the move and document any problems promptly.
- Locate the circuit breaker panel, main water shutoff, and other important home systems. Familiarize yourself with the heating and cooling equipment and check whether HVAC filters need replacing.
- Try to get at least one room reasonably unpacked and comfortable on the first day. Having one box-free place to sit and relax can make the rest of the unpacking feel much more manageable.
- Consider rekeying or changing exterior door locks and review any existing security system. If you plan to use a locksmith or security provider, arranging the appointment before moving day can simplify the process.
- Moving is tiring. Give yourself permission to stop, eat, rest, and stay hydrated. Everything does not have to be unpacked on day one.
AFTER MOVING IN
- Review 12 Things Every New Homeowner Should Do for additional ideas once you’re settled.
- Explore your new neighborhood and locate the grocery stores, restaurants, parks, medical services, and other amenities you’re likely to use.
- Introduce yourself to your new neighbors when the opportunity arises.
- Update your address with your employer, financial institutions, insurance providers, subscriptions, and other important contacts.
- Update your driver’s license or identification and voter registration as required for your new address.
- Celebrate! Moving is a major undertaking. Take some time to enjoy your new home and recognize everything you just accomplished.
Finally, you can find a complete list of useful moving products and additional ideas in “The Ultimate List of Supplies to Make Moving Easier.” And if you need recommendations for movers, storage options, locksmiths, security providers, or other services related to your move, feel free to ask. I’m always happy to point you in the right direction.