Checklist of Things to Do When Moving

Checklist of Things to Do When Moving

Publish Date May 17, 2023 6 Minute Read

Are you preparing to move? You’ve come to the right place. There are so many things to account for and things to do when moving. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of our top tips and tricks to help keep you organized and stress-free.

Prepare for Moving Day

One of the easiest things to help make moving day less of a mess is making a checklist or moving timeline. This will help set you up for success and keep you on track.

Your checklist should include:

  • Shutting off or transferring services like water, gas, electricity and trash collection.
  • Updating your mailing address.
  • Ordering packing materials.

Your checklist can include any task or item that you don’t want to forget about. Then, as you complete an item, you can cross it off the list and move on to the next.

Set Your Budget

Moving isn’t the easiest or cheapest task, but setting a budget can help you save money and stay on track. Creating a budget will also help determine the moving services you can afford, or let you know if you need to do some of the heavy lifting on your own. At the end of the day, setting a budget can help ensure that your move won’t cost you more than you can afford.

Hire a Mover or Plan a DIY Move

Once you have a solid number in mind for your budget, you can decide whether you’re able to, or want to, hire professional movers. If you’re looking for help from a moving company, do your research. Check online for reviews of the top moving companies. You can also reach out to friends and family to see if they have any referrals. Don’t just settle for the first company you come across. In fact, call a few to get quotes, then compare the numbers before making your decision. If you’re looking to take on the move yourself, shop around for quotes on moving truck rentals and equipment. You can also check with a nearby liquor store to see if they have any free boxes available. Boxes from the liquor store are typically stronger than others since they’re made for carrying heavy loads.

Declutter

Why move more than you need to? Take this time to sort through all your things and donate or throw away anything that no longer serve you. This will also save you time, boxes and space.

Get Packing Supplies

Now that you’ve lightened your load by decluttering, you should have a better sense of how much you need to pack and move. Start by using items you already have like laundry baskets, suitcases, duffle bags, reusable grocery bags and more. Those items need to be packed anyway, so save money and space by filling those items first. You can also decide if you want to use boxes or reusable plastic tote bins. If you go with boxes, just be sure to get more than you think you need – better to be safe than sorry.

Moving Day

It’s fast and it’s furious, but there are some simple steps you can take for a smooth moving day.

Stay Hydrated & Eat Well

Staying hydrated and properly fueled will help keep your energy levels up throughout the moving process. Pack a cooler or two with easy grab-and-go drinks and snacks. Keep the cooler in a spot that’s out of the way and easily accessible.

Have a Plan for Kids and Pets

Make it a stress-less day for all by arranging offsite babysitting for your little ones and pets. All the commotion that comes with moving can not only stress you out, but it can be a burden on your kids and fur babies, too.

What’s Next?

Sit back, relax and enjoy the new space you’ve created? Well, yes…but there are a handful of checklist items that may help you settle in more comfortably. For instance, you might consider deep cleaning your new home. You can either do the scrubbing yourself, or you can hire a professional cleaning service. The prices for cleaning services vary depending on the size of the home and the type of cleaning needed. Here are a few other tips:

  • Change your house locks.
  • Test smoke detectors and HVAC systems.
  • Get a new license and registration for your vehicle.
  • Connect with your new neighbors.

More Moving Hacks

Looking for additional info on things to do before moving? Head over to our blog.