Your Comprehensive To-Do List When Moving to a New House
Moving into a new house is a big life event, whether across town or the country. A to-do list is invaluable for navigating this process. This comprehensive guide ensures you don’t miss a thing, providing structure from packing to settling in. This list works whether you’re a seasoned mover or a first-timer. If you're looking for the best movers in South Jersey, look no further than Ben the Mover Guy, who guarantees a smooth and hassle-free moving experience.
Eight Weeks Before the Move: Planning and Preparation
Starting early, ideally two months out, is key for a smooth move. Begin decluttering and decide what to keep, donate, or toss. This simplifies packing and reduces moving expenses.
Create a detailed inventory of everything you’re moving. This will help you track belongings and be useful for insurance claims if anything gets damaged or lost. Consider an online inventory tool for efficient record-keeping.
Start researching moving companies and get in-person estimates. Don’t rely on phone quotes. Create a moving budget that includes boxes, movers, and potential storage unit costs. Fill out the official USPS change of address form. Notify your bank, credit card companies, subscription services, and the DMV to update your driver's license. The Postal Service can forward your mail for up to 3 months.
Six Weeks Before the Move: Logistics and Packing
Focus on organization and efficiency as you begin packing - order packing supplies: boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and markers.
Start packing non-essential items: books, seasonal clothing, and decorations. Label boxes clearly with their contents and the destination room for easier unpacking. You can also label boxes with the order you'll want to open them.
Finalize bookings with your chosen moving company. Confirm travel arrangements if moving long-distance: flights, hotels, pet transport, and rental cars. Check with your employer about time off from work.
Four Weeks Before the Move: Utilities and Records
Transfer and activate utilities at your new address. Ensure electricity, water, and gas are turned on when needed. Close accounts at your old residence. Gather important records: medical records, school records, and financial documents. Request prescription transfers and organize these documents for easy access during the move. Moving-related documents will likely come in handy.
Two Weeks Before the Move: Final Touches
Confirm all moving details with the moving company. Start cleaning out your refrigerator. Consider renting coolers for these perishables. Deep clean your old place or hire cleaners. Verify if cleaning is required in your lease agreement. Properly dispose of hazardous materials. Disassemble any large furniture. Prepare an emergency kit with essentials for the first few days: toiletries, clothes, medications, snacks, cash for tips, and important personal items.
Moving Day: Smooth Execution
Supervise the movers and review the inventory. Protect your floors and empty appliances before they’re moved. Double-check your old home for any forgotten belongings. Make sure to locate your birth certificates and any other important documents. Don't forget borrowed items. A final sweep can prevent headaches later on. This can be especially useful when owners moving into a smaller place may misplace something, so consider how best to track it. Remember items you can put in a PO Box vs. the new physical location.
Post-Move: Settling In
Unpack strategically, room by room, starting with essentials. Address any necessary repairs at your old home to secure your security deposit. If renting, research local handypeople for repairs at your new house. Make minor repairs. It's a good idea to do this sooner than later.
Install carbon monoxide detectors, check smoke alarms, and schedule internet and cable installation. Consider a home energy audit. Set up automated bill payments.
Start unpacking and organizing. Get to know your neighbors and explore local activities. Inquire about specific instructions for your new home (house, townhouse, rental, or apartment). Return borrowed items so you won't forget. Consider local storage solutions for items that won't fit immediately.
Update your online accounts and digital information. This is important when moving between different areas with varying levels of service and support. Research local schools if applicable. Apply for a new driver's license. Manage your financial accounts, including credit cards and savings accounts.
Plan any renovations, like landscaping. Relocating can be costly, so early planning helps save money. Finding good schools requires research. Decluttering makes packing easier. If needed, use temporary storage. Begin receiving mail at your new place as well. Don't spend time making multiple trips, gather what you'll need at once. Plan which boxes you'll need for packing.
Moving doesn’t have to be chaotic. A well-structured to-do list streamlines the process. From planning and packing to settling in, a to-do list reduces stress. It helps make moving an organized, manageable, and even enjoyable experience. Whether you're moving locally or long distance, trust the best movers in NJ and the best movers in Philadelphia at Ben the Mover Guy to handle your move with professionalism and care.
