Moving to a new home can be an exciting experience, but the process may seem overwhelming if you’re unprepared. Whether you're relocating to a different neighborhood or across the country, a tool like a comprehensive moving checklist ensures proper planning to help you stay organized and complete essential tasks for a smooth transition.
From packing your belongings and transferring your utilities to securing the right homeowners insurance policy, there are plenty of things to consider as you prepare. This article will provide an overview of tasks and processes to complete before moving to your new home and discuss what to take care of during the move to ensure you’ve handled all essential tasks efficiently and stayed organized.
How can a moving checklist help you prepare?
Whether you’re a new homeowner or moving from one house to another, a moving checklist can not only help you stay organized but help make the process efficient and hassle-free. From the planning stages and decluttering to the final moments of settling into your new home, here’s an overview of how a checklist can come in handy:
Prioritizing tasks: A moving checklist facilitates the organization of tasks, helping you prioritize essential activities such as packing, hiring movers, transferring utilities, and notifying relevant parties of the impending move. By breaking down the entire moving process into manageable steps, the checklist allows you to approach the transition with a clear and structured plan, thereby minimizing chaos and confusion.
Creating a timeline: With a moving checklist, you can allocate specific timelines for each task, ensuring preparations progress smoothly and you don’t leave anything until the last minute. This proactive approach can help you avoid rushing through critical move-related activities and allows for ample time to address any unforeseen challenges that may arise.
Handling small details: The comprehensive nature of a moving checklist ensures that you remember easily overlooked details, such as forwarding mail, updating addresses, and arranging for pet care during the move.
Tasks to Handle Before Moving to Your New Home
Once you’ve purchased a new home, there are several tasks you’ll need to complete before you’re ready to leave your old place behind. These are a few of the things you’ll want to address before the move:
Gather the supplies you’ll need: Before your move, you’ll likely want to purchase key items like boxes, tape, packing paper, bubble wrap, labels, markers, and trash bags. You’ll use them when you’re packing your belongings and to keep your items safe and organized during the move. You can use cardboard boxes or rent plastic moving boxes, but make sure whichever you plan to use will be delivered with plenty of time to do the actual packing.
Transfer your utilities: Contact the utility companies for your current and new home to stop, start, or transfer service. You should let them know a move-out date for your current home and a move-in date for your new home with plenty of notice. Don’t forget things like cable/internet and trash when transferring or stopping your utilities.
Create an item inventory and pack your belongings: An inventory of your belongings lets you know what’s in your house before you begin packing. Taking an inventory can help you identify which items you no longer want or need for donation or discard, help you find things you’re missing, and identify surplus.
Update your homeowners insurance or find a new policy: When moving to a new home, it may be time for a new or updated homeowners insurance policy. If you’re a new homeowner, you’ll need to find a homeowners insurance policy that works for your house and budget. If you’re a current homeowner who is moving from one house to another, your insurance carrier will need to update your policy to fit the specifications of your new house.
What to Look for During Your Move
Ensuring a smooth and seamless transition to your new home and neighborhood requires more than just unpacking. The condition of the property and its surroundings, administrative and logistical aspects, and being mindful of other factors can significantly contribute to a positive moving experience. Here are some things to consider:
Review safety precautions for children and pets: While you may have considered these factors before deciding to purchase, it’s important to review the neighborhood and home for safety hazards for children and pets. You will want to child-proof any outlets, doors, windows, or sharp corners in your new home. This is also a good time to find a new, secure place to store hazardous cleaners.
Set up your new utilities and internet connection: When you move in to your new home, you’ll want to ensure the gas, electric, water, and lights all function properly. If you need appointments to have one service disconnected from your previous home before the new service can begin, make sure you’ve given your utility company plenty of notice. This is also a good time for setting up your trash and internet services.
Complete a walk-through to assess any repairs or damage: Walk through your new home before moving in any items to determine if there are any maintenance issues or repairs the seller will need to address. This allows you to find any issues as soon as possible and notify someone of the problem quickly.
Install a security system: Ensuring you feel safe in your new home is paramount. One way to increase those feelings of security is to install a security system. There are a lot of options, from fully monitored and professionally installed to smart doorbells that you monitor to help you keep an eye on your home.
Deep clean your new home: Before you move in, whether it is a new build or a new-to-you home, you’ll want to complete a deep clean. This can help you ensure everything is sanitary before you begin to unpack your belongings.
Download Our Free Moving Checklist
A moving checklist can be a helpful tool to help ensure you stay organized and prioritize your tasks when tackling the overwhelming process of moving.
Download the Moving Checklist Here
Find Insurance Coverage for Your New Home with SelectQuote
When preparing for a move, you may feel overwhelmed by all the tasks you need to plan and complete. When it comes to finding the right homeowners insurance, let SelectQuote do the heavy lifting for you. Our licensed insurance agents will help you compare rates from several of the nation’s leading carriers in just minutes, allowing you to find a policy that’s right for your home, budget, and lifestyle, no matter your needs.
