Moving Checklist

1. Transfer Utilities

Before you get your keys to the new place, you need to set up your physical utilities: water, gas, and electricity. Be sure to notify all utility companies of your move-in date. The sooner, the better. Especially if it’s during a moving season and preferred appointment timeslots have been taken.

2. Connect TV and Internet

You’re going to want to make sure you’re up and running before move-in day by setting up services that work for you. Research your cable and internet companies to ensure you get the best pricing to the service that fits you and your family’s needs. Scheduling installation in advance is just as important as setting up your utilities. You will want to ensure your services are activated in a timely manner and get the appointment slot that works best with your schedule.

3. Update Your Address

This is a very important one. Your address is connected to many aspects of your life that you may not realize. Banks/credit cards, driver’s license, car registration, and even forwarding your mail from the post office. Be sure to make a list of all your accounts that could have your address tied to them so you are able to update everything at once.

4. Gather Important Documents

Be sure to organize all of those important documents that you have stashed away in a safe place. Anything from birth certificates, social security cards, passports, medical records, etc. Be sure to purge what you don’t need and label and organize everything that you do so that things are easier to find when unpacking. Be sure to grab a shredder and some banker boxes. You’ll be glad you did it ahead of time so nothing gets lost during the move.

5. Take Photos of Valuable Items

A good method to practice before any move is to take photos of all of your valuable items. This could be anything from your grandmother’s antique mirror to your TV and computer monitor. By taking these photos, you have proof of the original condition in the event that they’re damaged during the move so that you are protected. No matter how careful or responsible the moving company is, accidents can happen.

6. Research Local Businesses

Moving to a new city or state? Start researching the local markets, community events, or businesses in your area. This is an important part of any moving checklist. By familiarizing yourself, it will help you feel a little bit more settled and connected with your new area!

7. Take Off From Work

This is just as important as updating your address. Moving is stressful and exciting but overall could be overwhelming. Not only will you be unpacking a sea of boxes, but you’ll also be waiting for deliveries, repairs, and installations. Post-move is crucial to getting somewhat settled. Be sure to plan accordingly.

8. Schedule a Cleaning

A good idea is to schedule a cleaning to come out to your new home. Chances are the previous owner didn’t take the time to thoroughly clean it for your arrival. Be sure to schedule a cleaning service and carpet cleaners to come in and do a thorough once-over.

9. Schedule Home Improvements

There could be repairs that will require more attention than others (leaky plumbing, windows that don’t lock, etc). If you’re wanting to paint accent walls or do build-ins you’re going to want to do this before you move in. It will make your life way easier.

10. Prepare to Pack

As move-in day approaches, start to throw out or donate things you don’t need. Save money by collecting free moving boxes from local businesses or retailers. Lastly, an open-first box is a must. This includes everything you need to survive the first 24 hours in your new home. Think bed sheets, toiletries, water, snacks. You’ll thank yourself when the time comes.

Post-Move Essentials

Here is a Post-Move Moving Checklist to seal the deal in your new home.

1. Recruit Family and Friends

More hands on deck the better. Figure out the most logical order of unpacking. Before you know it, your new home will all come together.

2. Change Your Locks

Depending on who owned it last, who knows what the previous owners did with their keys. Be sure to hire a locksmith to ensure locks are installed correctly and new keys made.

3. Look Into Setting Up a Home Security System

Moving is one of the best times to set up a home security. If you already have a system in place and tied to a contract, be sure to update your provider on the move to transfer your services. If not, be sure to shop around to find the best possible price for the security needs you are looking for.

4. Test your smoke detectors

5. Create a Home Maintenance Checklist

It’s a good idea to map out items or appliances around the house that will require seasonal maintenance checks. Things like cleaning the gutters, landscaping, air duct cleaning, etc. Place a reminder on your phone or somewhere that you’ll know to be reminded when the time comes so you don’t fall behind.

6. Throw an Online Housewarming Party!

So many new homeowners get caught up in repairs, moving, unpacking that we forget to celebrate their hard work to get into the home! Time to make new memories and celebrate the next chapter. What better way to celebrate than with your friends and family!

Download a PDF version of the Ultimate Moving Checklist