Moving Into New Home Checklist

Moving to a new home can be both exciting and overwhelming. A checklist can help keep everything on track for an easier experience. By staying organized and taking one task at a time, you can make settling into your new space less stressful.

Careful preparation is the key to an enjoyable move. From decluttering your old home to confirming utilities and transfer of services, having a moving into a new home checklist can help keep you on track. Here’s a breakdown of tasks to include on your moving checklist.

Pre-Move Preparations

While using a checklist when moving, it's typically recommended to start the planning process at least two to three months in advance. This will ensure you have enough time to pack, find movers, and prepare your family for the upcoming transition.

Here's what you should include on your moving checklist for pre-move preparations.

4–6 Weeks Before Moving

Four to six weeks before your move is considered the prep phase. You'll want to use this time to get organized and prepare your family for the upcoming transition.

Declutter: Go room by room and determine what you want to keep, donate, or throw away. This will help streamline the packing process. Since most professional moving companies charge by the weight of your items, it's also a great way to cut costs.
Research Moving Companies: Compare pricing and moving services between at least two to three professional moving companies. This will ensure you find the most reliable movers for the job.
Notify Change of Address: At least four weeks before your move, update your address with USPS, banks, doctor’s offices and any other institutions.
Begin Packing Non-Essentials: Start packing your non-essentials. Start with items you don't use regularly in the guest bedroom, garage, and hallway closets.

2–3 Weeks Before Moving

Two to three weeks before your move, it's time to finalize details and prepare for the move-out date.

Confirm Moving Details: Reconnect with your moving company to confirm all details for the big day.
Arrange Utilities: Disconnect utilities at your current home and schedule them to be turned on at your new home.
Pack Essentials Box: An essentials box should contain all items needed for your first night in your new home. This book should contain items such as bedding, toiletries, clothes, and medicines. If you have kids, consider toys, books, and other items to keep them entertained.

Moving Day

Move-out day can be chaotic and stressful. Here's what you'll need to ensure gets done before you can fully wave goodbye to your old home.

Final Walk-Through

Before you embark on the moving process, conduct a final walk-through of your old home. Make sure each item on your moving company checklist has been accomplished, with everything packed safely into moving containers and secured within closets, cabinets, and other storage spaces to make sure nothing essential has been forgotten. Moreover, don't forget to turn off all appliances as well as any utilities such as electricity or gas that fall under your responsibility - don't leave this step until last!

Unpacking Process

On your move-in date, prioritize unpacking essential items first so they can quickly become part of your new home - such as toiletries, clothing, and kitchenware. Keep your unpacking process streamlined by labeling boxes and containers with their contents and intended room. This will enable you to more quickly locate and sort your belongings, thereby speeding up the unpacking process.

Settling Into Your New Home

It's time to turn your new place into a home you and your family will love. Once you’re unpacked and fully moved out of your old place, consider doing the following:

Start Decorating: Once your items are unpacked, start decorating your space. You may need to reposition furniture or move shelves before hanging anything on the walls.
Set Daily Goals: Take your time with the unpacking and decorating process. This will help alleviate stress and ensure everything is organized and decorated how you want it.
Explore Your New Neighborhood: Explore local coffee shops, boutiques, and stores in your new area. Don't forget to also say hello to your new neighbors!

Moving is an exciting milestone, and taking steps to streamline the process is key to being able to enjoy your new home sooner. Following this checklist will make the transition much smoother, allowing you to fully embrace and appreciate it sooner.

If you need professional assistance alongside this unpacking and packing checklist for moving, contact Allied Van Lines. We offer affordable and customizable moving services for local and long-distance relocations. Request a free, no-obligation quote to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I include in my moving checklist?

A moving checklist should include all tasks that need to be completed before, during, and after your move. This will help you stay on track throughout the moving process and ensure all tasks are handled on time.

How early should I start preparing for a move into a new home?

You should start planning for your next move at least two to three months in advance. This will give you enough time to compare quotes from different moving companies and start the packing phase as early as possible.

How do I handle packing efficiently for a move?

Before you start the packing phase, invest in proper supplies and high-quality moving boxes. Once you have the supplies, start packing your items room by room. It's best to start with rooms you don't use as frequently, and slowly make your way through your home until the packing is complete. If you don’t have enough time to commit to the packing phase, consider hiring movers to handle the job.

Should I hire a professional moving company?

Hiring a professional moving company provides peace of mind, reassurance, and cost-saving advantages. Movers are professionally trained to handle the tasks and moves and are there to help you navigate the challenges with ease. They are also fully insured, so if anything breaks in transit, it will be covered.

How do I make sure my valuables are safe during the move?

Investing in fragile-only packing services and working with trustworthy movers is the most effective way to ensure your items safely arrive at your next destination. Professional movers use special packing techniques and high-quality supplies to ensure your items are safely packed and ready for transit.