Selling your home is a huge milestone, but once the deal is done, it’s time to focus on the move! To help you stay organized and avoid unnecessary stress, here’s a comprehensive moving checklist that covers everything you need to tackle before, during, and after your move.
1. Two Months Before Moving
- Create a Moving Folder: Keep all documents related to your move—receipts, estimates, contracts, and contact information—in one place.
- Hire a Moving Company: Research, get quotes, and book professional movers or rental trucks if you’re handling it yourself.
- Declutter: Sort through each room to decide what to keep, donate, or sell. Less to pack means an easier move!
- Notify Your Realtor: Keep your real estate agent updated on your moving timeline for a smooth transition.
2. Six Weeks Before Moving
- Order Moving Supplies: Stock up on boxes, packing tape, markers, bubble wrap, and furniture pads.
- Begin Packing Non-Essentials: Start with items you won’t need immediately, like seasonal clothing, decorations, and extra kitchenware.
- Transfer School Records: If you have kids, arrange for their school records to be transferred to their new school.
- Schedule Home Repairs: If any repairs were part of your sale agreement, make sure they are completed in a timely manner.
3. One Month Before Moving
- Change Address: Submit a change of address form with USPS, and update your address with banks, insurance companies, and subscription services.
- Notify Utilities: Schedule a shutoff date for utilities at your current home and arrange activation at your new home (electricity, gas, water, internet, etc.).
- Confirm Moving Details: Verify all the details with your moving company—timing, addresses, and any special instructions.
- Pack an Essentials Box: Pack a box with essentials like toiletries, snacks, clothing, chargers, and important documents for the first 24 hours in your new home.
4. Two Weeks Before Moving
- Arrange Time Off: If necessary, request time off from work for moving day.
- Prepare Appliances: Defrost your freezer, disconnect appliances, and arrange professional help if needed for disassembly.
- Finalize Travel Plans: If moving long-distance, finalize flights or driving routes, and make hotel reservations if needed.
5. One Week Before Moving
- Pack Everything: At this point, you should be finishing up packing the majority of your belongings.
- Label Boxes: Clearly label all boxes with the room they’re going to and what’s inside for easier unpacking.
- Confirm with Movers: Double-check your moving date, time, and details with your moving company.
- Dispose of Hazardous Materials: Properly dispose of anything movers won’t take, like paint, chemicals, and batteries.
6. Moving Day
- Do a Final Walkthrough: Before you leave, walk through the entire home to ensure nothing is left behind.
- Take Inventory: Check the condition of items as they’re loaded onto the truck. Use an inventory checklist to keep track of everything.
- Leave Instructions: If required, leave a note or instructions for the new owners on important home details (appliance manuals, trash days, etc.).
- Lock Up: Ensure all windows and doors are locked before you leave.
7. After the Move
- Unpack Essentials First: Focus on unpacking bedrooms, the kitchen, and bathroom essentials first to get settled quickly.
- Install Safety Features: Set up smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and security systems if needed.
- Check Utilities: Ensure all utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet) are functioning in your new home.
- Update Your Driver’s License: Visit the DMV to update your address on your license and vehicle registration.
By following this moving checklist, you’ll be well-prepared for a smooth and efficient transition into your new home. Stay organized, stay on top of tasks, and soon you’ll be settled in and ready to enjoy your new space!
