Helpful Tips to Keep Your Move On Track

Just bought a new house? Congratulations! The hardest – and most important step – is over. However, there is still lots of work to be done. Moving into your new house is an exciting and stressful time. The key to a smooth experience is staying organized. Luckily, our friends at American Home Shield have put together this moving-into-a-new-house checklist, so you can be ready for anything moving day brings your way. Here are some ideas to stay on top of the move and create a positive transition into your new home.

One Month Before Moving Day

About a month out from the big day, make sure you hire a professional moving company. This item should be at the top of your list. Hiring a moving company will help streamline the process and alleviate some of the weight of the move, literally and figuratively. Booking the moving company once you know your move-in date is strongly recommended.

Finding a good moving company can be the difference between a smooth moving process and a total headache. Make sure to compare prices, check availability, and set up estimate visits. If you only need to rent a vehicle to move, such as a moving truck, contact several rental companies and ask similar questions about availability, costs, rental return policies, mileage, equipment, or moving help.

Gather packing supplies. Be on the lookout for packing boxes, tape, markers, bubble wrap, and newspapers for filler material. A good trick is to call and visit your local grocery or home goods stores to see if you can have any of their boxes before they’re broken down. 

Reduce clutter and simplify. When preparing to move into a new home, connect with your inner minimalist and donate or sell anything you don’t use or need anymore. Here’s a good general rule: if you haven’t used it or worn it in a year, you can probably live without it. 

Secure your important documents. Investing in a fireproof safe is an essential item to add to your homeowner to-do list. You can stash your valuables and important documents there and transport them yourself, so you know exactly where they are before and after the move. 

If you are relocating to another city, remember to request copies of all medical, dental, vision, and school records to take with you. If you typically go to a chain pharmacy, they should be able to transfer your prescriptions easily. If you have to change companies, you will want to get this process going sooner than later. Now is a good time to obtain any needed refills as well.

Go through your garage and attic storage. This is the perfect time to start organizing and packing up storage areas. Consider storing all the boxes in these storage areas to free up your house space. The earlier you can accomplish items off your checklist before moving to a new house, the better.

Two Weeks Before Moving Day

Submit an online postal change of address form. Now is also a good time to change the address on your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and credit cards. You will also want to update your address with your family’s doctors, employers, and any other key contacts where this information will be in file. 

Set up utilities at your new residence. This is a crucial item on your moving checklist. Letting the utility company know about your move-in date in advance will ensure a smooth transition. Remember to change your address on all your accounts. Go through your list of bills so you are sure you are covering everything. 

Clean and assess outdoor furniture. Inspect your outdoor furniture for damage while you’re cleaning it and preparing it for the move. If items are broken, discard them—there is no use hauling it to your new home if it is in bad shape or will fall apart later. You will also want to get the items from your shed, deck, and/or porch scrubbed down, packed up, and ready to go. Just keep your lawnmower and any essential pool cleaning items within easy reach in case you need to use them before moving day. 

One Week Until Moving Day

One week prior to moving day is when the real work begins. You should pre-pack as many nonessential items as you can so you can focus on essentials the week of the move. Here are some packing tips for preparing to move into a new home:

• Keep your boxes as light as possible. Make sure you can lift and load or unload them easily, and avoid packing more than 50 pounds into a single box. 
• Label each box with its contents as well as its corresponding room in your new home.
• Cushion fragile items with bubble wrap or with your towels, sheets, and blankets. Wrap breakable items individually.
• Spread books out among several boxes to avoid creating an overly heavy load.
• If you’re not using a moving company and will be packing the vehicle yourself, put all the boxes in first and load the large furniture last.

After everything is boxed up and ready to go, move it to an easy-to-reach area such as your garage or living room so it will be simple to load on moving day. If you are hiring a moving company, be sure to separate the items you will move yourself from the things you will want the movers to handle.

One Day Before Moving Day 

Confirm travel arrangements. With only one day until you move, the first item on your moving checklist should be touching base with your moving company and confirming any travel plans. This will help you avoid any surprises the day of your move. Make sure to have payment ready for your movers, plus extra for a tip.

Clean, clean, clean. Thoroughly clean the kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms. Unplug the refrigerator, defrost the freezer, and empty the ice maker and ice cube trays. 

Prepare essentials. Pack suitcases for each family member with clothes and toiletries that you will need during the first few days. Remember to include chargers for any mobile phones or tablets, too. Prepare a box with the bedding, pillows, towels, and medicine you will need to use the first night in your new house. Take a box with paper goods, soap, light bulbs, and household cleaning items. If you have children, make sure you have their favorite toys, games, and books packed and readily accessible as well.

When thinking of things to do when you move into a new house, don’t forget about your furry family members. Make sure you pack a box that includes pet beds, food, water, and litter boxes. 

Moving Day is Here

Load your vehicle(s). If you hired a moving company, get anything you will be personally transporting packed and out of the way before the movers arrive. Stow your essential suitcases and other personal items safely in your vehicle so you know exactly where they are. 

Do a final sweep. Ensure that all cupboards, closets, and appliances are empty.

Talk to your real estate agent about protecting your home and budget with a home warranty. An American Home Shield® home warranty covers up to 23 home systems and appliances, no matter their age.