Checklist for Moving Into a New Home

Moving into a new home is an exciting chapter, but it can also be overwhelming without a proper plan. With countless things to remember, a checklist becomes your best companion to ensure nothing slips through the cracks. To make your planning even easier, we’ve created a handy template available in Excel and Google Sheets, which you can find below. You can use this template to keep track of each step along the way for a successful move.

The Ultimate Checklist

Moving requires a strategic plan that evolves over time. Below, we’ve broken down the timeline to ensure you’re fully prepared and can enjoy a smooth transition into your new home. This checklist is based on the template provided above.

Two Months Before the Move

The key to a stress-free move is early preparation. Start by deciding whether you want to hire professional movers or do it yourself. If using a mover, begin gathering estimates from different companies. Planning on doing it yourself? Contact rental truck companies to secure your rental.

While sorting through your belongings, it’s a great idea to declutter – start with the basement, attic, or garage. Decide what you want to keep, donate, or sell. Creating a home inventory can be very useful, not just to track your possessions, but also for tax claims or insurance.

If you have kids, now’s the time to start transferring school records to their new school. For pets, ensure their vaccination records are up to date. Meanwhile, make arrangements for medical and legal records for the entire family. You might also want to contact service providers like painters, plumbers, and locksmiths to book early for work at your new home.

Six Weeks Before the Move

Six weeks out, the focus should be on logistics. Finalize your choice of a moving company or book your rental truck and gather a group of friends to help. This is also the right time to get all your essential packing supplies: boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and more.

You can start packing items that aren’t in daily use. Think seasonal clothing, sports equipment, and other things you won’t need until after the move. Make sure to properly label everything to make unpacking at your new place easier.

Four Weeks Before the Move

With just a month left, things start to pick up pace. Notify friends, family, and important institutions about your new address. This includes banks, credit card companies, and any subscriptions you have. Arrange for utility disconnections at your current home and set up connections at your new address.

If you’re moving into an apartment building, reserve elevators for moving day to avoid delays. This is also the perfect time to arrange for repairs and cleanings at both the old and new homes.

Three Weeks Before the Move

With three weeks to go, it’s time to tackle tasks like disposing of items that can’t be moved, such as certain cleaning supplies and flammable materials. Recycle electronics, metals, or anything that can’t come with you. Begin preparing your car and update its registration if you’re moving out of state.

If you have children or pets, arrange for care on moving day. This will let you focus on moving without worrying about their safety or comfort.

One Week Before the Move

The final week is about tying up loose ends. Confirm all moving arrangements, whether you’re using professional movers or relying on friends. Pack a suitcase with essentials for the first few days in your new home – think clothes, medications, toiletries, and other necessities.

Make sure to transfer important documents like checkbooks, passports, and other valuables to a safe place, and keep these items with you during the move rather than packing them away.

Moving Day

The big day is finally here! If you hired movers, let them take care of the heavy lifting. If you’re moving on your own, dismantle large furniture pieces and make sure everything is packed securely. Remember to take a deep breath and embrace the excitement of this new journey.

For kids and pets, have a pre-arranged care plan to keep them comfortable and safe. Be prepared to answer any questions your movers might have, and make sure to do a final walkthrough of your old place to check for forgotten items.

Delivery Day and Settling In

When your belongings arrive at your new home, direct the movers to place everything where you want it. This will save you the hassle of rearranging heavy items later on. Before signing off on the inventory, check for any damages to your belongings.

After the move, there are still some small but crucial tasks to take care of. Installing new batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, re-keying locks, and registering to vote are all important steps that can easily be overlooked in the excitement of settling in.

Pro Tips for a Smoother Move

• Pack an Essentials Box: Prepare a box with items you’ll need immediately upon arrival—think toiletries, snacks, basic kitchen supplies, chargers, and a change of clothes. This way, you won’t have to rummage through boxes on your first night.
• Take Photos of Your Electronics Setup: Before unplugging your TV, computer, or gaming systems, take a quick picture of the wiring. It will make setting everything up in your new home a breeze.
• Label Boxes by Room: Instead of just listing contents, label each box with the room it belongs to. This makes it easy for movers to place them in the right spots.
• Color Code Your Labels: Use different colored labels or markers for each room to make unloading and organizing even easier.
• Have Cash for Tipping Movers: If you’re using professional movers, it’s a good idea to have cash on hand to tip them for their hard work.

Final Thoughts