NewHomesMate’s Ultimate Moving Checklist

Create a Moving Folder

You need a central place to store all the important information related to your move. This may be a file folder saved on your computer or a physical binder in which you store paperwork.

Select a Moving Day

Moving day will be a busy one with little time for other responsibilities. Choose a weekend or a day that you can take off from work, keeping in mind that some moving companies charge higher rates for weekends. If you have young children, you may also want to think about whether you want to involve them in the move or if you prefer for them to be in school or with a babysitter.

Plan Moving Day

Start thinking about how you’re going to make the move happen. Will you be doing all the moving yourself, will you have help from friends or family, or will you hire movers?

Select a Moving Company

If you’re going to hire movers, research and get estimates from at least three moving companies. Recommendations from friends and family are the best place to start. Searching online works too, but be sure to check customer reviews. Sometimes the best choice is not the cheapest one but, instead, one that you can trust.

Begin Decluttering Your Old Home

Now’s the time to get rid of all the things you no longer need. Whether you want to donate or sell your unwanted items, start early so that you’re only left with things you really need when it’s time to start packing. 

Schedule Movers

If you’re hiring movers, schedule them now to ensure you get the day and time you want. Weekends and peak months (May - September) tend to be the busiest times.

Order Packing Supplies

You’ll need boxes in various sizes, tape, packing paper, bubble wrap, and permanent markers. Online packing supply calculators may help you determine the quantities you need. You can save money by checking local grocery stores and big-box retailers for free boxes.

Plan Moving Logistics

If you’re moving long-distance or interstate, book flights or make other travel arrangements in advance to ensure the best prices and schedule. If you’re shipping your items to your new location in advance of your move, or if you have to move out of your old home several days or weeks before your new construction home is ready, you may need to reserve a storage unit or make temporary living arrangements. And if you’re hoping to solicit help from friends or family for moving day, it’s a good idea to ask them in advance.

Notify Home and Auto Insurance Companies

Notify your home and auto insurance companies of your move in advance to ensure you have enough time to find a new insurer if your current one does not operate in your new location.

Make Repairs to Your Old Home

If you’re currently living in a rental property, you may need to make minor repairs to your home to ensure you get your security deposit back once you move out. This may include paint touch-ups, removing hooks or nails from walls, and cleaning carpet stains.

Make a Packing Plan

Having a packing plan can make the task more manageable and help you get started. Ask yourself these questions:

• Which items are fragile and need to be wrapped or packed in special packaging?

• Which items, such as fragile or valuable items, will not be moved by the movers?

• What furniture items can be disassembled in advance?

• Which items, such as decorative pieces, artworks, and books, am I not using and can be packed early?

• Which items are essential and need to be packed last?

Start Packing

Now that you have a plan, take this week to focus on getting started with your biggest task - packing! Setting a goal, such as packing one box each day, can be a helpful way to stay motivated and on track. Be sure to clearly label boxes so that the movers know which room to place them in and you know what’s in them when you get to your new home.

Buy Moving Insurance

Moving insurance protects you in the event that any of your belongings are damaged or broken during the move. This is particularly important if you’re moving long distance. Moving insurance typically costs 1-2 percent of the value of your property, but can vary based on the deductible, location, and distance of your move. 

Transfer Services

Transfer essential services to your new home. This may include utilities, home security services, pest control, cable, internet, and phone service. Doing this well in advance ensures you have enough time to find new providers if your current ones don’t service the area you’re moving to.

Request Mail Forwarding Service

Visit the USPS website to set up mail forwarding service beginning from the day you move out of your old home.

Buy Furniture and Appliances

Large furniture items and appliances usually have a delivery window of 2-4 weeks so it’s best to buy these items now to ensure you’ll receive them soon after you move in.

Plan Moving Day

Plan the important details of moving day. This may include organizing a babysitter, buying snacks, drinks, and ready-to-eat meals, and assigning a friend or family member to wait at the new house and let the movers in when they arrive. 

Find Out About HOA Restrictions

Find out if there are any HOA restrictions that may affect the movers on moving day, such as where they can park their truck.

Confirm Your Appointment with the Moving Company

Confirm your appointment time and all the details of your move with the moving company. Let them know about any relevant HOA restrictions.

Transfer Medical Records and Prescriptions

Moving to a new area often means finding a new doctor, dentist, and pharmacy. Take care of this now to save the hassle later when you aren’t feeling well.

Update or Cancel Memberships and Subscription Services

Update your address for membership and subscription services that can be transferred to your new home, such as Amazon or meal delivery services. Gym memberships and other location-specific memberships may need to be cancelled if you’re moving to a new area.

Schedule an Inspection with Your Landlord or Leasing Company

If you’re living in a rental home, you’ll need to complete a final inspection with your landlord or leasing company so they can determine if and how much of your security deposit you will receive back. Schedule this now for the week before your move.

Use Up Perishable Food Items and Plan Meals

Perishable food items will likely spoil during a move, so it’s best to use them up before moving day or plan to give them to a neighbor or friend before you move. Planning your meals for the upcoming week will help ensure you only buy the groceries you need for the week.

Clean Your Old Home

Clean your home before you move out to make it presentable for the new owners. If you’re in a rental home, cleaning before you move out will save you from being charged a cleaning fee or losing a portion of your security deposit.

Plan for Trash and Recycling Pick Up

You’ll likely have trash and recycling items left behind after your move. Ask a neighbor to put your bins out on the curbside for pickup day, or plan to return to your old home on pickup day to complete this task.

Let Neighbors Know About Your Move

Since there will be a large moving truck parked in the street during your move, you may cause an inconvenience to both your existing and your new neighbors. Inform them about your move date and time in advance to minimize the inconvenience to them.

Pack and Label Essential Personal Items

Have each family member pack a suitcase or box with essential personal items they will need for the final few days in your old home and the first few days in your new home. This will allow you to pack everything else before moving day, and will also make it easy to find the items you need right away when you get to the new house. 

Pack and Label Household Essentials

Pack a box of household essentials, such as trash bags, toilet paper, paper plates, and bed sheets, that will be easy to access as soon as you get to your new house.

Finish Packing

Be sure to finish all packing before the movers arrive on moving day..

Pack Last Items

Once everyone is ready for the day and has had breakfast, pack any remaining items before the movers arrive.

Provide Information to Movers

Make sure the movers know the address of your new house, any parking or other restrictions they need to know about, and where to place furniture and large items in the new house. 

Do a Final Check of Your Old Home

Before you say goodbye to your old home, go through each room and make sure nothing has been left behind.

Hand Over Keys

Hand over the keys to your old home to your landlord or the new owners.

Unpack Essential Items

Find those boxes or suitcases of essential items that you packed last week and unpack those first.

Make Beds

Everyone will be tired at the end of the day so it’s a good idea to make the beds ahead of time.

Go Grocery Shopping

Stock up on groceries you will need for the next few days while you get settled into your new home.

Unpack and Set Up Your New Home

Unpacking and setting up your new home is the best way to make your new house feel like home. This can take several weeks, but there’s no doubt that you’ll feel great once it’s all done!

Copy Keys

You’ll need a key for each member of your household, as well as a spare one to leave with a neighbor or family member you trust in case of an emergency.

Notify Organizations of Your Address Change

Make a list of all the organizations where you have an account and notify them of your address change. This may include banks and financial services, insurance companies, cell phone providers, the social security office, and the DMV. Many organizations allow you to change your address online.

Learn About Your HOA

Make sure you understand HOA policies and set up payment for monthly fees.

Meet Your Neighbors

Getting to know your neighbors is the best way to feel at home in your new community. HOA and community events or visits to your community pool or playground are great ways to meet neighbors and make new friends.