Let's Get Moving! Everything You Need to Know Before a Big Move

Moving to a new home can be an exciting yet stressful time. With so much to do, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with the process. Proper planning and preparation can help make your move smooth and headache-free. Here is everything you need to know before your big move.

Research Your New Area Thoroughly

One of the most important things when moving is getting to know your new surrounding area. Take time to explore the neighborhood and city where you’ll be living.

Consider things like:

Commute times – How long does it take to drive to work and other places you frequent? Try doing a test drive during peak times to gauge traffic.
Amenities – Is the area family-friendly? Are there ample grocery stores, parks, restaurants, etc. nearby?
School districts – If you have kids, research the quality of the local school system.
Crime rates – Check crime stats to understand safety. Attend community meetings to learn more.
Community events – Search if there are fun fairs, festivals, etc. to get involved in.
Cost of living – Compare prices for things like housing, goods and services.

Getting insider knowledge will help you know if the location suits your lifestyle.

Start Decluttering and Organizing Well in Advance

Decluttering takes time. Begin sorting through your belongings a few months before your moving date.

Go room by room. Be ruthless in deciding what you really need and use. Ask yourself these questions:

Have I used this item in the last year?
Does it spark joy or have sentimental value?
Can it be replaced?
Can it be sold or donated?

Create piles for trash, donation, selling and keeping. This process can feel liberating!

Next, organize what you’re keeping. Mark boxes clearly with room names and contents. Keep an inventory list.

Proper decluttering and organizing will make packing easier. It also prevents you from wasting money moving things you don’t need.

Choose a Reputable Moving Company

Hiring professional movers takes the hassle out of moving day. Make sure to pick an established, licensed company with trained staff and good reviews.

Get estimates from at least 3-4 companies. Avoid just going with the lowest bid, as extremely cheap movers may cut corners.

Key factors to consider:

Experience with local and long-distance moves
Proper credentials and licensing
Insurance for your belongings
Reviews from past clients
Availability on your timeline
Packing and unpacking services
Cost estimate with no hidden fees

Vet a few companies thoroughly before deciding. Having a quality mover makes a huge difference.

Purge and Organize Your Paperwork

Moving is a great time to purge old paperwork and get organized.

Toss paperwork you no longer need – shred anything with sensitive info.
File away documents you want to keep. Use folders, binders or storage boxes.
Create digital copies of important paperwork. Scan them to store on your computer, cloud or external drive.
Make a list of all your accounts and memberships to update with new address.
Back up essential data from your computer and devices.

Having your paperwork streamlined will make the moving transition much simpler. It also ensures important documents don’t get lost in the shuffle.

Transfer Utilities and Services in Advance

To avoid any lapses when you move, contact utility companies and service providers well beforehand.

Make a list of accounts that will need address changes, including:

Electric
Gas
Water
Internet
TV/cable
Phone
Trash
Sewer
Security system

Confirm the cut off date at your old address and start date for the new address. Schedule service calls for installation if needed.

Doing this early ensures you’ll have running water, power and internet ready on move-in day. No one wants to move into a home without electricity and wifi!

Update Important Accounts and Contacts

In addition to utilities, there are other accounts that will need your new address.

Make a list of contacts to update, including:

Bank accounts
Credit cards
Insurance providers – medical, auto, home, life
Investment accounts
Licensing – driver’s license, vehicle registration
Health providers – doctors, dentists, specialists
Memberships – gym, alumni groups, etc.
Magazine subscriptions
Friends and family

Having a master list makes it easy to methodically notify everyone who needs to know your new address.

Plan for Transporting Your Pets

For pet owners, moving with animals requires some extra planning. Here are some tips to make it go smoothly:

Get pet medical records from your vet to bring to your new vet.
Have cats and dogs microchipped in case they get lost.
Arrange for pets to stay with a friend or board them if needed.
Buy supplies – leashes, carriers, toys to make pets comfortable.
Pack a pet first night box – food, bowls, litter box, beds.
Plan for pets to ride with you, not in the moving truck.
Secure pets in a crate or carrier; don’t let them roam loose.
Bring plenty of water to keep them hydrated.
Make sure pets have ID tags with your phone number.
Scout out new parks, trails and pet stores nearby.
Consider pet insurance to manage costs in a new area.

With planning, you can reduce anxiety for yourself and your furry friends!

Pack an Essentials Box for Moving Day

Moving day is hectic enough. Make it smoother by packing a box of essentials you’ll need right away.

Take Measurements at Your New Home

To arrange furniture efficiently, you’ll need to measure your new home’s layout.

Make sure to measure:

Room dimensions – length and width
Hallways and doorways – width and height
Staircases – width and ceiling height
Large furniture – sofa, beds, tables

Having detailed measurements allows you to create a floor plan layout. This helps determine what existing pieces will fit where, and what new pieces you may need.

You can also use an online room planner tool for help visualizing. Accurate planning makes furniture arranging smooth and easy.

Schedule Professional Cleanings

Hiring a professional cleaning service benefits both your old and new home.

Old home – Schedule a deep clean after you’ve moved out all belongings. This makes sure it’s sparkling for the new owners.
New home – Have a cleaning service do a thorough job before you move in. This gives you peace of mind that every room is sanitized.

Look for companies that use eco-friendly products and provide trusted staff. Be sure to agree on what rooms and services will be included.

The cost of professional cleanings is well worth it for the convenience and quality results.

Repaint Before You Unpack

Painting rooms is much easier when they are empty before move-in day.

Choose neutral colors like off-white or beige which appeal to buyers later on. Make sure to use zero-VOC paint for better air quality.

Repainting minimizes scuff marks and creates a fresh backdrop as you decorate. Having a blank canvas makes it easier to visualize the design possibilities.

If your time is limited, consider hiring professional painters. They can quickly transform the space using quality techniques.

Either way, painting first is better than after you’ve unpacked everything into a room.

Prioritize Unpacking Essentials First

It’s tempting to want to unpack everything at once when you move in. Avoid this urge!

Only focus on unpacking essentials in each room first:

Kitchen – dishes, cookware, appliances, food
Bathrooms – towels, soap, first aid kit
Bedrooms – sheets, clothes, phone chargers
Home office – computer, files, supplies

The rest can wait until you’ve recovered from the big move. Unpacking in phases prevents feeling overwhelmed.

Don’t feel rushed to have everything perfect immediately. Settle in gradually.

Change Locks and Make Copies

Before settling into your new home, replace old locks with new ones. This ensures previous owners, realtors or anyone else no longer have access.

Hire a locksmith to install high-quality locks. Provide copies of new keys to:

Family or friends you trust, in case of emergency
Neighbors, if you arrange pet-sitting or plant-watering swaps
Property manager, if renting

You may also want to install smart locks which allow you to control access remotely from your phone.

Taking control of your home’s security provides peace of mind.

Meet the Neighbors

Once moved in, make an effort to connect with neighbors nearby. Getting to know those living around you promotes safety and community.

Ways to meet your neighbors:

Greet people you see outside and introduce yourself.
Bake cookies or treats to take to your neighbors.
Attend any neighborhood events or association meetings.
Talk while walking your dog and let children play outside.
Ask neighbors for any recommendations for local services. Having a neighborly rapport can come in handy, whether you need someone to take in a package or watch your home while traveling. Making connections builds goodwill.

Update Important Documents

Finally, one of the most important post-move tasks is updating your official identification and documents.

Be sure to change your address for:

Driver’s license
Vehicle registration
Voter registration
USPS mail forwarding
Passport
Tax returns
Insurance policies
Estate planning – will, living will
Medical directives
Titles for your home or vehicles
Bank accounts and credit cards

Keeping this information current will prevent major headaches down the road. You don’t want important correspondence getting lost if sent to your old address.

Taking the time to methodically update everything will ensure your move is truly complete.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving

Here are answers to some of the most common questions people have about moving.

How early should I start preparing to move?

Ideally you want to start at least 2-3 months in advance. This gives you time to sort belongings, research movers, update accounts and take care of all the details.

How do I choose a real estate agent in my new location?

Ask friends for referrals, search online reviews and look at sales history. Meet a few agents before deciding. Choose someone responsive, knowledgeable and that you feel comfortable with.

What’s the best way to find new doctors, dentists etc. after relocating?

Check with your insurance provider for in-network providers near your new home. Ask neighbors, colleagues and realtors for recommendations of the best local practitioners.

How can I make unpacking easier when I move?

Unpack room by room starting with essentials like the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. Use color coded labels to make organizing boxes faster. Take breaks to avoid fatigue.

What are some ways to meet new people after moving?

Join community organizations, places of worship, recreational sports teams, book clubs and volunteer groups. Attend neighborhood events and chat with people at local cafes and parks.

How soon should I change my address for everything?

Update your address immediately for things like your driver’s license, car registration, voter card and bank accounts. Other memberships can wait until it’s time for renewal.

What are some moving mistakes I should avoid?

Don’t wait until the last minute to pack. Avoid moving on weekends or holidays when rates are higher. Don’t overload boxes which makes them hard to lift. Don’t pack valuables in the moving truck – keep them with you.

Conclusion

Moving requires significant preparation, organization and hands-on work. While it can feel daunting, having a thorough checklist makes the process smooth and efficient.

Focus on decluttering, researching details about your new home, hiring reliable movers and updating accounts well in advance.

Use moving day to handle only essentials like unloading the truck. Take it slowly when settling in and unpacking. Introduce yourself around the neighborhood.

With planning and patience, your move can be exciting rather than stressful. Before you know it, you’ll be comfortably settled in your new home.

The comprehensive information above outlines everything you need to know before a big move. Follow these tips and you can ensure your relocation goes as smoothly as possible. The key is being organized, proactive and having qualified help. While moving takes effort, think of it as a fresh start and new adventure. With the right preparation, you’ll be settled and happy in your new home before you know it!

Let’s Get Moving! Everything You Need to Know Before a Big Move