Moving to a new home can be an exciting but stressful time. Proper planning and organization are key to making the moving process as smooth as possible. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to organize, plan, and prepare for a household move.
Assess and Organize
The first step is to take stock of everything you need to move. Walk through each room and garage/storage spaces and create an inventory of items and furniture.
- Go room by room and write down all furniture, appliances, decor items, tools, outdoor furniture, etc. Note the conditions as well.
- For clothing and linens, sort items into “keep”, “donate/sell”, and “trash” piles. This will help pare down what actually needs to be moved.
- Photograph expensive items and save receipts to have proof of value for insurance purposes.
- Decide what, if anything, you plan to sell/donate prior to the move. Schedule pick-ups or drop-offs accordingly.
Once you’ve created a thorough inventory, start grouping items together. This will make packing easier.
- Pack rooms together – all bedroom items together, all kitchen items together, etc.
- Keep parts of furniture sets together (nightstand with the coordinating bed, for example).
- Box lighter items separately from heavier ones.
Choose Moving Supplies
Make sure you have all the necessary supplies. Essentials include:
- Boxes – get a variety of sizes. Prioritize wardrobe boxes for clothing.
- Packing tape
- Bubble wrap
- Newspaper or packing paper
- Permanent marker
- Utility knife
- Furniture pads
- Moving dollies
Home improvement stores such as Home Depot and Lowes sell moving kits with essential supplies. You can also find free used boxes by checking online listings or asking local grocery stores or restaurants.
Pack similar items together and label boxes clearly on all sides. This will make unpacking smoother.
Schedule Moving Help
Decide if you will do the move yourself or hire professional movers. If hiring movers:
- Get estimates from at least 3 reputable companies.
- Read reviews and make sure they are properly licensed/insured.
- Be clear about pick-up/drop-off locations and dates/times.
- Agree on hourly rates and total estimated charges.
If moving yourself, recruit friends and family to help pack and load the truck. Schedule your helpers as far in advance as possible.
Make sure to arrange for help on both loading and unloading days. Moving is difficult work and many hands make for lighter loads. Consider hosting a pizza or barbecue lunch/dinner for your helpers.
Transfer Utilities and Services
Contact all your utility companies and service providers to cancel services at your old address and activate them at your new home. This includes:
- Electricity
- Gas
- Water
- Internet/cable/satellite
- Phone
- Trash/recycling
- Security system monitoring
- Newspaper delivery
Schedule cut-off and start dates to avoid any lapse in service. Confirm if there are any provider or account number changes.
Change Your Address
Once you have your move-in date, submit USPS change of address forms for your mail. Also update your address with:
- Employers
- Banks
- Credit card companies
- Insurance providers
- Investment/retirement accounts
- 401K administrator
- Schools/universities
- Doctors/dentists
- Gym/country club
- Magazine subscriptions
- Friends and family
For bills and statements you receive electronically, login to those accounts and update your address there as well.
Transfer Prescriptions
Contact your pharmacy to request refills and transfers of any medications to a pharmacy closer to your new home. Make sure you have at least a 30 day supply to carry you through the move.
Also get copies of eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions in case you need replacements. Update doctors and dentists about your move.
Update Important Documents
Gather these important documents prior to the move:
- Passports
- Birth certificates
- Social security cards
- Tax returns
- Vehicle titles
- Adoption papers
- Marriage license
- Divorce papers
- Citizenship papers
- Military discharge papers
- Trust documents
- Powers of attorney
- Wills
- House deeds/titles
Place these in a secure location, separate from the rest of your packed belongings. Carry them yourself or use registered mail.
Pack an Essentials Box
A few days before your moving date, pack one dedicated box of immediate essentials that you’ll need as soon as you arrive. Include:
- Paper plates, cups, utensils
- Snacks/food
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Soap
- Trash bags
- Basic tools
- Paper and pen
- First aid kit
- Scissors
- Tape
- Screwdriver
- Pocket knife
- Flashlights
- Basic toiletries
- Pet food/supplies
- Chargers
- Medications
- Change of clothes
- Pillows and blankets
Unpack this first so you can access everything right away and get settled in comfortably those first few days.
Declutter and Purge
As you go through items for the move, use it as an opportunity to declutter and minimize. Get rid of anything you no longer use or need. Less to move means lower moving costs, and less unpacking in your new home.
- Sell valuables through online listings or consignment shops. Or hold a garage sale.
- Donate gently used clothes and household goods to charity.
- Toss or recycle anything that is broken or unusable.
Clean the Old Home
To get your security deposit back, thoroughly clean your old rental or make sure your old house is sparkling for the next owners.
- Wipe down all appliances inside and out. Clean stove drip pans.
- Scrub bathrooms, kitchens, and floors.
- Dust ceiling fans and corners.
- Vacuum and shampoo carpets if needed.
- Clean the windows throughout.
- Hire a lawn service to tidy up the yard space.
- Remove any debris, stains, cobwebs etc.
- Patch and repaint any damaged walls.
- Ensure everything is in working order.
- Double check for any items you may have forgotten.
Plan for Pets
If you have pets, decide if they will be transported in a carrier in your car, or if you will board them during the move. Get copies of veterinary records showing vaccinations and medical history.
Pack a pet essentials bag too – food, dishes, leashes, litter box, cleaning supplies, medications, vet contact info, and comfort items. Unpack this immediately at your new home so pets settle in smoothly.
Make Moving Day Plans
- Confirm moving truck rental/movers schedule.
- Pack a cooler with snacks, water, coffee for moving day.
- Prepare bottled water and snacks for pets as well.
- Have cash on hand for tipping movers.
- Pack an overnight bag if staying at a hotel before settling into new home.
- Take photos of electronics and furniture before disassembling and packing.
- Label boxes by room for easier unpacking. Use color coded labels if possible.
- Protect valuables like jewelry by moving those yourself.
- Make copies of keys needed on move day – truck, new house etc.
- Check the weather forecast and prepare accordingly.
- Confirm helper schedules. Provide food, beverages and moving tips.
- Plan to unpack necessities first – bathroom, kitchen, bedroom etc.
Checklist for Moving Out
On your last day at your old home, double check:
- All rooms, closets, cabinets are empty.
- Appliances are clean and empty.
- Basements, attic, and outside storage areas cleared out.
- Windows shut, AC/heat turned off, lights off in every room.
- Door keys, garage openers, gate remotes, mailbox keys left behind for new owners/tenants.
- Take final meter readings and pictures if required.
With proper planning, organization, and preparation, your move does not have to be a nightmare. Follow this comprehensive guide and you can stay sane and minimize stress during this transition to your new home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I start planning a move?
It’s recommended to start organizing and planning at least 2 months in advance of a move. This gives you time to sort belongings, obtain supplies, schedule services, and meticulously pack.
What supplies do I need for packing?
Essential packing supplies include boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, tape, permanent markers, utility knives, furniture pads, and moving dollies. Also have a first aid kit on hand.
How do I transport plants during a move?
Protect plants by moving them in cardboard boxes with air holes. Water them a few days before the move and use damp paper towels around the roots. Leave them in low light away from direct sun.
What essential documents should I keep with me on move day?
Important documents to keep with you or transport very securely include passports, birth certificates, social security cards, irreplaceable photos, and valuables like jewelry.
How should I prepare my pets for moving?
Update pet microchips with new address info. Get copies of vet records. Arrange for carriers/crates and bowls. Pack a pet essentials bag. Confirm pet policies with new home.
What utilities need to be transferred when moving?
Important utilities to transfer include electricity, gas, water, phone/internet, cable, security system monitoring, trash/recycling services, and newspaper delivery.
Conclusion
Moving requires extensive planning, organizing, preparation, and hard work. Start the process well in advance and tackle tasks methodically. Obtain all necessary supplies and moving equipment. Hire help if needed. Update accounts and transfer services. Pack with care and label everything. By following this comprehensive guide, you can expect your move to go as smoothly as possible and settle into your new home with minimal stress!