Moving Into a New House Checklist

Written By

Machaela Casey

The Ultimate New Home Checklist for Your Next Move

You’ve made the decision: you’re moving to a new home. If only you could snap your fingers and instantly be all moved in to your new home. Unfortunately, moving into a new house is not that easy. However, follow our detailed new home checklist to discover how manageable a big move can be.

Pre-Move Planning: Getting Ready to Move In Requires a Plan.

The first thing to do is give yourself time to get out of your old house. Dedicate 8-12 weeks to fully plan and execute your move. Next, determine the type of move that you want and need. Do this approximately eight weeks before your target moving date. Plan twelve weeks if you’re moving during peak season, from May-September.

Before you pack one box, look at your budget and consider at your space. You’ll need to make a decision about the services that you are willing (and able) to pay for.

Know Your Moving Options

-A full-service moving company: This is the most expensive option, but also the most convenient, especially if you’re moving a great distance. A full-service mover will arrive at your current home and load all of your packed cargo onto their moving truck. Then, they will drive to your new location, and unload all of the boxes.

Full-service movers also offer a range of support services including professional packing and unpacking services, that will definitely simplify your move. Each extra service, though, will come at an additional cost.

-A DIY move: This type of move is more practical if you’ll be moving locally. First, you’ll need to research moving truck rentals. Then, you’ll need to determine what size moving truck that you need. With a DIY move, you pack your own boxes and load them onto the truck.

Finally, you will be responsible for driving the truck to your new location and unloading the boxes. This is the cheapest option, but often the most stressful since you’ll be doing the heavy lifting yourself.

-A hybrid move: A hybrid move is one where you do some of the work with support from a moving company. For example, you can choose to move your residence via a moving container. You load the container yourself, but hire a company to transport it to your new location.

Prepare to Move Out

Go through every room of your house, one by one. Don’t forget to include seldom used areas, like basements, attics and decks. Determine which items to keep, to sell, and to donate. Give away anything that you don’t regularly use or need.

Gather all items for sale, and arrange a moving sale. Invite your neighbors over to shop and to say goodbye.

Many nonprofits will come to your home and collect items for donation. Call and set a date for pick up. Consider coordinating your pick up date the day after your garage sale. Whatever doesn’t sell at your sale, prepare to donate.

Create an Inventory of Things to Move into Your New House

Once you have gotten rid of all of the items you’ll no longer need, make a complete inventory of all of your household items. Go through each room in your house and make a complete list of everything you own. Yes, this is a big job. However, an inventory will help you when you pack your goods and when you unpack them in your new home.

Gather Moving Supplies

Check out our comprehensive list of moving supplies to make sure that you know exactly what you need to pack. Then, search neighborhood groups on social media for any used supplies, like boxes and insulation. Often, people offer these to a neighbor for free or at a reduced price.

Consult Your New Floor Plan

Get a floor plan of your new home, which includes room measurements. Then, begin packing, using your inventory as a guide. Or, if you want some help with this big job, hire packers and unpackers to organize your items.

Next, measure your existing furniture, and make sure it will fit in your new space. Order any new items that you may need.

Transfer Utilities and Services Before Moving Into Your New House

Call your utility companies and arrange for services to be transferred to your new address. Make sure that you will have electricity, water, and gas at your new home on move in day. Also, arrange for garbage service before you go. You’ll want that set up before you move in.

Figure Out Parking At Your New Home

In addition, know street parking codes in your new location. Depending on where you live, you may need parking stickers or special permits to park vehicles on the street. Make sure that you have what you need before you move.

Change Locks, Codes, and Alarms

As soon as you get the keys to your new place, arrange to have the locks changed. This one thing might be the most important item on your new home essentials list. Also, reset the garage code and any security systems. While it can be an additional expense, it’s worth it for the peace of mind.

Also, install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms. Then, test them to make sure they work. Then, replace all batteries. You want to be sure that your home is safe and secure from the moment you move in.

Prep Your New Home Before Moving In

If you will have an empty house prior to move in, complete any small home projects you have on your list. For example, if you want to paint walls or shampoo carpet, the best time to do that is before you have a house full of boxes and furniture.

Even if you don’t have any projects to do, you may want to get in early to clean your new home. If possible, spend some time cleaning the kitchen and the bathrooms. Vacuum the floors, and spray the countertops. Even light a candle to fill the home with your favorite scent. These little things will help your home feel like yours from the day you move in.

Schedule Online Deliveries…and Then Relax!

To make your move in process easier, schedule online grocery deliveries for the day after you move into your new home. Order groceries, toilet paper, paper towels, and other essentials that you’ll want to have on hand ASAP. The last thing you’ll want to do the day after you move in is plan a big run to the grocery store.

It sounds impossible, but it can happen: a stress free moving day. If you’re well organized and you’ve planned ahead, you’ll be surprised at how smoothly the actual moving day will go.

The Key To Moving Smoothly Into Your New Home? Hire the Right Movers!

Finding the right moving partner can make all the difference when you’re moving homes. First, you want to rest assured that your personal belongings are in the hands of professionals. You need a company with professional movers who are experienced in packing and unpacking the truck as well as transporting cargo.

Second, you want a company that is licensed and insured to move your goods-whether you are moving locally or across the country. Finally, you want to be sure that the company you choose has great customer service and a proven track record of excellence.

Nelson Westerberg: Your Moving Partner

In consulting your checklist for moving into a new home, the first thing you need to do is find the right mover. For you, that could be as simple as renting a truck from a reputable company for your DIY move. Or, that might mean hiring a well-established full-service mover to provide total support each step of the way.

No matter what you need, we can provide it. When you’re moving into a new house, you want the experience to be as smooth as possible. So call Nelson Westerberg. Our team of professionals has the equipment and experience to get your move done right.