Moving homes can be exciting but also pretty daunting at the same time. That’s especially true if you’re going to a new city or even country. With such a big step on your mind, it can be easy to forget the little things. That includes decluttering your things to give yourself a fresh start in your new space. You’ll also need to hire a moving company since moving all by yourself can be pretty tricky. Other tasks on the list include creating a budget, notifying important parties, packing strategically, and, most importantly, planning for the first day in your new home.
Here’s a checklist you should consult before you move.
- Research Your New Location
Of course, you need to thoroughly research the city or town you’ll be moving to. If you have children, you’ll need to know exactly where the schools are. You’ll also need to know where the nearest general store is just in case you need supplies when unpacking your home. Most importantly, understand the neighborhoods, their safety, amenities, and overall vibe. If you’re searching for a new job, we also recommend looking into the job market and potential career opportunities in the area.
- Arrange for Transportation
The most crucial step is to hire a reputable moving company. They’ll lessen the burden of moving all your furniture, so you can simply get in your car and drive to the new location. They’ll even unload the boxes into your new home, simplifying your labor. If you’re looking for a moving company to help you stay under budget, search for “affordable movers near me” to find the perfect match. Of course, don’t stick with one moving company early on; get multiple quotes and review your options.
- Create a Budget
If you want to avoid unexpected and unwanted expenses once you’ve moved into your new home, you need to set a budget. Moving expenses can add up fast due to various aspects of the relocation journey. With a comprehensive budget, you can better understand your financial obligations and make informed decisions. This way, you can enjoy peace of mind while moving.
- Declutter and Organize
If you’ve lived in your current home for many years, you most likely have tons of things you don’t need or use anymore. Once you’ve collected all your belongings, it’s time to decide what to keep and what to toss. You can donate your old stuff. If some of your things are still in good condition but are of no use to you, you can even sell them. This will save you a lot of time when unpacking and even lower moving costs.
- Notify Important Parties
Notifying important parties about your change of address is important so that you don’t face any disruptions in mail delivery and maintain essential services during and after the move. Remember to notify your post office about the move for a change-of-address request. Then, notify your banks and credit card companies to ensure your bills and statements reach your new home. You should also check in with your insurance providers to update your policies accordingly. Other important parties to notify include tax authorities, utility companies, internet service providers, and, of course, your family and friends.
- Transfer Utilities and Services
You can’t forget to transfer your utilities to your new home. This will ensure uninterrupted access to electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable services from the second you arrive, making your first day much easier. Contact your utility providers well in advance of your moving date to arrange for the transfer of services. And we mean both locations, not just your previous home. But if your new area has different utility providers, take some time to research and set up new accounts. If required, schedule a final meter reading at your old address to ensure accurate billing.
- Pack Strategically
Now, it’s time to start packing your belongings. For that, you’ll need to invest in a ton of packing supplies, such as tape, Sharpies, cardboard boxes, packing peanuts, newspaper, bubble wrap, labels, and more. Each supply has its own purpose and is just as crucial as the other. Packing tape will help you seal the boxes, while bubble wrap cushions fragile items. You must also remember to label each box which makes unpacking so much easier!
- Update Your Information
If you’ve subscribed to certain newsletters or other daily, weekly, or monthly services, you must remember to change your address for them. Once your moving date is confirmed, notify magazine publishers, online retailers, and other relevant service providers of your address change. In most cases, you can do so online.
- Take Care of Medical Needs
First and foremost, you need to pack all your medical documents in an accessible folder. Your medical records, prescriptions, and vaccination certificates can come in handy to access healthcare when traveling long-distance. If you have any prescriptions, refill them to last long enough for the move. You’ll also need to know where the physicians, specialists, and dentists are in your new area in case of emergencies.
- Make a First-Day Checklist
Most importantly, you need to plan for your first day in the new home. Here’s a checklist to guarantee a smooth and stress-free first day:
- Pack an “Essentials Box” with the items you’ll need immediately upon arrival.
- Confirm utilities and services are functioning.
- Direct movers or supervise the unloading process.
- Place important documents and valuables in a secure location.
- Set up beds and assemble essential furniture.
- Install new locks or change existing ones for security.
- Locate essential services such as banks and gas stations.
- Familiarize yourself with local emergency services and nearby facilities.
- Set up Wi-Fi and test other essential electronics.
- Stay hydrated and make sure to maintain a regular sleep schedule.
Conclusion
Moving long distances is pretty difficult, so you don’t need to do it alone. Hiring professional movers can take a huge load off your back and make the transition into your new home much smoother. Follow the rest of our checklist to ensure a stress-free move.
