Moving from one house to another is considered one of life's top stressful events according to research*. It makes sense. Moving is a financial, emotional, physical, and logistical challenge. That’s why it’s so important to create a moving list with a solid plan for every single stage.
Luckily we have a step-by-step, moving checklist to set you up for a worry free move. If done right, moving doesn’t have to be one of life’s top stressors!
Depending on how much you like to DIY, moving day can become a major investment. According to This Old House, for a typical long-distance move, the average cost is around $4,895 for a 2-3 bedroom home.
You’ll need to consider the following for your moving list:
Your budget determines how much professional support you can afford. A moving company, for example, comes with its own crew and equipment, and its team of professionals can quickly move heavy furniture without damaging property. But just remember, that level of talent, experience, and involvement can come with a hefty price tag.
If you can afford to hire a moving company, great! Now it’s time to find the right one. As you work on your moving packing list and vet professional moving companies, keep these points in mind:
Or, talk to your friends and family: A move is when you find out who your real friends are. A day-long move is physically draining, so it’s often rewarded with pizza and beverages as a way to say thanks. If you can’t afford a moving company, talk to your closest friends and family members about giving you a hand on your big day.
When moving from one house to another, a storage unit can be a terrific temporary holding space to store excess clutter or furniture until you figure out exactly what you’d like to do with it. Some storage options include self-storage, portable containers, full-service storage, or climate-controlled units. Average costs vary, but homeowners can expect to spend between $100 and $300 per month for a storage unit.
If you can’t afford a moving company and you don’t have a truck or van, you might want to opt for a moving truck. As a general rule, truck rental companies recommend:
Even if you follow the right recommendations, you may still need to take a couple of trips, so be sure to plan accordingly.
Don’t get caught unprepared for your move! Some helpful supplies to add to your moving list include:
This may seem like an obvious step, but it’s a big one! Start by decluttering and sorting your belongings, deciding what to keep, donate, or discard. Pack up items using the moving supplies list from step 6, listed above. Try to sort specific item categories by box, and label everything, including the room destination in your new home.
That’s a big deal when you’re a little kid. Talk to them about the changes they can expect, and drive them through the neighborhood beforehand to get them acquainted with the new area. You could even designate a go-to store or a great park nearby!
As stressful as a move can be for your kids, it can also be difficult for your pets. Ideally, you’ll want to have someone familiar look after these important little family members until you can properly care for them again. Alternatively, consider finding a reputable pet boarding facility where your pets can stay safe and well-cared for during the move.
If you’re moving across the country, the logistics become more complex. For long-distance moves, especially flying, you have the option of having your pets fly with you in the cabin or as cargo, depending on their size and the airline’s policies.
Another option is having a pet relocation service handle the transportation of your little loved ones. These services can provide peace of mind by managing all aspects of an animal’s journey, from pickup to delivery, ensuring your pets travel safely and comfortably to your new home.
Once the move is official, you’ll need to update your address with your bank, employer, and other institutions (we’ll get more into that later). If nothing else, talk to the post office about having your mail forwarded from your old address to your new one, starting on your moving day.
To ensure a smooth transition and minimize disruptions during your move, you’ll have to transfer or turn off utilities in your old home and set up utilities in your new home.
Transferring Utilities from Your Old Home:
Setting Up Utilities in Your New Home:
Don’t stress your next move
Download this checklist and keep it handy for all of your moving needs
Or, talk to your friends and family: A move is when you find out who your real friends are. A day-long move is physically draining, so it’s often rewarded with pizza and beverages as a way to say thanks. If you can’t afford a moving company, talk to your closest friends and family members about giving you a hand on your big day.
Before you know it, that big moving day will arrive. No matter how much you prep for it, the day may throw some surprises your way. Slow down when you can and remind yourself you’re doing great. Moving is a big deal!
Now let’s get down to details with your moving out checklist:
Moving day is stressful and physically demanding. Be ready. Have water bottles and your favorite energy-boosting treats ready to give you an extra burst of energy.
Sweep through the house one more time to check if anything was mistakenly left behind. Look behind corners, in cabinets, in each closet, and in the basement and attic.
If you’re hiring a moving company, remember that not everything is going to the employees who are helping you that day. That’s why many homeowners choose to tip their movers either with a cash payment ($10-$20 is customary) or with lunch.
Pro Tip: Your kitchen and bedroom are the two most important rooms in your house. By the end of the day, you’ll need a place to sleep, and you’ll also need something to eat.
While you don’t need to have everything unpacked in your new house and set up before bed, you should at least have a place to sleep and some food set aside for the evening and following morning.
If your new home doesn’t have off-street parking, you may want to save yourself a parking spot for the moving truck and any friends who are helping. Talk to your local municipality for rules and regulations for temporarily blocking off parking so it’s reserved for your moving day.
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Security for your home. Protection for your budget.
With your moving out checklist behind you, here’s a move in checklist to keep you on track:
Yes, the house was probably cleaned before you moved in, but you probably have no idea how much attention was put into it.
At a minimum:
Some savvy movers keep non-essentials in their boxes for the first few months to determine what’s really necessary and what doesn’t get used. Anything still boxed up after a few months is ready to be donated or sold!
You’ll need keys to your new place, so make sure to pick those up! You also don’t want previous owners to have access to your new home. So install a new lock, then make copies of the key for everyone who needs one.
Luckily, American Home Shield offers a rekey service, available with all plan types.
When something goes wrong, know how to get help. Specifically, be sure to note the phone number and address of your closest:
The first few weeks in a new location are always the toughest—and then you’ll have a pretty good understanding of the neighborhood. Within the first few days, however, know the location for the closest:
Look up the dates online, or even better, ask a friendly neighbor as you’re walking around your new neighborhood!
A lot of companies have your address on file—and many of them need to know about your move. Be sure to update your address for:
Moving is undoubtedly a big task. But breaking it down into smaller phases with a moving house checklist will help alleviate much of the stressors—like budgeting, hiring movers, and preparing your new space & settling in. Remember, organization is key, and with a structured approach, your move can go from messy to manageable. So, embrace this moving checklist as the beginning of your new home journey. Happy moving!
At American Home Shield, we believe that a home warranty is more than a piece of paper. It’s a state of mind knowing you’re protected when inevitable breakdowns occur in your home. Once you move into your new house, it’s a good idea to protect it in case anything goes wrong. Get the support and protection you need with a home warranty from American Home Shield. We can cover your HVAC, electrical systems, kitchen appliances, and much, much more.
Not sure what a home warranty is? No worries! Check out our FAQs or contact us to learn more.
*https://www.verywellmind.com/the-top-most-stressful-life-events-5547803
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