[2023] What to Remember to Do When Moving a House: The Ultimate Checklist

Moving to a new house can be an exciting but overwhelming experience. With so many tasks to remember and things to do, it’s easy to feel stressed and forget important steps. That’s why we’ve created the ultimate checklist to help you stay organized and ensure a smooth transition to your new home. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to remember to do when moving a house, from pre-move planning to settling in. So let’s dive in and make your move a breeze!

Table of Contents

Quick Answer

Moving a house involves a series of tasks that need to be completed before, during, and after the move. Here’s a quick overview of the key things to remember:

  1. Pre-Move Planning:

    • Create a moving timeline and budget.
    • Research and hire a reputable moving company or plan a DIY move.
    • Notify relevant parties about your move, such as your landlord, utility companies, and postal service.
    • Declutter and organize your belongings.

  2. Moving Essentials:

    • Gather packing supplies.
    • Pack your belongings strategically, labeling boxes for easy unpacking.
    • Take inventory of your items and consider purchasing moving insurance.

  3. Moving Day Checklist:

    • Clean your old home.
    • Direct movers or oversee the moving process yourself.
    • Take final meter readings and ensure all utilities are switched off.

  4. Packing Tips:

    • Pack a “first-night” box with essential items.
    • Disassemble furniture and protect fragile items.
    • Use proper lifting techniques to avoid injuries.

  5. Settling In:

    • Clean your new home before unpacking.
    • Set up utilities and change your address.
    • Unpack strategically, focusing on essential rooms first.

  6. Home Maintenance:

    • Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms.
    • Change locks and ensure the security of your new home.
    • Familiarize yourself with the location of water shut-off valves and circuit breakers.

Remember, this is just a summary. We’ll dive deeper into each step to ensure you have all the information you need for a successful move.

Quick Tips and Facts

Before we delve into the details, here are some quick tips and facts to keep in mind:

  • Moving can be expensive, so it’s essential to create a budget and stick to it.
  • Researching and hiring a reputable moving company can save you time and stress.
  • Decluttering before the move will help you save money on packing supplies and make the unpacking process easier.
  • Packing strategically and labeling boxes will make unpacking a breeze.
  • Moving insurance can provide peace of mind in case of any damage or loss during the move.
  • Cleaning your old home before moving out is not only considerate but also ensures you get your security deposit back.
  • Unpacking can be overwhelming, so focus on essential rooms first and take breaks when needed.
  • Familiarize yourself with the layout of your new home, including the location of important utilities and safety features.

Now that you have a quick overview, let’s dive into each step in more detail.

Background

Moving houses has been a common practice for centuries. People move for various reasons, such as job opportunities, family changes, or simply seeking a change of scenery. Throughout history, moving has evolved from manual labor to the use of professional moving companies and advanced transportation methods.

In recent years, technology has played a significant role in simplifying the moving process. Online platforms and apps, like Moving Checklist™, provide comprehensive checklists, tips, and resources to help individuals and families navigate the complexities of moving. These tools aim to streamline the moving process, reduce stress, and ensure a successful transition to a new home.

Pre-Move Planning

Preparation is key when it comes to moving a house. By creating a detailed plan and timeline, you can stay organized and minimize last-minute stress. Here are the essential steps to remember during the pre-move planning phase:

  1. Create a moving timeline and budget: Start by determining your moving date and working backward to create a timeline for completing tasks such as packing, hiring movers, and notifying relevant parties. Set a budget that includes moving expenses, packing supplies, and any additional costs.

  2. Research and hire a reputable moving company or plan a DIY move: Decide whether you want to hire professional movers or handle the move yourself. Research moving companies, read reviews, and get quotes to find the best option for your needs. If you choose a DIY move, make sure to plan for renting a truck or van and enlisting the help of friends or family.

  3. Notify relevant parties about your move: Inform your landlord, utility companies, postal service, and any other relevant parties about your upcoming move. Arrange for the transfer or cancellation of utilities, mail forwarding, and any necessary address changes.

  4. Declutter and organize your belongings: Take the opportunity to declutter your home before the move. Sort through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. Organize your items into categories to make packing and unpacking more efficient.

For a more detailed guide on pre-move planning, check out our Pre-Move Planning category.

Moving Essentials

Gathering the necessary supplies and packing your belongings strategically are crucial steps in ensuring a smooth move. Here’s what you need to remember:

  1. Gather packing supplies: Stock up on essential packing supplies such as boxes, tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and markers. You can purchase these supplies from moving supply stores or online retailers.

  2. Pack your belongings strategically: Start by packing items you don’t frequently use, such as seasonal clothing or decorations. Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. Consider using color-coded labels for easy identification. Pack fragile items with care, using bubble wrap or packing paper to protect them.

  3. Take inventory and consider moving insurance: Create an inventory of your belongings, noting any valuable or high-cost items. Consider purchasing moving insurance to protect your possessions in case of damage or loss during the move.

For more detailed tips and advice on packing, check out our Packing Tips category.

Moving Day Checklist

Moving day can be hectic, but with proper planning, you can ensure a smooth transition. Here’s a checklist of important tasks to remember:

  1. Clean your old home: Before leaving your old home, make sure to clean it thoroughly. This is not only considerate to the new occupants but also ensures you get your security deposit back if you were renting.

  2. Direct movers or oversee the moving process yourself: If you hired professional movers, provide them with clear instructions and oversee the process to ensure everything goes smoothly. If you’re handling the move yourself, enlist the help of friends or family and coordinate the loading and unloading of the truck.

  3. Take final meter readings and switch off utilities: Before leaving your old home, take final meter readings for gas, electricity, and water. Ensure all utilities are switched off and any necessary accounts are closed or transferred.

For a more comprehensive moving day checklist, check out our Moving Day Checklist category.

Packing Tips

Packing efficiently and protecting your belongings is essential to ensure a successful move. Here are some tips to remember:

  1. Pack a “first-night” box: Prepare a box with essential items you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home. This can include toiletries, a change of clothes, bedding, and basic kitchen supplies.

  2. Disassemble furniture and protect fragile items: Take apart any furniture that can be disassembled to make it easier to transport. Wrap fragile items, such as glassware or electronics, in bubble wrap or packing paper to prevent damage.

  3. Use proper lifting techniques: When lifting heavy boxes or furniture, remember to bend your knees and lift with your legs to avoid straining your back. If an item is too heavy, ask for assistance or use moving equipment such as dollies or straps.

For more detailed packing tips and tricks, check out our Packing Tips category.

Settling In

Once you’ve arrived at your new home, it’s time to settle in and make it feel like your own. Here’s what you need to remember:

  1. Clean your new home before unpacking: Before unpacking, take the time to clean your new home thoroughly. This will ensure a fresh start and make the unpacking process more enjoyable.

  2. Set up utilities and change your address: Contact utility companies to set up new accounts for electricity, gas, water, and internet services. Change your address with the postal service, banks, insurance companies, and any other relevant parties.

  3. Unpack strategically: Start by unpacking essential rooms such as the bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. Take breaks when needed and tackle one room at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

For more tips on settling into your new home, check out our Settling In category.

Home Maintenance

Once you’ve settled into your new home, it’s important to prioritize home maintenance tasks. Here are some key things to remember:

  1. Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms: Ensure that all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are in working order. Replace batteries if necessary.

  2. Change locks and ensure home security: For peace of mind, consider changing the locks on your new home. This will ensure that you’re the only one with access to your property. Evaluate the security of your new home and consider installing additional measures such as a security system or outdoor lighting.

  3. Familiarize yourself with important utilities: Locate the water shut-off valves, circuit breakers, and other important utilities in your new home. This knowledge will come in handy in case of emergencies or maintenance issues.

For more home maintenance tips, check out our Home Maintenance category.

FAQ

A small house in yellow springs USA

What should you not forget when moving house?

When moving house, it’s important not to overlook the following:

  • Change your address with the postal service, banks, insurance companies, and other relevant parties.
  • Transfer or cancel utilities such as electricity, gas, water, and internet services.
  • Pack a “first-night” box with essential items you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home.
  • Clean your old home before moving out to ensure you get your security deposit back if you were renting.
  • Take final meter readings and switch off utilities in your old home.

Read more about “What should you not forget when moving house?”

What do I need to remember to do when moving?

When moving, remember to:

  • Create a moving timeline and budget.
  • Research and hire a reputable moving company or plan a DIY move.
  • Notify relevant parties about your move, such as your landlord, utility companies, and postal service.
  • Gather packing supplies and pack your belongings strategically.
  • Clean your old home before moving out.
  • Direct movers or oversee the moving process yourself.
  • Take final meter readings and switch off utilities in your old home.
  • Clean your new home before unpacking.
  • Set up utilities and change your address.
  • Unpack strategically, focusing on essential rooms first.

Read more about “… How to Make a Moving Inventory: The Ultimate Guide”

What to consider when moving into a house?

When moving into a house, consider the following:

  • Clean your new home before unpacking to ensure a fresh start.
  • Set up utilities and change your address to ensure a smooth transition.
  • Familiarize yourself with the layout of your new home, including the location of important utilities and safety features.
  • Unpack strategically, focusing on essential rooms first.
  • Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure your safety.
  • Change locks and evaluate the security of your new home.
  • Take the time to explore your new neighborhood and get to know your neighbors.

Read more about “How to Pack and Move in 4 Weeks? …”

What to do 20 days before moving?

Twenty days before moving, you should:

  • Start decluttering your home and getting rid of items you no longer need.
  • Research and hire a reputable moving company or plan a DIY move.
  • Begin gathering packing supplies.
  • Notify relevant parties about your upcoming move, such as your landlord, utility companies, and postal service.
  • Start packing non-essential items and labeling boxes for easy unpacking.

For more frequently asked questions and detailed answers, check out our FAQ page.

Read more about “… What to do 30 Days Before You Move: The Ultimate Moving Checklist”

Conclusion

Moving a house can be a daunting task, but with proper planning and organization, it can also be an exciting adventure. By following our comprehensive checklist, you’ll be well-prepared for every step of the moving process. Remember to create a moving timeline, gather packing supplies, and notify relevant parties about your move. On moving day, clean your old home, direct movers or oversee the process yourself, and take final meter readings. Once you’ve arrived at your new home, clean before unpacking, set up utilities, and unpack strategically. Finally, prioritize home maintenance tasks and familiarize yourself with important utilities in your new home.

Moving Checklist™ is here to make your move a breeze. For more helpful tips and resources, check out our Recommended Links section.

  • Pre-Move Planning: Get expert advice on planning your move and creating a timeline.
  • Moving Essentials: Find out what essential supplies you’ll need for a successful move.
  • Moving Day Checklist: Stay organized on moving day with our comprehensive checklist.
  • Packing Tips: Learn how to pack efficiently and protect your belongings during the move.

For more information on what to remember when moving a house, check out our article on What Should You Not Forget When Moving House? 20 Commonly Overlooked Items and Tips.

For more information and resources, visit Rocket Mortgage and other reputable websites related to moving and homeownership.

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