Moving to a new home is equal parts exciting and overwhelming. Whether you’re relocating across town or the country, having a clear moving guide can transform chaos into calm.
His 2025 edition offers actionable steps, from creating a movingto-doo list to mastering your moving day checklist. Let’s dive into the essential things to do when moving to ensure your transition is smooth and stress-free.
Start Early: Create a Moving Timeline
A successful move begins with planning. Ideally, start organizing 8–12 weeks before your move date. Break tasks into weekly goals to avoid last-minute scrambles. Key things to do when moving include:
- 12 Weeks Out: Research moving companies and gather quotes. Begin decluttering closets, garages, and storage areas.
- 8 Weeks Out: Finalize your moving budget, including packing supplies, transportation, and potential storage fees. Notify your current landlord or real estate agent about your move-out date.
- 6 Weeks Out: Book your chosen moving company and confirm their insurance policies. Start packing seasonal items (holiday decor, winter coats) you won’t need immediately.
- 4 Weeks Out: Schedule utility transfers (electricity, water, internet) for your new home. Begin packing non-essential rooms like guest bedrooms or home offices.
Pro tip: Use digital tools like Trello or Google Sheets to track deadlines. Early planning reduces surprises and keeps your moving guide on track.
Declutter Before Packing
Less clutter means lower costs and fewer boxes. Tackle one area at a time, asking: “Have I used this in the past year?” Donate, sell, or recycle items you no longer need. Popular decluttering strategies include:
- The 20/20 Rule: If you can replace an item for under $20 in under 20 minutes, consider letting it go.
- The Four-Box Method: Label boxes as Keep, Donate, Sell, and Trash to streamline decision-making.
- Digital Decluttering: Sort through old files, photos, and apps on devices to lighten your digital load.
For bulky furniture, list items on OfferUp or Nextdoor. Donate gently used clothes to organizations like Goodwill or local shelters. Recycling electronics? Check EPA guidelines for e-waste drop-off locations. This step not only lightens your load but also simplifies packing—a cornerstone of any practical moving guide.
Build a Moving To-Do List
A detailed movingto-doo list ensures nothing slips through the cracks. Prioritize tasks like:
- 6 Weeks Out: Book your moving company, order packing supplies, and begin packing non-essentials.
- 4 Weeks Out: Confirm move dates with landlords or real estate agents. Transfer utilities and update subscriptions.
- 2 Weeks Out: Pack 80% of your home, leaving daily essentials accessible. Label boxes by room and priority (e.g., “Unpack First”).
- 1 Week Out: Confirm arrival times with your moving company, arrange childcare or pet care for moving day, and clean appliances.
Include reminders for address changes at the post office, DMV, banks, and subscriptions like Amazon or Netflix. Apps like Moving Planner can automate reminders, keeping your moving guide organized.
Pack Smart: Label, Protect, and Systematize
Packing efficiently saves time during unpacking. Follow these tips:
- Use Quality Supplies: Invest in sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape. Rent specialty boxes for artwork or mirrors from your moving company.
- Label Clearly: Note the room and contents (e.g., “Kitchen – Pots & Pans”). Use color-coded stickers for faster sorting.
- Create an Essentials Box: Pack medications, chargers, toiletries, a change of clothes, and basic tools (scissors, screwdriver) for moving day.
- Disassemble Furniture Early: Take apart beds, desks, and shelves 1–2 days before the move. Keep screws and bolts in labeled bags taped to furniture.
For fragile items, double-wrap with paper and mark boxes as “Fragile.” A well-executed packing strategy is a highlight of this moving guide, ensuring your belongings arrive intact.
Hire a Reliable Moving Company
Choosing the right moving company impacts your entire experience. Follow these steps:
- Get Multiple Quotes: Compare rates and services from at least three companies. Ask about flat rates vs. hourly pricing.
- Verify Credentials: Ensure they’re licensed and insured (check USDOT numbers for interstate moves). For international relocations, confirm customs experience.
- Read Reviews: Sites like Yelp or BBB reveal customer experiences. Look for patterns in feedback about punctuality or damaged items.
- Ask About Add-Ons: Inquire about packing services, furniture assembly, or temporary storage options.
Red flags includea lack of contracts, demands for large upfront deposits, or vague communication. A trustworthy moving company aligns with your budget and timeline, making it a pillar of this moving guide.
Master Your Moving Day Checklist
Your moving day checklist keeps the final stretch organized. Key tasks include:
- Morning Of:
- Confirm arrival time with the moving company.
- Do a final walkthrough to check for left-behind items.
- Take photos of empty rooms to document property conditions.
- During the Move:
- Supervise loading, ensuring boxes go into the correct truck section.
- Keep documents (contracts, ID) and valuables (jewelry, passports) in a personal bag.
- Provide drinks or snacks for the moving crew to foster goodwill.
- After Departure:
- Clean the old home, take meter readings, and lock all windows/doors.
- Forward your mail via USPS and update your GPS with the new address.
Pack a cooler with snacks and water for the day. Celebrate small wins—this moving guide emphasizes progress over perfection!
Settle Into Your New Home
Unpacking can feel daunting, but a systematic approach helps:
- Day 1:
- Assemble beds and set up Wi-Fi.
- Unpack kitchen basics (plates, utensils) and bathroom necessities.
- Plug in refrigerators and freezers immediately.
- Week 1:
- Child/pet-proof the home: secure cabinets, cover outlets, and designate safe zones.
- Test smoke detectors and locate circuit breakers.
- Month 1:
- Explore the neighborhood: locate pharmacies, grocery stores, and parks.
- Introduce yourself to neighbors and join local social media groups.
Update your address with local agencies (voter registration, car registration) and schedule a deep clean. This moving guide encourages patience—settling in takes time!
Post-Move Tasks: Tie Up Loose Ends
Wrap up loose ends within two weeks of moving:
- Service Reviews: Leave feedback for your moving company on Google or Yelp to help others.
- Warranty Registrations: Register appliances for coverage and file manuals in a dedicated folder.
- Deep Clean: Scrub floors, wipe cabinets, or hire a service to refresh your new space.
- Storage Solutions: Install shelving or rent a storage unit for seasonal items.
Recycle packing materials or save boxes for future use. Completing these things to do when moving solidifies a fresh start.
Special Considerations for Unique Moves
- Cross-Country Moves:
- Research state-specific regulations (e.g., car emissions tests).
- Plan rest stops and overnight stays using apps like Roadtrippers.
- International Relocations:
- Verify visa requirements and vaccination records.
- Hire a moving company with global expertise, like Allied Van Lines.
- Downsizing:
- Measure doorways in your new home to ensurethe furniture fits.
- Consider multi-functional furniture (e.g., sofa beds) to save space.
Budgeting Tips for a Cost-Effective Move
- Save on Supplies: Collect free boxes from grocery stores or Buy Nothing groups.
- Move Off-Peak: Schedule moves midweek or mid-month for lower rates.
- Tax Deductions: If relocating for work, track expenses for potential tax claims.
Final Thoughts
Moving doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With this moving guide, you’ve gained a roadmap for every phase from early planning to post-move routines.
Remember to lean on your moving to-do list and moving day checklist for structure, and partner with a trusted moving company to ease the heavy lifting. Here’s to a seamless move and the exciting adventures awaiting you in your new home!
