Moving to a new home can be a stressful experience. However, with appropriate preparation, it can also be a smooth and seamless process. By following these tips, your move to your new home can be a lot less daunting.
CLEAN & ORGANIZE
Before you even have a moving date, it is a good idea to start cleaning and organizing closets, rooms, garages, basements and outbuildings. This will help cut down on packing time and you can sell or donate unused items.
FIND A MOVER
Once you have a moving date, you need to hire movers or decide if you can handle the move on your own. If you decide to hire movers, be sure to obtain price estimates and a list of services included. Don't delay in securing your moving date.
TERMINATE UTILITIES/SERVICES
One to two months before your move date, you should start terminating services, autodeliveries, subscriptions, etc. that you use each month such as electricity, cable, phones. You can give the utilities a future date for termination. Don't forget to notify maintenance companies, housekeepers and gardeners.
PREPARE FOR NEW OWNERS
Start preparing the home for the new owners and your home inspection. Gather major appliance reference manuals and place them in a box or kitchen cabinet/drawer where the new owners will find them. Label extra keys and place them in a drawer.
START PACKING
Start packing things that don't get used often first. You can ask you moving company for advice o the best ways to pack items or prepare. Start an essential box or two of all the things you will need immediately after you unload at the new location. Items such as toiletries, cleaning supplies, towels, sheets, blankets, change of clothes... you get the idea.
CHANGE YOUR ADDRESS
Don't forget to notify creditors, banks, insurance company, magazine subscriptions, newspaper subscriptions, doctors, dentists, friends and family of your new address. Remember to transfer your prescriptions to a pharmacy closer to your new home if needed.
ONE WEEK BEFORE MOVE,
REMEMBER TO....
- Confirm your closing is still on track and handle tasks required by your closing agent.
- Confirm moving and delivery dates with movers or check your moving truck reservation.
Clean each room thoroughly as you finish packing. Wait to pack your vacuum and other cleaning supplies for those last minute cleans. Don’t forget the major appliances too!
Arrange to cancel your existing homeowner’s insurance policy after the closing is complete. If there is a delay in closing, call your insurance agent immediately.
