11 Essential Things to Do Before Moving House

Moving can be a thrilling experience, but without the proper steps, it can also be stressful. Preparing in advance ensures a smooth transition and less chaos. Here’s a comprehensive guide covering 11 things to do before moving house for a hassle-free move.

1. Create a Moving Timeline and Checklist

Creating a moving timeline and checklist is one of the best ways to ensure a smooth move. Start planning at least two months, breaking down tasks week by week.

Why It’s Important

A timeline helps you avoid last-minute stress by distributing tasks over several weeks. Here’s an example timeline:

Timeline	Tasks
2 Months Out	Research movers, make a budget, start decluttering
1 Month Out	Book movers, start packing non-essentials
2 Weeks Out	Notify relevant parties, finalize packing
1 Week Out	Confirm moving details, pack essentials

Pro Tip: Use a checklist app like Google Keep or Trello to track your progress.

2. Declutter Your Belongings

Before moving, reduce the items you need to pack. Decluttering your belongings will save space and time and even reduce moving costs.

Steps to Declutter Efficiently

1. Sort Room by Room: Start with closets, then move to storage spaces.
2. Use the “Three-Box Method”: Label boxes, Keep, Donate, and Discard.
3. Donate or Sell Unwanted Items: Platforms like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace are great for selling items.

Quote: “The fewer items you move, the lighter and more affordable your moving process becomes.”

3. Research and Book Movers (or Arrange DIY Moving)

Choosing between hiring professionals and doing a DIY move is critical. Both options require careful planning.

Hiring Movers

• Why It’s Worth It: Movers handle the heavy lifting, provide insurance, and reduce the risk of damage.
• How to Choose: Compare at least three companies, check reviews, and verify insurance.

DIY Moving

• Steps to Organize a DIY Move:
  • Rent a moving truck from companies like U-Haul.
  • Gather friends to help with packing and loading.

Pro Tip: Moving on weekdays is often cheaper than moving on weekends.

4. Notify Relevant Parties of Your Move

Updating your address ensures you receive important mail and keep services active.

Who to Notify

• Government Services: USPS (for mail forwarding), DMV, and IRS.
• Financial Institutions: Banks, credit card companies, and loan providers.
• Subscription Services: Magazines, streaming services, and online shops.

Example: Use the USPS change-of-address service online for a small fee.

5. Set Up Utilities in Your New Home

Imagine moving into a home with no electricity or water! Setting up utilities ahead of time prevents these issues.

Key Utilities to Arrange

1. Electricity and Gas
2. Water and Waste Management
3. Internet and Cable
4. Home Security (if needed)

Tip: Schedule utilities at least two weeks before moving to ensure they’re active on move-in day.

6. Pack an Essentials Box

An essentials box contains the items you’ll need immediately at your new home. This simple step prevents digging through boxes on the first night.

What to Include

• Toiletries: Soap, toothpaste, toilet paper.
• Bedding: A set of sheets and pillows.
• Kitchen Supplies: Basic dishes, cups, and snacks.
• Essential Documents: IDs, insurance papers, and lease/mortgage documents.

Label the essentials box clearly and keep it with you instead of putting it on the moving truck.

7. Take Inventory of Your Belongings

Keeping an inventory of all items is crucial, especially if using movers. It also helps with insurance claims if any items are lost or damaged.

Steps for Creating an Inventory

• Digital Inventory Apps: Apps like Sortly make it easy to catalog items.
• Photos and Descriptions: Take pictures of valuables, noting any serial numbers.

Case Study: When Sarah moved, her TV was damaged. Thanks to her inventory list and photos, she easily filed an insurance claim.

8. Clean Your Current Home for the Next Occupants

Leaving a clean home isn’t just courteous; it’s often a rental requirement for returning your deposit.

Cleaning Checklist

1. Sweep and Mop Floors
2. Wipe Down Surfaces: Kitchen counters, bathrooms, windows.
3. Dispose of Trash: Clear out every room.

Consider hiring a professional cleaning service for a deep clean if your budget allows it.

9. Prepare a Floor Plan for the New Home

A floor plan helps movers know where to place large furniture and saves you from rearranging afterward.

How to Create a Floor Plan

• Measure Rooms and Furniture: Record dimensions to avoid mismatches.
• Assign Room Labels: Label boxes with the destination room.

Example: Post a printed floor plan near the entrance on a moving day.

10. Take Photos of Important Documents and Items

Moving involves a lot of paperwork, and important documents can easily get misplaced. Digital copies help you keep them safe.

Important Documents to Photograph

• Lease/mortgage agreements, IDs, passports, and insurance policies.
• Valuables: Photograph high-value items for insurance.

Store these on a secure, cloud-based platform like Google Drive for easy access.

11. Confirm Moving Day Arrangements

Double-check details the day before your move to ensure everything goes as planned.

Checklist for Moving Day

• Confirm with Movers: Call and verify arrival time.
• Check Parking: Reserve a space for the truck.
• Pack Last-Minute Items: Include items like phone chargers and medications.

Tip: Have a small toolkit for assembling furniture at the new home.

Conclusion

Moving house doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You can enjoy a smoother, more organized transition with the proper steps. Following these 11 essential things to do before moving house, you’ll be fully prepared for a successful move.

Final Tip: Bookmark this checklist and refer to it as you plan. Please share it with friends and family who are moving soon to help them prepare!