You’ll want to purchase moving boxes and supplies, including tape. You should also consider inventorying every room in your home. This will help you avoid a mess on move-in day by keeping track of your items and where they’re located.
It’s also a good idea to declutter and donate items you no longer need to friends, a local charity, or a yard sale.
Important tasks like home warranty vs homeowners insurance and knowing what coverages you have are important, but doing the small things before you move will provide less stress.
Packing
One of the most important things to get before you move is a good supply of moving boxes. Start packing non-essential items first and make sure to have a box dedicated to the essentials you’ll need on moving day (like pajamas, a change of clothes, and snacks).
Another thing to do before the big move is declutter your home. Go room by room and get rid of items you’ve been hanging onto for too long, whether it’s by hosting a garage sale or donating them to your local charity organization.
Cleaning
Cleaning is a necessity for any home, so it’s important to have some basic supplies ready to go. This includes items like a mop and bucket, garbage bags, paper towels and wipes, and EPA-registered disinfectants such as Lysol Disinfecting Wipes or Clorox Multi-Surface Cleaner.
Additionally, having cleaning products on hand is especially crucial during this novel Coronavirus outbreak. It’s never a good idea to move into a dirty house, so having cleaners will help prevent contamination from the previous owner and will save you the hassle of running to the store for supplies on move-in day.
Organizing
Before you start packing, take an inventory of everything in your home. Visiting each room and taking note of what you’ll be moving with you is an important step in the process, especially if it’s a big move across the country or internationally.
Make sure you’re prepared with the proper supplies, such as sturdy boxes and packing paper. You’ll also want to have a toolbox available to disassemble items, such as beds and bookcases, for easier transport. Consider making a floor plan of your new home to help direct movers and ensure all the pieces fit.
Moving Day
Ensure that you have all the supplies you’ll need for moving day, like boxes and tape. Make sure to label everything, especially electronic items, so they can be reattached in the proper order once you get them to your new home.
Go through each room for a final check and remove anything you don’t want to move, such as fragile items or large furniture. Also, inspect all paths that lead out of
the house for any obstacles or debris.
Make sure you have a “go” bag packed with essentials that you’ll need on the move, including important documents and valuables. Also include a few changes of clothes and toiletries for the day or two after you’re settled in.
Unpacking
Make sure you have a set of cleaning supplies for your new place, a toolkit (you never know what might need a hammer and some pliers), and a few boxes labeled “Open Me First.” This box will include toiletries, a change of clothes, and any other items you’ll want to immediately access.
Fragile items should be clearly labeled as such and packed in cushioning materials like paper, clothing, or bubble wrap. This will ensure your precious possessions get to your new place safely and without damage. Aim to complete all general packing a few weeks before your move date.
Settling in
There’s more to moving into a new house than just unpacking boxes. Getting associated with the house, learning how it functions and prioritizing projects are all part of moving in.
Before your move, make an inventory list of everything you’ll be bringing to the house. It will help you avoid duplicate items and ensure that all essentials are accounted for.
Also, submit a change of address to the post office to make sure your bank letters and important bills reach you at the right address from now on.
Getting Started
Getting organized before you move is key to making the entire process less stressful. It will help you find things during the chaos of moving, and make unpacking much easier.
If you’re not sure what to do with items that won’t be making the move, start planning a yard sale now. Getting rid of extra stuff early will also free up space in your closets and garage for more important items.
This is also a good time to get new boxes and labels, and make appointments with local utility providers or movers. You’ll want to make sure your new address is updated with your insurance company as well.
