How to Create a Moving Checklist for Home Buyers

Buying a new home is an exciting milestone, but the process of moving can often be overwhelming. A well-organized moving checklist can help make the transition smoother and less stressful. By breaking down tasks and planning ahead, home buyers can stay on top of the moving process and ensure nothing gets overlooked. In this article, we’ll show you how to create a comprehensive moving checklist for home buyers to make the moving experience as easy and seamless as possible.

1. Two Months Before Moving

Start planning your move early to avoid last-minute stress. Around two months before your move, begin laying the groundwork for a smooth transition.

• Declutter: Go through each room and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or throw away. Decluttering helps reduce the number of items you’ll need to pack and move. Hosting a yard sale or listing items online can also help you make extra cash while getting rid of things you no longer need.
• Research Moving Companies: Begin researching moving companies or rental truck services. Get quotes from several providers to compare pricing and services. Make sure to read reviews and check for recommendations to find a reputable moving company that fits your needs and budget.
• Create a Moving Budget: Establish a budget for your move, including expenses for movers, packing supplies, and any potential storage fees. Moving can be costly, and setting a budget early on will help you avoid unexpected expenses.
• Organize Important Documents: Collect and organize important documents, such as home purchase papers, passports, medical records, and financial documents, so they are easily accessible during the move. Use a file folder or binder to keep everything organized in one place.
• Notify Your Landlord: If you are currently renting, give notice to your landlord according to the terms of your lease. This is typically done 30-60 days in advance, depending on your lease agreement. Be sure to schedule a move-out inspection and discuss the return of your security deposit.
• Create an Inventory Spreadsheet: Begin creating an inventory spreadsheet to track your belongings. This will help you keep organized throughout the move and make it easier to identify any missing items after the move.

2. Six Weeks Before Moving

At the six-week mark, it’s time to start making preparations for the move itself.

• Gather Packing Supplies: Purchase packing supplies such as boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and markers. Having the right materials on hand will make the packing process more efficient. Don’t forget specialty supplies like furniture pads, mattress covers, and dish pack boxes for delicate items.
• Notify Schools and Employers: If you have children, notify their schools about the upcoming move and arrange for their records to be transferred. Let your employer know about your moving plans and request time off if needed. If you’re moving out of the area, you may also want to start looking into new schools for your children.
• Start Packing Non-Essentials: Begin packing items that you don’t use frequently, such as seasonal decorations, books, and specialty kitchen items. Label each box clearly with its contents and the room it belongs to. Consider creating a packing inventory to help keep track of what you’ve packed.
• Label Boxes: Clearly label boxes with their contents and the room they belong to. This will make unpacking easier once you arrive at your new home. Use color-coded labels or tape to differentiate boxes by room.
• Make Travel Arrangements: If you’re moving a long distance, make any necessary travel arrangements, such as booking flights, reserving hotel rooms, or planning a driving route. Ensure that your vehicle is in good condition if you plan to drive a long distance.
• Prepare Your Children for the Move: Moving can be challenging for children. Talk to them about the move, answer their questions, and involve them in the packing process to make the transition easier.

3. One Month Before Moving

With one month to go, it’s time to start tackling more specific tasks related to the move.

• Change Address: Update your address with the post office, banks, credit card companies, and any subscriptions or services you use. Consider forwarding your mail to your new address to ensure nothing is missed. You should also notify friends and family about your new address.
• Arrange Utilities: Contact utility providers to schedule disconnection at your current home and connection at your new home. This includes electricity, water, gas, internet, and trash services. Make sure utility services at your new home are set up before your arrival to avoid any inconvenience.
• Confirm Moving Company: Confirm your booking with the moving company and finalize any details related to the move, such as the arrival time and contact information. Ensure you understand the moving company’s policies, including what items they will and will not move.
• Prepare an Inventory List: Create an inventory list of all items you plan to move. This will help you keep track of your belongings and identify anything that may go missing during the move. Take photos of valuable items as documentation in case you need to file a claim for damages.
• Start Packing Room by Room: Start packing room by room, focusing on items you use less often. Pack decorative items, rarely used kitchen appliances, and other items that you won’t need immediately.
• Check Homeowners Insurance: Contact your insurance provider to discuss your homeowners insurance. Make sure your new home is covered, and update your policy to reflect the move. Consider purchasing moving insurance if you have valuable items that need extra protection.
• Plan for Moving Large or Special Items: If you have large or special items, such as a piano, hot tub, or large pieces of artwork, make arrangements for their safe transport. Some moving companies may specialize in moving oversized or delicate items.

4. Two Weeks Before Moving

With only two weeks left, start focusing on the final preparations.

• Pack Most Items: Continue packing, leaving out only the essentials you need for the next two weeks. Be sure to pack fragile items with extra care and clearly mark them as “fragile.” Keep electronics and their cables organized by labeling and securing them in separate bags.
• Notify Service Providers: Notify any service providers, such as lawn care, cleaning, or pest control, about your upcoming move. Cancel or transfer services to your new address as needed. Don’t forget to update your insurance policies, including homeowners, renters, and car insurance.
• Plan for Pets and Kids: If you have pets or young children, make arrangements for their care on moving day. Having a plan in place will help minimize stress on both you and them. Consider boarding pets or having friends or family look after them during the move.
• Return Borrowed Items: Return any borrowed items, such as library books or tools you’ve borrowed from neighbors or friends. Also, retrieve any items you’ve loaned out to others.
• Check for Repairs: Make any necessary minor repairs to your current home, such as filling nail holes, fixing leaky faucets, or touching up paint. This will help ensure a smooth move-out process, especially if you are renting and want to get your security deposit back.
• Schedule a Donation Pick-Up: If you have items to donate, schedule a pick-up with a local charity. This will help you declutter and ensure that the items you no longer need are put to good use.

5. One Week Before Moving

The final week before the move is all about tying up loose ends and making sure everything is ready for moving day.

• Pack a Moving Essentials Box: Pack a box with moving essentials, such as toiletries, medications, important documents, a change of clothes, snacks, phone chargers, and basic tools. This box should stay with you during the move to ensure you have easy access to necessities.
• Clean the House: Clean your current home, or schedule professional cleaners if needed. Make sure it’s in good condition for the new owners or tenants. This includes vacuuming, dusting, and cleaning bathrooms and kitchens.
• Defrost the Freezer: If you’re moving a refrigerator or freezer, defrost it at least 24-48 hours before moving day to avoid any leaks. Clean it thoroughly and leave the doors open to prevent mold and odors.
• Confirm Details with Movers: Confirm all details with the moving company, including the arrival time, contact information, and payment arrangements. Make sure you have a clear understanding of the moving day timeline.
• Settle Outstanding Bills: Settle any outstanding utility bills or service fees for your current home to avoid any issues after you move. Make sure to cancel any subscriptions or memberships tied to your current address.
• Pack Valuables Separately: Pack valuable items, such as jewelry, important documents, and small electronics, separately and keep them with you during the move. Do not load these items onto the moving truck.

6. Moving Day

Moving day can be hectic, but with the right preparation, it can go smoothly.

• Do a Final Walkthrough: Before leaving your current home, do a final walkthrough to ensure that nothing has been left behind. Check closets, cabinets, and storage areas. Make sure all windows are closed, lights are turned off, and appliances are unplugged.
• Supervise Movers: Be available to supervise the movers and answer any questions they may have. Make sure they know which boxes contain fragile items and which should be loaded last for easy access.
• Take Inventory: Use your inventory list to check off items as they are loaded onto the moving truck. This helps ensure that nothing is left behind or misplaced.
• Lock Up: Once everything is packed and loaded, make sure all doors and windows are locked before leaving your old home. Return any keys to your landlord or the new owners.
• Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks: Moving day can be physically demanding, so remember to stay hydrated and take breaks when needed. Keep water and snacks on hand for yourself, family members, and movers.
• Be Prepared for Emergencies: Have a small first-aid kit on hand in case of minor injuries during the move. Keep important phone numbers, such as your moving company and emergency contacts, easily accessible.

7. After the Move

After arriving at your new home, there are still a few tasks to complete to settle in comfortably.

• Unpack Essentials First: Start by unpacking the essentials box you packed earlier. Make sure beds are set up and basic items like toiletries, kitchen supplies, and clothing are accessible.
• Inspect the Property: Walk through your new home to ensure that everything is in order and that there are no damages or issues that need immediate attention. Take note of any repairs or maintenance tasks you need to address.
• Set Up Utilities: Confirm that all utilities are connected and functioning properly. Test electricity, water, gas, internet, and any other services you set up before the move.
• Install Safety Features: If you have young children or pets, install safety features such as baby gates, outlet covers, and cabinet locks as soon as possible. Ensure that smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.
• Unpack Room by Room: Take your time unpacking, focusing on one room at a time. Start with essential areas like the kitchen and bedrooms before moving on to less-used spaces. Pace yourself to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• Update Your Address: Double-check that your address has been updated with all relevant institutions. This includes banks, insurance companies, government agencies, and your employer. Make sure any mail forwarding has been set up properly.
• Explore the Neighborhood: Take time to explore your new neighborhood. Find nearby grocery stores, pharmacies, parks, and other amenities. Introduce yourself to neighbors to start building a sense of community.
• Check Appliances: Test all appliances, such as the stove, oven, refrigerator, and washer/dryer, to ensure they are working correctly