Moving to a New House? Here’s a To-Do Checklist to Guide You

Hoarding is a bad habit that many are guilty of, but it easy to understand why it happens. As humans, there is an inexplicable need to have more even when less is what’s needed. When you move, you get a chance to take a good look at all your possessions, and this is when you see just how much unnecessary items you have accumulated.

Moving is an opportunity to free up some space. When going through your things and packing, be realistic with what you will still use in your new home and what you need to let go of. Decluttering wouldn’t be intimidating as long as you focus on taking only the things you need. If you need to get rid of items that can still be used, hold a yard sale.

Utilities such as water, internet, cable TV, and electricity are all crucial in the move. Unlike the “fresh start” your new home will bring, your utilities need to be updated in order to keep up with the change. Although you can reapply for them in your new house, the process will take much longer than if you transferred them, so make sure to inform your utility companies beforehand. To be on the safe side, give them a forwarding address in case they need to send notices or bills.

Once you’ve decluttered and finalized the things you will take with you, make a list to keep track of them. List down everything you’re taking with you, no matter how insignificant or small the item may be. It might be tedious, but doing so will help you check which items you brought with you when you’re in your new home.

Make sure to label everything as you pack. Knowing exactly where something is will make unpacking and reorganizing much less stressful. An effective system is to pack together items according to the room where they belong in and to label the containers accordingly. Knowing which box goes in the kitchen, living room, or bedroom will save you hours of guessing.

Another tip is to keep an essentials box for all the items that you will immediately need when you move in. This should contain things for cleaning your home, utensils for making and eating simple meals, tools for unpacking, and other essentials like toiletries, phone chargers, a change of clothes, pillows and sleeping mats, and the like.

We all need some help every now and then, and this is especially true when you’re moving houses. Although it might be tempting to think that you can handle all the moving by yourself, the reality is that it is too much work to do alone and a lack of experience might cause major problems along the way.

To make it easier on yourself, hire a reliable moving company. These professionals are trained for this kind of work, so avoid additional stress and let them handle things. Just make sure to do your research and choose a moving company with a good track record.

No matter how perfect your new place might seem before you move in, it might still require a few minor adjustments and alterations. Before your moving date, make sure to check the entire place and take note of issues with essentials like the plumbing and electricity and minor items like flickering lightbulbs or peeling paint.

After you’ve moved, unpacked, reorganized, and settled in, elbow grease will still be needed from you. Set aside at least one day for fix-ups such as a creaky window or a leaky faucet. If possible, do this before you move in to reduce your moving day stress.

Moving to a new house is exhausting, demanding, and rewarding all at the same time. Just make sure you remain systematic and flexible and the entire process will go smoothly!