7 Things You Need On Your Pre-Move Checklist

Trying to make your whole life portable is one of the most stressful experiences someone can have. But moving—whether it’s across the city or country—is one of the most exciting times in life.

However, that excitement can quickly get taken over with stress when you think about how much you have to do to make the move successful.

Don’t worry, though; there are ways to make your move seamless no matter the mileage. Here are seven tasks to put on your pre-move checklist to make moving somewhere new a breeze.

Read on!

1. Create an Inventory

Creating an inventory can be a lengthy process, but it’s well worth it in the end. An inventory can make both packing and unpacking easier. But since it’s a lengthy process, it’s a good idea to start early.

Working from room to room, take note of all of your belongings and separate them into categories: keep, donate or sell, and throw away. The belongings you keep will be what you pack to take to your new home.

Donate or sell old clothes, furniture, and decor. And throw away anything that’s broken or trash. By doing this process, you’ll only take the essentials. You’ll also know what you have to replace when you move in.

2. Make Plans for Your Pet

If you have any animal friends, make plans in advance about how they will make the move. Start by getting together their health and license information.

Moving out of state? Find what information will transfer over and any licenses you’ll have to apply for. Depending on the animal and the state, your pet will have different requirements.

Once you have their information figure out, make a plan for how they’ll make the move. Will they drive in the car with you, or will they stay with a family member or friend while you get settled?

Are you going to board them during renovations, or will they stay in the house the first night? Making separate plans for your pet ensures a smooth transition for all family members.

3. Settle Your Utilities

Don’t leave your utilities to the last minute. Be sure to stop any utility service for your current home. This includes water, gas, electricity, and even internet and cable.

Once you have your move-in date, begin to schedule utilities for your new home. Be sure to transfer your services to your new address before you make the move.

Scheduling your utility appointments so you can have at least the basic services for your first night. Once you move in, you can be there for other utilities and luxuries.

4. Change Your Official Address

Similar to your utilities, you want to have your address changed. File a change of address with agencies like USPS as well as any important bills or subscription information.

Along with all of the official agencies, you’ll want to change your address in informal places as well. If you have your address saved on any websites for shipping, you should be sure to change those before your move.

You wouldn’t want to order your new couch only to have it go to your old address. Be sure to schedule these changes in advance, so you don’t have to deal with forwarding your email while you’re moving into the new place.

5. Prepare Your Records

Preparation is key to a successful move. Don’t only prepare to move your furniture and clothes, but also your important life records. Start by making copies of your mortgage contract and any other contracts for the move.

This may include the moving company, any home remodel contractors, and any agreements you have with the former homeowners. Have two copies: one that you file safely away and one that you can reference if necessary.

You should also make copies of your important personal records like birth certificates, medical records, and passports. You’ll want to have copies in case one gets lost or destroyed during the move.

6. Clean Out Your Home

Before you move out of your old home, take some time to clean it out.

At least 24 hours before your moving day, empty and defrost your refrigerator and clean out your pantry. Do your best to eat what you can so you don’t have to transport many boxes and cans.

You’ll also want to get to the back of closets to ensure you do not forget anything that may have fallen. And once everything is packed up, do a quick clean over hard surfaces and floors.

You’ll want to do the same thing when you move into your new home. Before unpacking all of your boxes, take some time to clean the floors, counters, toilets, and other hard surfaces and high-traffic areas.

7. Have a Backup Plan

No matter how much you prepare and schedule, you can expect to have some friction during the move. That’s why it’s always a good idea to plan to be flexible and have a backup plan.

You may want to check out hotels in the area on the off chance you can’t stay in your new home on the first night. Have a plan if the movers have a delay. Create a pre-move checklist plan if the utilities aren’t on when you move.

Taking time in advance to prepare for the unexpected will give you some peace of mind even if everything goes wrong. It’s better to have a backup plan and not need it than scramble at the last minute.

Your Ultimate Pre-Move Checklist

You’re ready for new experiences in a new house. You’re ready to explore a new area and for what life is going to throw at you next. And now you’re ready to pack up, move, and start that journey.

Looking at everything you have to do for your move can be daunting. So break it down into smaller chunks, so it’s easier to conquer. You can make your moving process easier by adding these seven tasks to your pre-move checklist.

In no time, you will be kicking your feet up, relaxing in your new place. If you’ve found this advice helpful, share this with a friend who’s packing their boxes. And check out more home and lifestyle articles on the blog today.