Whether you’ve purchased a new house or leased a property, transitioning into a new home can be an incredibly demanding process. While you’re undoubtedly thrilled to embark on a new chapter of your life, the journey to reach that point can often feel like an eternity of preparation. That’s why we’ve put together this thorough new home complete moving checklist. Just follow the steps!

Moving demands an immense amount of time and effort, from hiring a local mover to completing paperwork, packing up your life, shutting down utilities, and unpacking in your new place. Amidst this chaos, it’s easy for important things to slip through the cracks. If you fail to stay organized, your entire move can easily become a chaotic and overwhelming ordeal that leaves you feeling disoriented and frustrated. 

To help you simplify the entire moving process and alleviate your concern, we’ve carefully crafted a comprehensive checklist of things to do before, during, and after moving into a new home. Let’s get started! 

Pre-Moving Checklist

The first section of our new home complete moving checklist focuses on the time before the actual move. During these weeks, most tasks center around meticulous planning, efficient packing, and sifting items. Here’s your to-do list before moving to your new home:

1. Hire a Reliable Local Mover

Moving to a new house is not an everyday occurrence, which is why it’s important to ensure a smooth and efficient moving process that safeguards your precious belongings. The last thing you want is to encounter unexpected delays or risk any damage during the transition. You also want to make sure the moving service is available on your scheduled moving date. This is why you need to hire reliable local movers with extensive experience in residential moving. 

Research local movers in your area and carefully review feedback from customers to ensure they have a strong reputation for their specialized services. Request quotes from multiple movers, compare their services, and hire a local mover well in advance to secure your preferred moving date.

2. Create a Moving Folder

It’s common for documents to go missing during the moving process, causing unnecessary stress and a last-minute scramble to locate them. (More: Manage the stress of moving.) This situation can be quite alarming, isn’t it? This is why creating a moving folder should be at the top of your to-do list as you prepare for the move. 

Create a separate folder to arrange all your moving-related documents and information – from inventory lists to lease or purchase agreements, passports, driver’s licenses, service contracts, vehicle documents, and contact details of movers and contractors.

3. Declutter and Organize

Sort through your belongings, one room at a time, and declutter your entire home. Packing things you no longer need or use will only increase your transportation cost and create more clutter in your new home, so it’s time to get rid of these items. Donate, sell, or gift items to your friends or acquaintances. Once you’re free from the clutter, organize all your possessions into categories to make packing and unpacking easier.

4. Pack Smartly and Label Clearly

Start packing early to avoid any last-minute chaos. Use durable boxes to pack items and wrap fragile items with bubble wrap and packing paper to protect them during transit. Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This will simplify the unpacking process and ensure items are placed in their respective rooms right from the start.

5. Deep Clean Your New Home

Before you move in, make sure you clean every nook and cranny of your new home. Seek professional services to deep clean floors, walls, carpets, appliances, wardrobes, cupboards, bathrooms, and kitchens. If your new home has a chimney, hire professional chimney sweeps to get rid of any creosote or pests residing in the chimneys. 

6. Transfer Utilities

Ensuring a smooth transition to your new home requires more than just physically moving your belongings. You need to make sure all your utilities are transferred on the day of your move so that your home is fully functional by the time you walk through its doors. Apply for a utility transfer well in advance and mention the exact dates that correspond with your moving day. For your convenience, here’s a list of utilities that need to be transferred:

• Internet 
• Telephone
• Television
• Gas
• Water
• Garbage collection

Things to Do on Moving Day

Now we’re up to the moving day in our new home complete moving checklist.

7. Communicate with Your Local Movers

The moment is finally here! Make sure you’re present on the moving day and actively involved in the entire process of loading and unloading. Oversee the workers moving your packed items from your old house and into your new home, and be sure to address any concerns that you may have. Provide clear instructions regarding fragile items or special handling requirements. 

8. Arrange Your Boxes As They Move In

As the team of movers unloads your packed items, redirect them to the appropriate room to establish order right from the outset and avoid any chaos. This will help you avoid any confusion that may arise from having piles of boxes scattered throughout the house. It will also help you unpack faster and organize your belongings simultaneously. 

Things to Do After Moving

Now that you’ve bid farewell to your old house, we’ve reached the portion of our new home complete moving checklist that helps you to settle into your new home. Here’s a quick checklist of things to do after moving:

9. Unpack Room by Room

Unpacking can feel overwhelming, so tackle it one room at a time. Start with essential rooms like the kitchen and bedrooms. As you unpack, consider the functionality and aesthetics of each space. Take your time to arrange furniture and decorate, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

10. Set Up Essentials and Utilities

Your first day in your new home should be completely dedicated to unpacking your essential items, such as your bed, bathroom, and kitchen essentials, to make your first night comfortable and functional. Unpack these items one at a time and set them in their pre-planned places. 

11. Update Your Address and Utilities

Update your address with the post office, utilities, and relevant institutions. Once your utilities are transferred to your new address, ensure that your new home is properly connected to utilities such as electricity, water, internet, and cable services and that they are fully functional and available for use. This will help you settle into your new home smoothly and comfortably.

Wrapping Up

Moving into a new home is a momentous occasion filled with excitement, anticipation, and new opportunities. The new home complete moving checklist presented above provides a complete roadmap to guide you through the moving process, ensuring that you are fully prepared for a smooth and successful transition. 

Moving can be physically and emotionally exhausting, so remember to take breaks and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime endeavor. Embrace the opportunities that come with your new home, and allow yourself time to adjust. Celebrate this new chapter in your life and make lasting memories in your new dwelling.