Moving Made Stress-Free – Things to Do Before the Big Move

Moving to a new home can be both exciting and a bit overwhelming. To make sure everything goes smoothly, it’s important to stay prepared and organized. This guide gives you a clear checklist of things to take care of before moving day, so everything goes smoothly and you don’t run into unexpected problems.

One of the first things to do when getting ready to move is to make a moving binder or a digital file to keep all your important details in one place. This will help you stay organized and save time during the move. It’s also smart to set up a moving calendar and budget, as both will help you manage tasks and plan better, especially if you’re working with a professional moving company.

Besides planning your move, make sure to handle practical things like setting up utilities at your new place, updating your address and gathering important documents. Taking care of these early will reduce stress as moving day gets closer and let you enjoy the excitement of moving into your new home.

Here’s a full list of important things to take care of before you move:

Documentations & Notifications

Before you move, make sure to sort out all important paperwork and inform the right people or services. Handling these tasks early will make your move easier and less stressful. Here are six things to take care of before moving into your new home:

Gathering Important Paperwork

Put your financial papers, contracts and personal records into a binder or a clearly labeled box that’s easy to grab. This box should stay with you, as it falls under the list of things your movers cannot pack.

Keep the Receipts

Some moving expenses might be tax deductible, so it’s important to save all your receipts, invoices and any paperwork related to the move. Keep them together in one spot so you can easily find them later if needed for reimbursement.

Update Your Address

Two to three weeks before moving, make sure to update your records with your new address. If you skip this step on your list of things to do before you move, you might miss important mail like bills or letters sent to your old place. Be sure to notify the following:

• USPS
• Banks
• Insurance companies
• Utility services
• Gyms
• Subscription services
• Internet & phone providers

Update Your Driver’s License

Make sure to change the address on your driver’s license. Many states have a deadline for this, so it’s better to get it done early. You can usually update it at your local DMV or on their website. This helps you avoid any legal issues or fines for having an outdated license.

Notify Your Employer

Make sure to let your employer know about your move. They’ll need your new address for things like payroll and taxes. If you’re moving because of work, send in any needed paperwork, like transfer forms, ahead of time.

Utility Changes

Once you have your new address, start arranging your utility services. To keep things running smoothly, try to transfer your gas, electricity and water at least two weeks before moving. Call the utility companies, give them your new address and tell them the exact date you want the switch to happen. Also, let your current providers know you’re moving so you don’t get charged for services after you’ve left.

Transfer School Records

If you have kids in school, let their current school know about the move and ask for their school records. Start looking into schools in your new area and begin the enrollment process early. This will make the change easier for your children and help them continue their education without any gaps.

Sorting & Decluttering

A major task before moving is getting rid of things you don’t need. Take time to go through your stuff and choose what to keep, donate or throw out. Since many moving companies charge based on weight, doing this at your current home can help cut down your movers’ cost.

Here’s a decluttering list of things to do before a move:

• Acquire Moving Supplies: Get the packing materials you’ll need, like strong boxes, tape, bubble wrap and packing paper.
• Declutter: Start decluttering your home about two to four weeks before your move. Go room by room and sort your things into three groups – keep, donate or throw away. This is a great chance to get rid of stuff you no longer need or use. Doing this makes packing easier and helps reduce stress when you settle into your new place.
• Organize: After decluttering, start organizing your things. Put similar items together, like kitchen tools, clothes or office supplies. Make a list of your valuable items and also note down the essentials you’ll need right away when you get to your new home.
• Pack With Care: Now that everything’s sorted, it’s time to pack. Use box sizes that fit the items—put heavy things in small boxes and light ones in bigger boxes so nothing gets damaged. Use bubble wrap or packing paper to fill in gaps and protect fragile items. Clearly label each box with what’s inside and which room it goes in. This will make unpacking easier and help movers place things in the right spots at your new home.
• Seek Assistance if Needed: If packing and moving feels like too much to handle, think about hiring professional movers. They often provide packing supplies and helpful tips based on what you need. They can also take apart and pack your furniture to make sure it’s moved safely to your new place.

By following these steps, you’ll keep your packing organized and make sure your belongings stay safe during the move. Stay on top of things by using a to-do list to track what’s done and what’s left. This will help your move go smoothly and successfully.

Packing Strategies

After you’ve cleared out each room, it’s time to begin packing. Packing the right way is a key part of moving. If it’s not done properly, your things could get damaged while being moved. Here are some tips to help you pack the right way:

• Label Each Box: Labeling your boxes makes unpacking much easier. It also helps make sure fragile items are handled with care and prevents heavy boxes from being placed on top of delicate ones.
• Invest in Specialty Boxes: Use boxes made for specific items like mirrors, mattresses and clothes. These boxes help keep your belongings safe during the move and make unpacking simpler.
• Keep Inventory: Making an inventory list helps you keep track of what’s already packed and what still needs to be packed. It also lets you know what’s inside each box.
• Start Packing in Advance: Begin packing one to two months before your moving day. Start with small items you don’t use often then gradually move on to larger things.
• Pack Similar Items Together: Packing similar things in the same box helps you stay organized and makes unpacking much easier.
• Create a Comfort Kit: While packing, think about what your kids will need. For little ones, pack things like diapers, bottles and favorite toys in a separate bag so they’re easy to reach during the move. Also, prepare a “comfort kit” with familiar items like a favorite blanket or stuffed animal to help them feel safe and comfortable in the new home.

Packing Preparations for Each Room

When getting each room ready for a move, take your time and be careful. Here’s a simple guide to help you pack each space step by step, making the move smoother and more manageable.

• Office: Begin by going through and organizing your papers. Keep important documents in a safe spot, and think about scanning them for backup. Pack books in small, strong boxes and label them clearly. Wrap electronics with bubble wrap and if you have the original boxes, use them to keep your devices safe during the move.
• Kitchen: Start by clearing out the kitchen, throwing away expired food and packing appliances you don’t use often. Clean each appliance like the fridge, oven and microwave before moving. Wrap fragile items such as glassware and dishes with bubble wrap or packing paper. Use both large and small boxes to fit items of different sizes. Label each box with what’s inside and which room it’s for.
• Bathroom: Begin by giving the whole bathroom a good clean. Throw away any products that are expired or almost empty to cut down on clutter. Pack towels and washcloths in waterproof bags, and use plastic wrap or ziplock bags for toiletries to avoid spills. Clearly label each box with what’s inside to make unpacking easier.
• Bedroom: Start by going through your clothes and shoes, and donate or toss anything you don’t use anymore. Pack clothes you won’t need soon, like out-of-season items, first. Then pack the rest closer to moving day. Also, check the bedroom for any small repairs, like loose baseboards or damaged panels and fix them before you move.

As you pack each room, try to keep the same style for labeling and organizing. Being clear and consistent will make things easier and help avoid confusion with your movers. When you prepare each room carefully and pay attention to details, your move will go more smoothly and with less stress.

Preparing the New Home

Another important step before your move is getting ready for your new home. Good planning will help make the move easier and less stressful. Here are some tips and tools to help you get started:

• Moving Checklist: Make a moving checklist to guide you through the whole process. Include all the tasks you need to complete and the important dates. You can keep track of everything in a binder, a Google Doc or whatever method you prefer.
• Have a Budget: Your budget should cover all moving costs, like hiring movers, buying packing supplies or storage, and any post-move expenses such as furniture or repairs. Be sure to keep proof of all moving expenses organized in a folder for your records.
• Research Moving Companies: Spend some time looking into trusted moving companies and ask for recommendations. Get quotes from a few different movers so you can compare prices and services. Also, ask about moving insurance to help protect your stuff during the move.
• Create a Moving Calendar: Making a moving calendar can help you stay organized and focused. Add dates to each task on your checklist so you’re ready for moving day. When picking your move-out date, think about things like your job, lease terms and school schedules to choose a time that works best.

Arranging Logistics

Before your move, look for a reliable moving company to help with everything. Hiring experienced movers can make sure your things get to your new place safely and on time. To choose the right one, keep these things in mind:

Gather Quotes: Get quotes from at least three different moving companies. This helps you compare prices and what each one offers. While getting quotes, ask about their experience, customer reviews and any extra moving services they offer, like packing and unpacking help.

• Verify Licensing & Insurance: If you’re moving long distance, make sure the company has a valid U.S. DOT number from the Department of Transportation. You can use that number to look up their safety record and customer reviews in the DOT’s database.
• Ask Questions: Ask the movers about their experience and how they keep your belongings safe during the move. Also, check if there are any extra charges, like fees for heavy items, long walks or taking furniture apart and putting it back together.
• Look into Pet Transportation: When moving with pets, it’s important to think about their comfort and safety. Plan how you’ll transport them, and make sure their health records, vaccines and ID tags are up to date. It’s also a good idea to look up vets in your new area in case you need one after the move.

It’s also smart to talk about your moving schedule and any special needs you have, like handling fragile or valuable items. A good moving company—especially those offering white gloves moving services—should be able to handle special requests as long as they fit within their services.

Here are a few extra tips to help you choose the right moving company:

• Check customer reviews to see how well the company has done in the past
• Ask friends, family or coworkers if they can recommend a good mover
• Be careful with companies that ask for a big deposit before the move
• Make sure to get a written contract that clearly lists the services and costs you agreed on

By using this list of things to do before you move, you’ll be in a better position to find a trusted and professional moving company that matches your needs and budget, making the whole moving process go more smoothly.

Move-Out Cleaning and Maintenance

Before you settle into your new home, give it a deep clean. An empty house makes it easier to reach every corner. Gather basic cleaning supplies like a vacuum, mop, broom, microfiber cloths, baking soda and vinegar to help you clean each area properly.

• Start by cleaning the vents and exhaust fans, since built-up dust can lower air quality and affect how well your heating and cooling systems work. You can use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe away the dust.
• Then move on to the floors. Sweep or vacuum to get rid of dust and dirt, and then mop to make them shine. If you have carpets, think about deep cleaning them to get rid of stains or hidden dirt before bringing in your furniture.
• While you’re at it, check how energy-efficient your home is. Do a quick energy audit to find spots that might need fixing. Buying energy-saving appliances and tools can help you use less energy and save money on your utility bills over time.
• Safety is another important thing to keep in mind. Install carbon monoxide detectors near bedrooms and other main areas to keep your family safe. Also, check that all smoke alarms are working—test them and change any dead batteries.
• Lastly, check the security system in your new home. If there’s already one installed, make sure it works and learn how to use it. If there isn’t a system, think about adding one to help keep your home and belongings safe.

By following these cleaning and maintenance tips, you’ll have a clean, safe and energy-saving home that’s all set for you to move into.

Post-Move Checklists & Essentials

After a long moving day, it’s time to get settled into your new home. Here are some important checklists and tasks to take care of before fully settling in:

• Have an Essentials Box: Pack a box with must-have items like toilet paper, a change of clothes and important electronics such as your phone charger and laptop. Keeping these things close will save you from digging through boxes later.
• Inspect Your New Home: Look around your new home for any damage or marks that might have happened during the move. If you notice anything strange or not reported before, take photos or videos and let your landlord or real estate agent know right away. This will help avoid problems later and make sure repairs get done quickly.
• Unpack Room by Room: When you start unpacking, focus on one room at a time. This makes the job easier and helps keep things organized. As you set up each room, be careful with how you place electronics and tech items so they work properly and stay safe.
• Connect With Your Community: Take some time to get to know your new neighborhood. Say hello to your neighbors, check out local spots and learn where nearby stores and services are. Making connections in your area can help you feel more comfortable and give you helpful info about your new place. It’s all part of settling in and enjoying the new opportunities around you.

Saying Goodbye

Goodbyes can be tough. In your last weeks at your old home, make time to say farewell to neighbors, friends, and family. Have dinner together or plan one last BBQ with the people who’ve been a special part of your community.

Too busy with packing and decluttering? Think about throwing a house cooling party. It’s a casual get-together where friends and family can stop by to help with last-minute moving tasks or sorting things out. Once the work is done, you can all relax with some cold drinks, snacks or games and enjoy one last fun moment in your old home.

Conclusion

One of the most important steps before moving into a new home is choosing a trusted moving company that can guide and support you through the entire process. STI Moving & Storage team has been helping people move for over 21 years. Our team is here to make your move easy and stress-free, taking care of packing, loading and unpacking your belongings with care.

Contact us today for a free quote.