February 22, 2023 Posted in Moving Tips

Check It Off: 7 Things to Have On Your Moving-Into-A-New-House Checklist

New place, new you – it’s the perfect opportunity to completely reset and have a new beginning. However, it doesn’t happen overnight, and there is a lot of preparation involved. To make matters even more complicated, there are a lot of things to cover before, during, and after the move. So, here’s a comprehensive moving into a new house checklist to help you make the transition as smooth as possible.

A person making a checklist before cross-country moving
A good checklist can be the determining factor for a stress-free relocation

Packing all of your belongings and getting them to your new place is far from an easy job. There’s a lot to do even before you contact your chosen long-distance movers, and you’ll realize that the job is only halfway done once you end up in your new house full of unpacked boxes. With a little bit of time, effort, and a whole lot of organization, you’ll start calling the place home in no time.

Your Moving Into a New House Checklist Should Be Made Long Before the Actual Move

There’s no getting around it – when it’s time to move, there are so many things to think about, no matter your reason for relocating. From figuring out what to keep or get rid of to hiring cross-country movers right for the job, the last thing you want is to organize your move last minute. Add a couple of common moving mistakes to the mix, and the whole ordeal will end up as one of the most stressful times of your life.

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You Should Have a Well-Thought-Out Plan That Will Help You With Every Step of the Way

Obviously, there are a lot of things to do even before you step foot into your new residence. If you don’t do your best in order to move efficiently, you’ll have a difficult time getting settled in your next home as well. That’s why it’s important to have a comprehensive moving inventory – with the right to-do list, you’re ensuring that everything, including the last step of the process, goes over smoothly.

So, let’s see the necessary steps you need to take to plan and organize the whole thing in the best possible way. No matter if you’re relocating for a job or still picking a city to live in, a successful relocation means staying on top of things before and after the move. If you follow our guide, you’ll surely prepare well for the next chapter of your life.

Woman making a checklist before long-distance moving
It's important to take note of all the important things while you pack

#1 Creating a Moving Budget Will Help You Figure Out What You’re Working With

One of the most important parts of your plan should be creating a relocation budget. Actually, it’s so important you should consider it one of the relocation essentials. That’s because a detailed budget plan will help you figure out what you can or cannot afford. It’s also a great way to keep track of all the expenses you’ve made during the process and not end up settling in your new residence without a single dime.

A Good Budget Plan Takes Into Account Even the Unexpected Expenses

To create the best budget plan possible, start by estimating your overall expenses associated with the move. This should be done primarily based on the distance, the size of your household, and the type of services you need. Consider all possible costs, including any unexpected expenses that may arise during the process. This will allow you to make adjustments as you go, and there’ll be no unwanted surprises along the way.

A woman making calculations and typing them on a computer
Once you figure out what you're working with money-wise, you can start planning

#2 Hiring the Right Cross-Country Moving Company Can Be That Much-Needed Helping Hand

While wanting to do things by yourself is truly commendable, it’s also important to have help when you need it, especially if you’re moving out for the first time. An experienced mover might skip hiring professional packing services and take care of it themselves, but long-distance moving services entail much more than simply putting stuff into boxes.

Moving Into a New House Checklist Gets That Much More Complicated if You’re Doing It Without Professional Help

Sure, it’s possible to DIY your move, even if you’re moving out of state. However, your moving to another state checklist will get twice as big, and that will surely give you a headache sooner or later. No one would want to feel fully stressed out even before the big day comes.

On the other hand, working with professionals such as the California-Seattle Express company can be very helpful because they have gone through the process time and time again. Just make sure you do your research well in order to choose the right movers for the job and avoid any moving scams in the process.

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#3 A Strategic Packing Plan Will Help You Easily Settle Into Your New Home

Relocating your items from the old house to the new residence is only half of the battle. Working with professionals will surely ease your worries, but there are still things you need to do on your own. Sure, they’ll take care of everything you hired them for and make sure your belongings safely get to your new place, but being involved in the process can really help you once it’s time to unbox everything.

Labeling Each and Every Box Will Be of Great Help Once It’s Time to Unpack

It’s simple – the more organized you are while packing, the easier it will be to unpack everything and settle in your new residence. It’s not just about getting the necessary packing materials. A couple of moving labels for boxes can go a long way in helping you once you get to the new place. Try to be as meticulous as possible – you’ll surely be thankful for it later.

Gather the Important Documents and Put Them in One Folder

Don’t let your important documents be one of the things you forget when you move, as it can create a lot of problems in the long run. To be extra safe, put all of them in one binder and keep them by your side during the whole process. Here are the most important documents to put in there:

  • Identification documents – passports, driver’s licenses, birth certificates,
  • Financial documents – bank statements, investment records, tax returns,
  • Medical records – prescriptions, vaccination records, health insurance cards,
  • Insurance documents – life insurance, home insurance, auto insurance,
  • Legal documents – marriage certificate, power of attorney, wills,
  • Employment documents – employment contract, job offer letter,
  • School records – transcripts, diplomas, school transfer documents,
  • Vehicle documents – car title, insurance, registration.

Figure Out if You Need to Get Storage Space

Getting storage space for your extra belongings is as important as figuring out what items movers won’t move. So, while you’re making plans with your chosen relocation company, it’s important to see what kind of storage services they provide.

It’s a great way to keep your stuff safe and secure while you’re relocating from one place to another, especially if you’re moving to a smaller house for which you’ll have to figure out creative storage ideas. Here are some great ways to organize your place if it’s on the smaller side:

#4 One of the Unavoidable Essentials Is to Make Sure Your Utilities Are Transferred, and Your Address Is Changed

The last thing you want is to get to your new place to find it ice cold and without electricity, especially if you’re moving in winter. So, make sure to contact each utility company and let them know you’re relocating.

In most cases, you’ll have the option to turn off your utilities and turn them on in your new residence or simply transfer them. While getting through your list of utilities, don’t forget to get in touch with your cable and internet service provider, as well as your home security company.

It’s Important to Change Your Address to Not Miss Any Important Bills or Letters in Your New Home

Transferring utilities and changing the address of residence should be done a few weeks prior to the move. Luckily, it’s very easy to do – all there is to it is getting in touch with the right companies. To change the address, you need to contact the post office or change it online on the USPS website. Doing it on time will make sure you don’t miss out on any important letters, packages, or bills.

Gas and electric bills
Transferring utilities is one important thing you should make sure to do

#5 Researching Your New Neighborhood Is a Great Way to Get You Excited for the Move

Everyone who’s done it at least once knows that preparing for the relocation day can be a difficult and tiresome process. That’s why it’s important to switch it up once in a while and focus on the brighter side of things – researching what’s waiting for you in your new neighborhood is a great way to get yourself and your loved ones excited for the big change.

You’ll Find Plenty of Valuable Information Online

Researching your new neighborhood will surely provide you with a ton of valuable information about the community, amenities, and resources available in the area. You can also check out online forums and social media groups to connect with the residents even before you become the new neighbor on the street.

It’s a good idea to start from the amenities you enjoy in your old residence and research what options you have at the place you’re relocating to. For example, if you’re relocating with pets, it’s a good idea to research all of the pet-friendly options available in the new neighborhood. By doing so, you can feel more comfortable and confident once you’re met with your new surroundings.

Row of houses in San Francisco at sunset
It's a good idea to familiarize yourself with your new neighborhood even before you get there

#6 There Are a Few Things to Do in Your New Home Before You Start Unpacking the Boxes

While there are plenty of household tasks you’ll have all the time in the world to do, there are a few essential things that should be done right away, even before you start opening boxes. Here are the most important things to do in your new house as soon as you move in:

Go Around the House and Check if Everything Is in Order

Now that your new residence is half-empty, it’s the perfect opportunity to inspect it and see if there are any problems that you failed to notice while purchasing it. Check if everything is in order with the plumbing, connect your household appliances to see if the electricity is working, and inspect the walls for any mold or moisture.

It would be a good idea to hire an exterminator even if you don’t notice signs of any pests during your walk-through. Also, take several pictures of any problems because you’ll need them to file a complaint to the seller or the landlord.

Replace the Locks and Set up a Security System

Once you’re done with the walk-through, it’s time to secure the new residence by replacing the locks on all exterior doors. It’s also a good idea to install a security system to get you that added layer of protection from intruders. Doing so will surely give you the sense of safety and security you need to feel comfortable in your new home.

Now's the Perfect Chance to Deep Clean the Whole Household

No matter how tempting it might be, you shouldn’t start unpacking your boxes as soon as you get to your new residence. That’s because you have the perfect opportunity to get the place spotless before filling it with your belongings. It’s as important as move-out cleaning, and you can simply pack the cleaning supplies and reuse them for deep cleaning your new home.

Organize Your Belongings to Help You With the Unpacking Process

While cleaning, it’s a good idea to make plans about where you want to put what and use the labels on your boxes to organize your stuff room by room. That way, once it’s time to unpack each box, you’ll surely save yourself a lot of time. Also, now’s a great time to baby-proof the place if you need to.

Make a List of Things You Want to Improve or Change

While your new house is still filled with boxes, it would be a good idea to also take note of things you want to change or improve. For example, there might be some smaller problems you want to fix, or you want to refresh the walls with some new shades. No matter what you want to change, planning ahead will surely ease the settling-in process.

#7 It’s Time to Unpack and Organize a Housewarming Party

The most exciting aspect of the whole ordeal is the fact that you get the chance to start fresh. New house, new neighborhood, new city – there’s a lot to explore. But before getting to it, there’s one more thing to cover – the unpacking. It can be a daunting task that drags out for a whole week, but with the right attitude and some help, it’ll be over before you know it.

Those Who Have Family and Friends Nearby Can Organize a Housewarming Party That Includes a Bit of Unpacking

When moving to a new city alone, you’ll have to be super efficient and hope that the preparations you make in advance will pay off once you start unpacking. However, if you already have friends and family there, why not combine a housewarming party with unpacking and have your loved ones help out?

A group of friends preparing for long-distance moving
Your closest friends will surely want to help you - so make it a party

Hire Our Long-Distance Moving Company to Help You Out With Settling into Your New Home

Finding the right relocation company for the job will be more helpful than any moving hack you learn along the way. No matter if you’re searching for movers from Seattle to California or you’re relocating down the street, the best course of action is to hire reliable movers.

Movers California-Seattle can be your much-needed helping hand in the whole process. Are you not sure about packing large furniture? Let the California-Seattle Express movers handle it. Are you in need of car shipping services? The movers Seattle-California have got your back. Contact us and let our professional take care of everything while you focus on settling into your new place.

FAQ

Why Do I Need a Moving-Into-A-New-House Checklist?

Relocating to a new house can be an exciting and overwhelming experience. There are so many things to remember and take care of during the whole ordeal, so it’s easy to forget important details. That’s why having a comprehensive checklist is important when relocating.

What Should I Include in My Moving-Into-A-New-House Checklist?

There are several important things to include in your checklist for relocating to a new house. Firstly, make sure to forward your mail and update your address. Next, you’ll want to take care of the utilities, such as electricity, gas, water, and internet service. Additionally, it’s important to plan a thorough clean-up and check-up of your new place before you start unpacking.

How Far in Advance Should I Start Preparing for My Move?

It’s recommended that you start preparing for your relocation at least 8 weeks in advance. This will give you enough time to create a detailed plan, including hiring movers, decluttering your belongings, and packing your items.

How Do I Organize My Belongings for the Move?

Organizing your belongings for a relocation can be a daunting task, but there are several ways to make the process easier. By decluttering things and separating your belongings into different categories, you’ll make the unpacking process that much easier. Also, creating an inventory list to help you keep track of your stuff is a good idea.

How Do I Choose a Reputable Relocation Company?

Choosing a reputable relocation company is essential to ensure a smooth and stress-free process. Read reviews, check for the company’s license and insurance, and get several quotes to make sure you’re getting a fair price. Finally, trust your instincts and choose a company that you feel comfortable working with and that has a track record of providing reliable and professional service.

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