Checklist For Moving to a New Home

Moving into a new home is exciting, but with so many things to do, it can also become overwhelming. Follow this checklist to keep yourself organized and make moving a breeze!

Before the big move:

Size up – Measure dimensions of rooms in new home.

Start purging – Recycle, donate or toss everything you can.

Plan – You need supplies such as boxes, labels, tape, markers and bubble wrap

Pack – Start packing items you don’t need, such as seasonal clothes.

Inventory – Create separate inventory lists of each box as you pack.

Label – Mark each box with new room it should go in.

Store – Purchase a small fire-safe box for safekeeping valuables. Create a separate inventory list of valuables.

Clean – If you can get into your new home before the boxes arrive, do a deep clean.

After the move-in:

Locate your home’s shut-off valves and circuit panel (if not already marked, label the panel).

Test and/or change batteries in smoke detectors for each room.

Check for or buy fire extinguishers for kitchen and garage, at a minimum.

Make quick repairs, such as touching up paint and changing light bulbs and switches.

Set Up your living room couch, sit back, relax and admire your new home.

Remember a home warranty:

With all of the details to track and the work to do when you’re moving, having a home warranty means you don’t have to worry about who to call when a covered appliance or system breaks down after the move.

Easy check-off list for items to change:

• Utilities such as electricity, gas, water
• Services such as cable, satellite and internet
• Change of address and forwarding your mail (good tips available at usps.com/move)
• New billing address (when you have your move-in date, notify credit card companies, banks and any other financial companies of your new address)
• Ditto for updating address for newspapers/magazine subscriptions
• Medical records, if move includes new insurance carriers, hospitals, etc.
• Prescriptions, if move is to new town or state
• Schedule date to change locks/re-key

For more moving resources, click here.