Moving to a new home is both exciting and challenging. Whether you’re moving across town or to a different state, getting your current home ready for the move takes careful planning. Here’s your complete guide to making the moving process smoother and more organized.
Pre-Planning Phase (8-12 Weeks Before)
The key to a successful move is starting early. About two to three months before your moving date, sit down and map out your timeline. Write down all the major tasks you need to do and when you plan to do them. This might seem like overkill, but trust me – having a plan makes everything easier.
Start by walking through your home and making a list of everything you own. I know it sounds tedious, but this inventory will be super helpful when you’re packing and unpacking. Take photos of valuable items and write down serial numbers of electronics. This is also a good time to start looking for moving companies – read reviews, get quotes, and ask friends for recommendations.
Don’t forget about packing supplies! Start collecting boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, and markers. Pro tip: check local grocery stores and liquor stores for free boxes. Also, save your Amazon boxes instead of recycling them. The more boxes you can get for free, the more money you’ll save.
Decluttering (6-8 Weeks Before)
Now comes the fun part (or the hard part, depending on how you look at it) – decluttering! The less stuff you move, the easier and cheaper your move will be. Go through each room and sort everything into four piles: keep, sell, donate, and throw away.
Be honest with yourself during this process. If you haven’t used something in the past year, chances are you won’t use it in your new home either. That bread maker that’s been sitting in your cabinet untouched? Time to find it a new home. Those jeans you’re hoping to fit into again? Maybe it’s time to let them go.
For items worth selling, take good photos and list them on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or host a yard sale. Donate gently used items to local charities – many will even pick up furniture and larger items from your home. For everything else, rent a dumpster or schedule extra garbage pickup.
Room-by-Room Organization (4-6 Weeks Before)
Start with storage areas like the attic, basement, and garage. These spaces often hold items we’ve forgotten about and take the longest to sort through. Work in small chunks of time – maybe tackle one corner of the garage each evening after work. Don’t try to do everything at once or you’ll burn out.
Move on to living spaces next. Sort through bookshelves, entertainment centers, and closets. In the kitchen, go through all your cabinets and drawers. Toss expired food and spices, and donate any duplicate kitchen gadgets. When you get to bedrooms, sort through clothes, shoes, and accessories first. Tackle bathroom cabinets and medicine closets last – don’t forget to properly dispose of expired medications.
Deep Cleaning
Now that you’ve decluttered and organized, it’s time to clean. Decide if you want to hire professionals or do it yourself. If you’re doing it yourself, make a cleaning schedule and stick to it. Start with tasks that don’t need regular upkeep, like washing windows and cleaning baseboards.
For carpets, consider renting a steam cleaner – it’s cheaper than hiring professionals and you can take your time doing a thorough job. Clean walls using a mixture of warm water and mild soap, paying special attention to areas around light switches and doorknobs. Don’t forget about appliances – clean the oven, defrost the freezer, and run an empty cycle in the dishwasher with vinegar.
Outside, clean your patio furniture and sweep the deck. Basic yard maintenance goes a long way – mow the lawn, trim bushes, and pull any obvious weeds. You don’t need to create a showcase yard, just make it look neat and cared for.
Repairs and Maintenance
Walk through your home with a notepad and list any repairs needed. Focus on obvious issues first – things like holes in walls, broken fixtures, or squeaky doors. Most of these repairs are pretty simple and can be done over a weekend.
Check your roof for any missing shingles or obvious damage. Look at your home’s exterior – is the paint peeling? Are there loose pieces of siding? Make a list of what needs fixing and prioritize based on importance and your budget.
Don’t forget about your home’s systems. Change your HVAC filter, check for leaky faucets, and make sure all electrical outlets work properly. If anything seems off, call a professional. It’s better to fix issues now than to deal with them during the move.
Documentation and Records
Keep all your home-related paperwork in one folder. This includes maintenance records, warranties, and contact information for service providers. If you’ve made any improvements to your home, gather receipts and before/after photos.
Make copies of all utility records – this can be helpful for setting up services at your new place. Create a contact list of all your current utility providers, including account numbers and final meter reading dates.
Final Preparations
As moving day gets closer, pack a box of essentials you’ll need right away in your new home. Include things like toiletries, basic cleaning supplies, phone chargers, and a change of clothes. Label this box clearly and keep it with you during the move.
Label all boxes with their contents and which room they belong in. Take photos of how electronics are connected before unpacking them – this will save you headaches later. Make a basic floor plan of your new home and mark where you want furniture placed. This will help movers put everything in the right spot on moving day.
Post-Move Checklist
Before you hand over the keys, do a final walkthrough of your empty home. Check all rooms, closets, and storage spaces to make sure nothing got left behind. Take photos of the empty space to document its condition.
Don’t forget to schedule your utility shutoffs and transfers. File a change of address form with the post office at least a week before you move. Make sure you have all necessary paperwork ready for the key handover. Double-check your moving insurance coverage and keep important documents with you during the move.
Remember, moving is a big job, but breaking it down into smaller tasks makes it manageable. Take it one step at a time, and don’t be afraid to ask friends and family for help. With good planning and organization, you’ll be settled in your new home before you know it.