Here are the top 50 things you must do according to an East Bay Realtor in order to make moving into a new home process a smooth one.
#1. Create a checklist
Having a checklist is critical. This will help you get everything accomplished right up to moving day. Create the list several days or weeks before the move to ensure you don’t miss anything.
#2. Gather the tools needed for the move
The following items are often used for moving:
- Sharpie
- Scissors
- Knife
- Packing tape
- Labels (colored paper)
#3. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes on moving day
Being comfortable while moving is key.
#4. Have snacks on moving day
Have water, fruit, and other quick foods available on moving day. Staying hydrated and keeping your energy levels high is key.
#5. Change your address in advance
To avoid any issues with your mail, change your address at least 2 weeks prior to the move.
#6. Get a parking pass
Some complexes might require a parking pass. Obtain your pass to ensure there are no problems on moving day. Try to get the closest spot(s) available for loading and unloading.
#7. Consider getting insurance for valuable items
Inquire with your moving company about insurance options if items are broken or damaged during the move.
#8. Get rid of stuff (declutter)
The less items you have to move, the better. Go through all your items and get rid of anything that’s old, useless, or broken.
#9. Sell or donate unwanted items
While some items may be worthless and thrown away, others could be sold or donated to charity.
#10. Take inventory of your items
Make a list of everything you have that you plan on taking to the new home. This is especially important when hiring movers.
#11. Get help
To decrease the risk of injury, get plenty of help moving your items and use proper lifting techniques.
#12. Have a dolly on hand
Many rental trucks will come with a dolly, but in some instances, you may have to rent one. Having a dolly can make moving heavy objects that much easier.
#13. Create a packing calendar
A great way to make your move a smooth one is to create a moving timeline. For example, determine which room(s) should be packed first and which rooms can wait until the moving date nears. What items can stay in boxes longer than others?
#14. Have someone watch your pets
Have a plan for your pets on the day of the move. Arrange for someone to watch them.
#15. Hire a babysitter
If you have young children, hire a babysitter, or let them stay at a friend’s house the day of the move.
#16. Gather boxes
Get boxes from as many sources as possible. Both new and used boxes will get the job done.
#17. Use suitcases
In addition to boxes, use suitcases to move clothes and other items. In addition, the handles will make moving heavier items that much easier.
#18. Put clothes in garbage bags
Clothes on hangers can be neatly placed in garbage bags. Keeping them on the hanger allows for quick and easy packing and unpacking.
#19. Start packing immediately
Start packing the minute you have a moving date. Waiting until the last minute could increase stress and anxiety levels.
#20. Pack the difficult rooms first
Packing can be a grind. One of the best strategies is to pack the hardest rooms first when you have the most energy.
#21. Pack out of season shoes and clothes together
Gather all out-of-season clothing and pack them together. They can be kept packed until needed.
#22. Pack and move valuable items yourself
Don’t let movers handle your valuable items (jewelry, watches, etc.). Move them yourself.
#23. Label boxes after packing
To eliminate any confusion or extra work, use a marker to describe the contents and the room they are to be placed in after the move.
#24. Use bubble wrap and other liners
Bubble wrap, bed sheets and other items can be used to line boxes to prevent damage to the contents.
#25. Maintain a clear, spacious packing area
Keeping the packing area clean will help you stay organized and focused. The only items that should be in your packing area are the items that are to be packed at that time.
#26. Line plates with plastic plates
To decrease the risk of breaking plates, pack them vertically, and place plastic plates or Styrofoam in between each plate for cushion.
#27. Pack books in small boxes
When packing books use several smaller boxes instead of one large box. This keeps the boxes light and easier to transport.
#28. Pack an essentials bag
This bag will contain items you will need/use if you can’t access your main boxes. Add the following to your essentials bag:
- Personal care products (soap, towels, change of clothes, toothbrush etc.)
- Medications
- Identification (birth certificate, driver’s license etc.)
- Electronics (laptops, phone chargers, etc.)
#29. Put financial documents in a binder and keep them in your possession
In addition to the items listed above, the following items should be assembled and kept by you for safekeeping:
- Financial documents (tax documents, bank statements, brokerage statements, etc.)
- Property documents (lease agreements, mortgage documents, insurance policies, etc.)
- Medical records
- School records
- Etc.
#30. Dispose of hazardous/flammable materials
Instead of packing these items, dispose of them via the proper channels to avoid any accidents.
#31. Throw away old medications
Go through your medicine cabinet and check the expiration dates on your meds. Old meds can be thrown away to reduce clutter.
#32. Leave items in your drawers
Wrap your kitchen and dresser drawers in bubble wrap, plastic wrap, towels or sheets. This will prevent the contents in the drawers from falling out and easier to unpack. Note: take the drawers from the new house and empty contents from the old kitchen drawers into the new ones.
#33. Take pictures of your electronic setups
This will help you quickly hook your items up at the new place.
#34. Make backups of sensitive electronic data
Computers could get damaged when moving. Use flash drives, online cloud storage, or other ways to back up your files.
#35. Use paper rolls for your cords
Toilet paper rolls and paper towel rolls can be used to hold electronic cords. Simply roll them up and slide them inside the roll.
#36. Disassemble furniture as needed
Large furniture pieces (bed frames, large cabinets, etc. can be disassembled for easier transport.
#37. Have plenty Ziploc bags
Ziploc bags can be used to hold the various screws and bolts for each disassembled piece. Have a separate Ziploc bag for each item and tape them onto the furniture or label them.
#38. Stop buying groceries
To avoid the possibility of food going bad, stop buying groceries a week prior to the move. This will also decrease the number of items that are moved.
#39. Defrost your deep freezer
If you are moving a fridge or deep freezer, consider defrosting them. This will prevent water from leaking all over when moving.
#40. Make minor cosmetic touch-ups
Fill in nail holes and other light touch ups as you pack. White soap or toothpaste can be used to fill in nail holes.
#41. Clear all moving pathways
When moving large boxes or furniture, the last thing you need is something blocking your path, especially if you can’t see in front of you.
#42. Find ways to cut costs
Moving can be expensive, but there are a few ways to decrease moving costs:
- Pack things yourself
- Compare prices for moving companies
#43. Keep box descriptions vague
Don’t write “jewelry, “watches,” “family heirlooms” or other specific descriptions on boxes. The less people know of the contents, the better.
#44. Use grocery home delivery for a few days after the move
The first week or two at the new home will consist of unpacking and getting organized. Grabbing takeout or getting food delivered might be easier than trying to cook.
#45. Decide which room(s) you want to prep first
When moving, choose which room you want to unpack first. This should be a room that is clutter free where you can relax
#46. Stock the bathrooms with toilet paper, soap, and towels
This is one room that will be used first (and most often).
#47. Wipe down your new home before moving in
Cleaning an empty house is easier than cleaning one full of boxes.
#48. Remove light bulbs when moving
This will prevent them from accidentally breaking during transit.
#49. Rate boxes by importance
Some boxes will have more importance and will need to be packed sooner than others. Rate boxes by order of importance. Use numbers or color-coded to signify which boxes should be unpacked first.
#50. Pace yourself
Moving can be an all-day adventure. Stay hydrated and take breaks if necessary.
Putting Moving All Together From an East Bay Realtor
Moving can be exhausting and overwhelming but our team in Range Homes is here to help. We have friendly, professional agents ready to help you reach your real estate goals. Contact us HERE for all your real estate needs.
