Published: October 01, 2023

Things on Your Moving To-Do List

Moving to a new home can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience. With so many tasks to manage, it’s easy to feel stressed if you don’t have a clear plan in place. To help you navigate through this transition smoothly, here’s a comprehensive moving to-do list that covers everything from the early planning stages to settling into your new space.

Create a Moving Binder: Start by organizing all your moving-related documents, quotes, checklists, and notes in a dedicated moving binder. This will be your central hub for everything moving-related.

Set a Budget: Moving can come with unexpected expenses, so outline a budget that covers packing materials, cleaning supplies, moving services, and any other potential costs.

Declutter: Before you start packing, go through your belongings and declutter. Donate, sell, or discard items you no longer need or use. This will make packing and unpacking much easier.

Gather Packing Supplies: Collect sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, markers, and any other materials you’ll need for packing. You can often find boxes for free at local grocery stores or purchase them from moving supply stores.

Notify Important Parties: Alert relevant parties of your upcoming move, including your current and future utility companies, postal service, and any subscriptions or services that need your address updated.

Change of Address: Visit your local post office or go online to officially change your address. Inform friends, family, and important contacts of your new address as well.

Book Moving Services in Advance: If you are looking for moving services from companies like UNITS Moving and Portable Storage of Central Long Island, book their services well in advance to secure your preferred moving date.

Plan for Pets and Plants: Make arrangements for your pets and plants during the move. Whether it’s arranging for a pet sitter or ensuring your plants are safely transported, plan ahead for their needs.

Pack Strategically: Start packing early, beginning with items you use less frequently. Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. Consider color-coding or numbering boxes for easy organization.

Pack an Essentials Box: Prepare a box with the essentials you’ll need on the first day in your new home. This could include toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, and basic kitchen supplies.

Notify Important Parties: Notify your friends, family, and relevant institutions about your upcoming move. This could include updating your address with your bank, insurance providers, and any subscriptions.

Clean and Prepare: Clean your current home thoroughly before leaving. Make any necessary repairs to ensure you receive your security deposit back if applicable.

Label Furniture: Label furniture pieces that need special handling or assembly instructions for the movers.

Confirm Moving Details: A week before your move, confirm the details of your move with your chosen moving services.

Pack Electronics Carefully: Photograph how your electronics are wired before disconnecting them. Pack securely with cords and accessories.

Pack Valuables Separately: Keep valuable items like jewelry, important documents, and sentimental items with you during the move.

Plan for Moving Day Meals: Prepare meals or snacks for moving day, as you might not have time to cook amidst the chaos.

Take Care of Your Health: Take care of yourself during this stressful time. Stay hydrated, get enough sleep, and pack a first-aid kit.

Conduct a Final Walkthrough: Before leaving your old home, do a final walkthrough to ensure you haven’t left anything behind.

Settle Into Your New Home: Upon arriving at your new home, take some time to unpack essentials, set up your bed, and make your space functional before tackling the rest of the unpacking.

Update Your Address: Update your address with the necessary institutions, the DMV, voter registration, insurance, and more.

Register Your Kids for School: If you have school-aged children, make arrangements for their enrollment in their new schools.

Explore Your New Area: Take some time to explore your new neighborhood, find essential amenities, and discover local attractions.

Register Your Vehicle: If you’ve moved to a new state or country, ensure you register your vehicle according to local regulations.

Moving can be a complex process, but with proper planning and organization, it can be a much smoother transition. By following this comprehensive moving to-do list, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle each step of the journey and settle into your new home with ease.

For more information, visit UNITS Moving and Portable Storage of Central Long Island or call us at (631) 818-1329.