Moving into a new house or apartment can be overwhelming, especially if you’re switching cities and starting a new job. With so many urgent tasks, some elements of your move can fall through the cracks, only to resurface when you realize you forgot to put the electricity bill in your name.
Staying organized is key to avoiding those last-minute surprises. In the moving checklist below, you’ll find clear, simple steps to follow before and up to the day of your move to help you stay on track.
1-2 Months Before Your Move
Moving can be a long process—one that starts months before the actual day of your move. With good planning and a solid moving guide in place, you can ensure the transition goes smoothly. Here’s what to do before moving.
Create a checklist.
Make your move as smooth as possible by preparing a checklist! Divide a piece of notebook paper in half. On the left side, list all the tasks you need to complete to move from your present location. On the right side, mirror your task list with what needs to be done to settle into your new location.
Get supplies and start packing.
Now is the time to gather your supplies. Start by packing the things you use less often and work your way down to items you use more frequently. You’ll need sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap or packing paper, and markers for labeling.
Save money by asking local stores for free boxes or checking apps like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or Nextdoor. People are usually happy to give away moving supplies to others after their move.
As you pack, label each box clearly with its contents and the room it belongs in. Starting early will help you avoid the stress of last-minute packing as your move date approaches.
Change your registrations.
If you are moving to a new state you will need to transfer your vehicle registration, register to vote in that state, and possibly register your business with the appropriate local office of finance depending on the laws where you are moving.
Plan ahead—call the DMV and get a copy of your vehicle title if you do not currently have one. Make preliminary calls now alerting officials about your pending move so you do not have to backtrack and spend hours on the phone once you are across the country.
Set up your utilities.
The realtor, landlord, or other professional who helped you secure your new home should provide you with the contact information of the utility providers in your new area. Call your water, power, and internet providers before the move to establish service, or take care of it online. Have your trash pickup service ready to go so you can get those moving materials and packaging removed before they pile up.
Inspect your new home.
Once you arrive at your new home grab a pad of paper and conduct a thorough inspection. Are all the outlets functioning? How is the water pressure? Where is the fuse box? Check early for any potential problems to have them promptly addressed.
Clean your old place.
Whether you’re moving out of a rental or selling your home, cleaning your old place is a common and expected part of the moving process. If you were renting, a thorough clean is often essential for getting your security deposit back.
Scrub bathrooms and kitchens, wipe down surfaces, vacuum or mop floors, and don’t forget hidden spots like baseboards and inside cabinets. If you’re short on time or energy, consider hiring a professional cleaning company to take care of it for you. A clean space leaves a good impression and checks off one more box on your moving to-do list.
Moving Week
With your move-out date fast approaching, every hour counts. Use that moving checklist you created a while back to keep track of all the last-minute things that need to get done before you make the final move. Here are some things to consider:
Clean your new house.
Tackle this step both before and after you have completed unpacking. Start with a clean home and then tidy up after you have unpacked. Vacuum your carpets, scrub the floors, and dust the furniture to turn that new house into a proper home.
Update your mailing address.
To make sure your mail and favorite magazine subscriptions make it to your new place, let the U.S. Postal Service know of your address change. You should also update your voter registration and contact your bank and credit card companies to alert them. Remember to update your new address on all of your online accounts as well.
Confirm your move.
The week before you move is the time to double-check all your arrangements. If you’ve hired movers, call to confirm the date, time, and address. If you’re renting a truck, confirm your reservation and ask about pickup instructions and return policies. A quick call now can prevent last-minute surprises on moving day.
Warn your neighbors.
Give your neighbors a heads-up about your move, especially if it might disrupt their day. Let them know if you’ll be blocking a shared driveway, using the elevator, or making early morning noise. A simple conversation or note shows respect and helps keep things friendly as you say goodbye.
Confirm utilities.
Make sure your utilities are ready to go at your new home and scheduled to shut off at your old one. Contact your providers to confirm start and stop dates for electricity, water, gas, and internet. You don’t want to arrive at your new place only to find the lights—or the Wi-Fi—aren’t working.
The Day of Your Move
The big day has arrived. All your hard work has led up to this moment. Here are some moving day tips and essential things to do when moving.
Set up your bed.
You’ll need a good night of rest after a long move, so the first thing you need to do is assemble your bed—and moving is an ideal time to upgrade your bedding.
Start building your perfect sleep system with a SHEEX® cooling mattress pad. Then layer on SHEEX® cooling bed sheets, made with Ridiculously Soft® performance fabrics. To complete your sleep system, add a cooling comforter and duvet cover. Don’t forget a cooling pillow made just for your sleep style.
All SHEEX® products—including our sleepwear—are engineered with cutting-edge technology to keep you cool, dry, and comfortable throughout the night. Investing in a luxurious sleep system is the perfect way to start fresh at your new place.
Make your bathroom functional.
You work up quite a sweat moving those boxes and furniture pieces. The next step is to hang the shower curtain, lay out the bathmats, and unpack the towels and shampoo so you can take a hot, relaxing shower. Now that you are nice and clean, head to that cozy bed and unwind from your busy day.
Start unpacking.
In the days after your move, you can start unpacking. This step may take some time, so set a specific goal each day to keep yourself on target. On day one unpack essentials so you can create a livable space. Tip: You can make this dreaded step go by faster if you take time to pack items from the same room together before the move.
One of the most important things to remember when moving is to properly recycle all packing materials. One thing is for sure: Unpacking the bedroom first will ensure you have a cozy retreat to rest whenever you get tired from sifting through boxes.
Build Your Cooling Sleep System with SHEEX®
We hope you’ve found this checklist for moving helpful. Once you’re all settled in at your new place, you can start the next chapter in your life. Why not upgrade your sleep experience in your new digs after your move?
Get everything you need to start building your perfect sleep system. You’ll find a wide selection of innovative bedding products that promote thermoregulation for deep, restorative sleep.
