Moving into a new home (or setting up a new business) is a BIG moment in your life.
It means a new opportunity. An unknown journey. Endless possibilities.
But before you hit the road for greener pastures, there’s a long list of “To-Do's” that you’ll need to check off.
Because some of these can easily be forgotten about until AFTER the move...
1) Cancel Recurring Charges
Moving into a new home can oftentimes stretch your wallet thin. The easiest way to save is by not spending money on recurring charges that you forgot to cancel BEFORE the move.
The most obvious monthly recurring charges that need to be taken care of are your home’s utilities. Your local providers of electricity, natural gas, water, etc. need to be notified of your moving date.
After the utilities have been taken care of, call your local cable, internet, and phone service to alert them of your moving date. This way they can stop your service before the move-out date OR transfer your services over to the new house.
In addition to the obvious, there are some other monthly recurring charges that aren’t as important that might’ve slipped your mind — like local gym memberships.
2) Notify the Post Office Early
Everyone knows you need to notify the post office of an address change. However, many homeowners will wait until only a few days before the move to do this. This will result in mail that’s already in transit (and mail that’s ready to be sent) to be delivered to the old house.
Doing this at least two weeks in advance will allow you to get the last of your mail before it begins forwarding to the new house.
The last thing you want is for a bill or important document to be sent to your old home and you’ll never even know about it.
3) Photograph Your Entertainment Center
This step is more for your peace of mind — snap a few photos of your entertainment center and home office setup. Take pictures of the hookups and your current cable management.
Unplugging everything is easy, but when you go to set everything back up in the new house, there’s a good chance you won’t remember which cord goes where or how you ran the wires.
Bonus Tip: Wrap each cord or wire and add a masking tape label so you know which cord goes with what electronic. You might think you know, but when you’re plugging things in for hours on end, frustration and fatigue will begin to set in...
4) Leave Behind the Spares
Gather all of the spare keys, including those from your neighbors. While the chances are high that the new homeowners (or real estate agency) will change the locks upon your departure, this is a good opportunity to let your neighbors know of the move and to say goodbye.
You should also fish for the extra garage door openers in your car’s glove box. These always end up getting taken with you — because how often do you really check your glove box?
Bonus Tip: If you’ve hidden any other keys or anything of value in (or around) the house, now is the time to collect them so they’re not left behind!
5) Pack an “Essentials” Box
When packing up the things in your home, make sure you back an “Essentials” box. This box will include all of the things you’ll need on the first night in the new house. Things like:
- Toilet Paper
- Paper Towels
- Paper Plates
- Disposable Cutlery
- Cleaning Supplies
- Hygiene Products
- Bed Sheets
- Bath Towels
- Phone Chargers
- And anything else you feel you can’t live without!
Have this “Essentials” box ready to go by at least the night before the big moving day. Otherwise, you might find yourself rushing the day of — and you want this day to go as smoothly as possible.
6) Check for Frequently Forgotten Items
There are a few items that people frequently forget when moving. They may be tucked away in a closet or attic, behind a door, on a wall, or even in a built-in safe. Checking for these things is another important step to take when you’re getting ready to move.
Don’t forget to do a final sweep of your old home for:
- Outdoor plants and decorations
- Pictures and art on the walls
- Documents or cash in a built-in safe or another hidden spot
- Outlets for cables and cords
- Spare keys hidden outside
- Mirrors or other hanging objects behind doors
- Belongings in the attic
- Anything tucked away deep in closets and cabinets
7) Pick up Your Dry Cleaning, Prescriptions & More
If you’re moving to another city or state, you’ll want to make sure you pick up your dry cleaning, prescriptions, or any other items that may be waiting for you at one of your local retailers. Having to go back to get these things can be a hassle while you’re in the process of moving and settling in, and in the case of prescriptions, they could present a health risk.
Your Trusted Southern California Moving Company
When it comes to all of your other belongings in the house, you want to make sure everything is packed and moved efficiently AND carefully. Luckily, our pros at Affordable Quality Moving and Storage can do just that! Our Southern California movers can handle all of your packing and unpacking, moving, and storage needs, and we help with local, long-distance, and international moves.
We understand how stressful moving can be, especially on the actual moving day. We want you to think of moving as a journey — not an obstacle. Let us handle the hard work. We want you to focus on enjoying the moment! Whether you’re moving across the country or just a few cities over, know that the family here at AQMS is here for you. Call (661) 622-2636 today for your free estimate.
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