You've finally bought your dream home and have the keys! Now you have to move, which can be both exciting and stressful. You're too busy packing clothes to decide which utility bills you cancel.
To make the moving process go more smoothly, you need to stay organized and keep track of everything that needs to be done. We will unlikely move more than a few times in our lifetime.
Therefore, you cannot expect to be an “expert.” With our professional Westchester moving checklist, you will be a pro in no time.
1. Confirm Your Move Date
The completion day is just around the corner. However, remember that sometimes there can be delays or things can take longer.
Our moving guide will provide you with guidance and help to understand the process.
Choose Your Moving Date
Here are some tips to help you decide the best date for your big move.
Prioritize: Do what is best for your family and yourself. Prioritize your moving needs, whether you have pets or children. If you have kids, it might be easier to move when the holidays are over to avoid disrupting their schooling.
Be flexible: Let's be honest. Not all things go according to plan. You can't always get what you want. Plans can change, and dates can be canceled.
Ask about availability: If you plan to hire a moving company to assist with your move or to help family members and friends, you should ask well in advance when they are available so you have options. If you are using a moving company, changing the date can often result in a price increase.
2. Contact Your Utility Providers
You're likely daydreaming about moving into your new house and the things you will do to make it uniquely yours. Don't forget, amid all your excitement, to contact your current utility providers to inform them that you are moving out. This must be done at least 48 hours before your move. You may want to include the following utilities:
Water
Electricity
Gas
Broadband
Phone
Check your energy account once you have informed your utility providers that you are moving. This will help you to budget and know what you can expect. It's easy to overlook a bill when you have many associated costs with purchasing a house. Don't forget to take meter readings the day before you move out, even if your meter is smart. Always be cautious!
3. Clear Out Your Home Before Moving
It's the perfect opportunity to start over and sort through your old stuff. If you plan to hire a moving company, they will ask for an estimate of how many things you intend to move. Sorting out your belongings before the big move will save you effort and time when packing and moving items you won't use or have room for in your new home. A big decluttering project will also help you to start packing non-essentials or put larger items into storage in between if needed.
Donate to charity the items you no longer need or that you are deciding to give away. You're not only actively decluttering the new house but also doing good in the process.
4. Label and Pack Your Boxes
After thoroughly cleaning your home, you should have no trouble packing for your big day.
Many people delay packing because they don't want to trip over boxes. Packing early will mean less to worry about on the big day. The early bird gets the worm. As soon as your moving date is confirmed, begin packing smaller rooms that are not used often – spare bedrooms, garden sheds, or neglected corners in the loft where Christmas decorations are stored.
While it might seem obvious, when the excitement of moving kicks in, you can forget to label boxes correctly. If the boxes are fragile, use a permanent marker and write down which room they belong to. If time is an issue, you can label rooms using stickers and colors to differentiate them. This will not only be fun but also efficient.
5. Get the Essentials to Move Day
Remember to bring the essentials with you for your first day in your home. This is your survival kit, a box with all the essentials you'll need to stay in your new home. Once in your new house, you will want to relax with a glass or two of bubbly. Include items that help you unpack faster or manage the mess in your survival kits, such as box cutters, bin bags, and paper towels. Consider immediately what you need or want – cleaning products, toilet paper, mugs, and tea bags.
6. Compare Moving Quotes
A car and some friends will do the job if you move without furniture, for example, if you have been renting a furnished home. If you're moving a lot, renting a van can be cheaper than getting a moving company.
However, you must hire a moving company to move all your furniture.
Be aware of all other costs associated with purchasing a home so you are always prepared if you have to adjust your budget or make space.
7. Change Your Address
As soon as you confirm your move date, let anyone you regularly correspond with know about it. This could include, for example:
Your bank
GP surgery
Dentist
Workplace
Insurance for pets, cars, and travel
The DVLA
Inland Revenue
Update your registration on the electoral roll
TV Licensing
Having your post forwarded to your new address by the Post Office is a good idea. It may cost a little, but you can be sure important correspondence will not go missing or get into the wrong hands after your move.
8. Check Your Home Insurance
Many things can go awry, from buying a home to moving to an unfamiliar place. This is why having the right insurance for your home is a good idea. It's crucial to have home insurance in place not only when you receive the keys or take your first steps into the house but also when you become the owner.
Once you have exchanged contracts with the seller, you are responsible for obtaining building insurance as a buyer. This ensures you're financially protected if something happens to your home's structure. It's better to have your buildings insurance in place for your new home on the date you exchange contracts rather than when you receive the keys. You'll be covered as soon as the property is legally yours. You'll also need content insurance to cover your belongings during the move. To get content insurance, you need to hire professional movers. You may need a specialized policy if you are doing the move yourself.
Can I Transfer My Home Insurance Policy?
Yes, but preparation is the key! You should notify your insurer well before the exchange date if you plan to transfer your current home insurance policy. You may also be charged a fee for changing your home insurance policy.
The price of home insurance can vary depending on a number of variables, including the house's location and size. Sometimes, canceling the policy and shopping for a lower price may be better. But it all depends on your situation.
Inform your insurer if you plan to furnish your home with new furniture and electrical items. This will affect the amount of coverage needed for your contents insurance.
9. Move Into Your New Home
Check that everything is clean before you say goodbye to your old home. Get rid of all the rubbish and give your property a thorough spring cleaning. After all that has been done, it's finally time to move into your new home. If you have just moved, you can now start saving for a bigger share in your new home. Grab a glass and toast for your new home.
Final Thoughts
Moving into a new home can be a stressful but exciting time. With the help of our moving checklist, you can stay organized and ensure a smoother transition into your dream home. From confirming your move date to packing and labeling your boxes, our checklist provides helpful tips and reminders to make the process easier.
Now that you have all the necessary tools to move into your new home, it's time to take action. Contact Abreu Movers Westchester today to receive professional moving services that will make your move even easier. Whether you need assistance packing, transporting your belongings, or navigating the complexities of moving day, our experienced team is here to help.
Don't let the stress of moving overshadow the excitement of starting fresh in your new home. Take action and let Abreu Movers Westchester handle all your moving needs.
FAQs
What is the first thing you should do to move into a new house?
You don't want to spend your first night in your new home in the dark, so be sure your utilities (electricity, heat, gas, and water) are ready for your move-in date. You should also consider Wi-Fi, a phone line, and cable.
How long should it take to move into a new house?
The time it takes to relocate depends on the specific circumstances of every individual case, yet the average time to move house is estimated to be about 8-16 weeks.
Is it stressful to move to a new home?
Studies have shown that moving house is considered one of the most, if not THE most stressful, life event the average person goes through. The stress can manifest as anxiety, lack of sleep, generalized worry, and illness and can last for months (both during the move and afterward).
What is the most stressful part of moving house?
Money concerns are a significant concern for purchasers; 40% stated the most stressful aspect of relocating is not having enough money to meet unforeseen expenditures.
Eric Chandler is a versatile entrepreneur with expertise in both writing and the moving industry. With years of experience as a writer, he has a talent for crafting engaging content on various subjects for major publications and online platforms. Eric also owns a successful moving company that provides reliable and efficient services to clients across the country. His extensive knowledge of the moving process, from packing to delivery, has earned him a reputation as a trustworthy moving expert.
