We know that moving into a new home can come with lots of excitement and even more nervousness.
So, we decided to create the ultimate moving checklist just for you! This will provide all the necessary steps, moving tactics, and extra tips to ensure your move feels properly coordinated and enjoyable.
1. Get prepared
The KonMari Method
“Does it spark joy?”
The KonMari Method gained international popularity (and a hit Netflix show) because it’s a simple and effective strategy that goes beyond just typical decluttering. It challenges you to get in touch with what you need and want.
It also helps make the packing process less stressful. The KonMari Method says you should tackle packing things room by room and not try to pack everything all at once, helping you feel more in control and less overwhelmed.
The KonMari Method encourages “tidying by category,” in this order:
- Clothes
- Books
- Papers
- “Komono” – miscellaneous items
- Sentimental items
By starting with something relatively easy, like clothes, and progressing to more challenging items, like sentimental items, you can develop your decision-making muscle and confidently say goodbye (with gratitude) to the things you no longer need.
A successful move always starts with the right packing method. This way you ensure you only take the most important things with you and declutter what is no longer serving you, allowing you to move into your fresh home with a fresh perspective!
What do I do with the items that didn’t make the cut?
While decluttering, you will inevitably find some items you didn’t want anymore but could serve another family well. You have three options: sell, donate, or throw away.
To sell, donate, or dispose?
Start by grouping items into categories like furniture, electronics, clothing, books, and household goods.
Once your items are sorted, you can choose the best place to get them in front of potential buyers, or you can decide to throw them away.
If you opt to sell your items, here are a few different ways to get them in front of different people.
- Yard Sale: You can start with a local yard sale because this way, you can sell multiple items all at once, and you can also barter with buyers face-to-face if you have something you find extra valuable.
- Online shops: Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, Depop, and eBay are all online places where you can list your items for sale. Remember that you will need to take photos and create listing descriptions for each item, which can be time-consuming, but each online platform gets hundreds of thousands of eyes daily. (so it will most likely be worth it.)
- Donation: You can also donate your items to local charities, community centers, or homeless shelters. Before you arrive with your items, be sure to call or check online with the specific organization to make sure they will take what you need to get rid of. You can also check their donation hours each day.
- Proper Disposal: Whatever is leftover after you sell or donate can be disposed of. To make this process easier, you can reach out to local waste management facilities because some offer special collection services for bulky items.
Now that you have decluttered and started packing properly. The next step is to get all of the moving items in order.
Create a Moving Binder
Moving can be very hectic, and things that normally are stored in certain spots can easily get misplaced during the process, and the last thing you need is to lose something important.
To avoid that problem, you can create a binder with your most important documents.
You can include any documents you deem important. For example:
- Rental Agreement: Include contracts, rental agreements, and any other official documents you may need.
- Moving Company Paperwork: Store any important paperwork with your moving company in this binder.
- Moving checklist: You can print off this list and keep it in the binder for safekeeping.
2. Budgeting for moving expenses
You have fully prepared yourself for the move, and now it’s time to budget for any moving expenses. This can be difficult because there are lots of different options to consider. One of the main choices is whether to hire a moving company or not.
Why SHOULD you hire a professional moving company?
- Expertise: They are trained in proper packing techniques, minimizing the risk of damage during transit. Plus, they’re usually equipped with the necessary tools and materials for moving, reducing the burden on you to acquire and organize packing supplies.
- Efficiency: Professional movers know how to navigate logistical challenges and can handle the heavy lifting, reducing your physical strain.
If you are considering working with a professional moving company, the sooner you can decide, the sooner you can start budgeting for it.
To qualify professional moving companies, go through the following steps:
- Read reviews and testimonials: First, decide what’s most important to you in the company you choose to work with. Is it punctuality? A track record of moving things without damage? Seek reviews from other customers that mention what you’re looking for.
- Compare quotes and services: Pick a few companies that fit the bill and start getting quotes. You can usually get one online, but you might need to make some calls.
- Schedule the move: Once you’ve found a company and a quote you’re happy with, it’s time to schedule your move! The sooner you do this, the better. Get it on the books ASAP so you (and the moving company) can plan accordingly.
3. Start Preparing For The Big Day
Now that you’ve removed all your unwanted items and found your perfect moving company, it’s time to start preparing for the big day! Let’s examine how to pack efficiently.
Gather supplies: Your moving company might have separate packing materials, but it’s best to keep some of your own on hand, too. Check out Facebook Marketplace or Buy Nothing Groups online to get some free boxes. You can also get packing tape at your local hardware store or post office.
Is sustainability on your mind? If so, here’s a quick reminder that the most sustainable materials you can use are things you already have. The next best thing? Items that were already lightly used by others.
Time to pack
Okay, it’s time for everybody’s favorite part – packing! Unlike the KonMari Method, we don’t recommend tackling things by category.
The best strategy for packing is to start with the stuff in the rooms you use the least.
This approach keeps the packing systematic and helps you label boxes accurately.
- Pack heavy items at the bottom: Similar to when you are packing a grocery bag, it’s best to place heavier items at the bottom of the boxes and lighter items on top.
- Label boxes clearly: Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. If you like color-coding things, you can use markers or other colorful identifiers for each room to streamline the unpacking process.
What to do with fragile items
Pack fragile items separately: Gather extra packing materials, including bubble wrap, packing paper, foam peanuts, and specialized boxes designed for fragile items.
Wrap each item individually: Wrap each fragile item with packing paper or bubble wrap.
Fill empty spaces: To prevent items from shifting during transportation, fill any gaps in the boxes with additional packing material, like peanuts or tissue paper.
Label your boxes with fragile items clearly: Mark all boxes containing fragile items with the word “Fragile” in large, bold letters. That way, the movers know to handle the box with extra care.
4. Have two “essential item” boxes
The more you prepare for your move, the easier the unpacking process will be. Ensure you have an “Essential Items” box (or two) that you can easily access on the day of your move.
This can include items like:
- Toiletries
- Phone charger
- Pajamas
- Utensils
- Medication
- A change of clothes
It also doesn’t hurt to have an emergency kit for unexpected situations. Don’t forget to tell your movers where these boxes are so they don’t accidentally grab them!
5. Settling into Your New Home
Welcome home! It’s time to start unpacking – thanks to all that labeling and organizing we did ahead of time, it’s going to be a breeze.
To make the process even better we created a method to the madness of unpacking.
1. Prioritize essential rooms: the kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom. There is no need to tackle it all in one day—focus on one room at a time.
2. Set up utilities and services: While you’re finding a home for all your things, it’s time to start thinking about setting up your utilities and services. The last thing you want is not to have wifi, water, or electricity while moving into your new home!
3. Update your address: Of course, you’ll need to update your address with any relevant entities, which is an easy step to forget. This can usually be done directly with the post office, but you might need to contact individual businesses to make the switch.
6. Safety and Security
Settling into your new place is more than just getting comfortable in a new setting; you’ll feel more comfortable knowing you’re in a safe and secure environment.
Consider changing locks or updating existing ones to enhance your home’s security. Look into options that involve cameras, alarms, and even 24/7 monitoring.
Make sure to familiarize yourself with emergency exits by creating a detailed evacuation plan, and prioritize safety measures like regularly checking smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
7. Final Touches and Celebrating Your New Home
Now that you’re feeling settled, safe, and secure, it’s time to put on the final touches and turn your house into a home.
Get inspiration online: Sites like Pinterest are a goldmine of design inspiration, and you can start a Pinterest board with your favorite ideas!
Get inspiration in real life: Head to stores like West Elm, Williams Sonoma, Ikea, or Crate and Barrel to see different decor ideas in person. Thrift stores are a great place to get things on a budget and add a touch of personality to your new space.
Take a moment to appreciate the journey
Take a minute to pause and pat yourself on the back. The hustle and bustle of packing, unpacking, and moving can be overwhelming, so pausing and appreciating the entire journey is great for your mental health.
