Congratulations on your new home! Moving to a new home can be an exciting time, but it can also come with its own set of challenges if you don’t stay organized. From setting up utilities to making sure everyone gets the memo about your new address, there’s a lot to keep track of when it comes to moving.

Getting Prepared for Moving Day Checklist

Below are important steps you should take before moving into your new home:

1. Make sure the utilities are connected. Your new home will be more comfortable and feel like home with electricity, water, heat or air conditioning.
2. Clean your new home before the movers arrive; take the time to thoroughly clean it from top to bottom. By cleaning before you move, you’ll have a fresh slate and all you have to do is unpack! If you don’t have time to clean your new home—you’ve got a lot to do on moving day, so we get it—you may want to consider hiring professional cleaners instead.
3. Change your mailing address and make sure your mail is forwarded to your new home. Don’t forget to update: bank accounts, memberships, home and lawn services, subscription services, Internal Revenue Service, Veterans Affairs, medical records, voter registration, insurance policies, employer and payroll records.
4. Research the benefits of setting up a home security system and make sure it is in place before or as soon as you move in. You may also want to consider changing the locks on your new home for added security.
5. Make a plan of where you want your furniture to be in your home, even if it's just a drawing. This will save you the trouble of having to move your furniture yourself after your movers have left.
6. Talk to your professional movers about the placement of your belongings and share any last-minute details about your new home that weren't discussed during the preliminary meeting.
7. If you can, have two people at your new home on moving day. One person can make sure everything on your inventory list is unloaded, and the other can tell the movers where you want things placed.
8. Consider hiring a sitter if you have small children in the home and place pets somewhere safe and out of the way.

It's time to move!

If you have hired professional movers, let them do the heavy lifting.

Check your belongings when they are delivered. If you notice any damage or missing items, report them in person to your moving coordinator or representative. If there are any changes in the condition of your belongings compared to the inventory list the movers made when loading, note the differences on the mover’s copy of the inventory list. By signing the inventory list, you acknowledge receipt and the condition of all items listed.

When unloading, each piece of furniture will be placed according to your instructions, including laying carpets and setting up beds that were disassembled upon departure. If you would like your mattresses unpacked or appliances installed, your move coordinator can help you arrange for these additional or third-party moving services.

Finally, keep all of your moving documents in a safe place. If you are handling the move yourself, make sure you have enough manpower, supplies, stay hydrated, etc.

Double check the inventory before sending your movers out

Ask the movers to do a final check of the moving van, thank your movers, and begin unpacking.

Check the delivered boxes for damage. Ensure your move went smoothly by examining your boxes and making sure nothing is broken.

Once you have completed your move, this is the time to file a claim if necessary. Although not anticipated, sometimes the unexpected can happen and an item can be lost or damaged. If this happens, you can file your claim through the online portal.

Please have a picture of the damaged item or a description of the lost item ready before filing your claim. Also have your order number ready.

Afternoon and evening

Check your utilities

Make sure your water and electricity are all working. Test your smoke detectors and your circuit breaker. Cable and internet can wait!

Start unpacking your "first to open" boxes

Now it’s time to start packing those boxes that you’ve set aside to take with you. These are items that you’ll need for unpacking, cleaning, food, and hygiene. We recommend packing a “first night” box to help make your first few nights in your new home as smooth as possible.

It is especially important to prepare your first night well in advance if you are moving with children and/or pets. After such a busy day, everyone involved in your move will probably be a little restless and hungry. Organizing and packing personal items and a few household items separately will drastically reduce stress levels.

This box of supplies should travel with you, or if that is not possible, you can ask the movers to be the last box loaded into the moving truck.

Reassembling large furniture

Reassembling your large furniture is an important part of the unpacking process and helps you get a feel for your new space. Start with the bedrooms and make sure the boxes and furniture are in their respective rooms so you can easily unpack and set them up. After a long moving day, you want to make sure that at least your bed is assembled and ready for your first night.

Finish unpacking and make your home yours

This is the first thing you want to do - but realize that it takes time. Start by unpacking the rooms you'll use the most and unpack things you'll need right away, like dishes, toiletries, clothes, and food. Then hang your shower curtain(s) in your bathroom(s).

Let children help unpack and decorate their room. Give them bins and shelves to help them organize their things.

Unpack a little at a time to avoid becoming overwhelmed. Take the opportunity to do a second wave of decluttering while you’re unpacking. Throw away, donate, or sell items you don’t want to keep. Save yourself a trip to the dumpster and consider a garbage service for trash and excess materials you don’t want to keep.

Please note that many moving companies offer additional services for a separate fee, such as installing electronics.

Finally, you may want to consider hiring an unpacking service to save time.

Stock your home with essentials

Pick up (or have delivered) any groceries and/or personal items you’ll need for your first week in your new home. Or, if you don’t feel like preparing food for your first few meals, have the phone numbers of local eateries handy for pickup or delivery. Make sure your home address is visible for deliveries and future mail.