Moving Day Duties Endorsed by Real Estate Professionals: Essential Checklist Items to Tackle
Having Trouble Keeping Up with Your Move? Don't Sweat It!
Location, location, location! Whether you're sailing across town or venturing to a new city, organizing a successful move can give you a major headache. But don't worry, keep reading, and we'll reveal the realtors' top secrets that ensure your moving day goes off without a hitch.
Before stepping foot in that new dream home, play a few smart moves to snag the advantage.
1. Sort Your Stuff
Get your ducks in a row! Reverse-engineer your move, beginning with the scheduled moving date, and allocate tasks accordingly. If you're working with a realtor, ask for advice or a custom checklist. If not, fear not—we've got you covered with our all-star, realtor-approved list.
2. Family Meeting
Change is tough, especially for the young ones, and communication is key. Sit down with the whole crew and chat about the move. Discuss feelings, ask questions, and assure everyone that a fresh start awaits!
3. Pack It Up!
Packing doesn't have to be a daunting task. Save breakables, pack light, and label like a pro! Remember to be specific about fragile items, so they get that extra TLC. If moving insurance is in your future, the movers may even ask to pack for you.
4. Update Everybody
Tired of snail mail? Don't let it stress you! Change your address with the post office, banks, subscriptions, and other services. Alter identification, driver's licenses, and banking cards. Ox, invite neighbors to help collect and forward mail during the transition phase.
5. Utilities, Please!
Kill the power? Not on our watch! Update utility companies, including Wi-Fi, electricity, gas, and TV streaming services. Give them a two-day heads-up, and dial back if the juice runs out.
Moving day has finally arrived! It's go-time, keep your eyes on the prize, and give these hacks a spin.
6. Share Tasks
Two heads are better than one! Assign tasks to friends and family, have one person at the old home supervise the movers, and another at the new home guide the crew to the right room.
7. Food, Glorious Food!
Eat well, dream well! Energize your troops by having lunch scheduled in advance, supplying drinks, and keeping an ice-cold refreshment chest at the ready. No one wants a hangry mover!
8. Check In With the Movers
Confirm the movers' arrival time, costs, and services. A quick meet-and-greet at the beginning can help avoid frustrating surprises on moving day, providing a smoother moving process for all parties.
9. Supervise the Movers
It's not the time to take a nap! Supervise the movers, ensuring everything is handled with care during loading and unloading, especially fragile items. Have someone double-check behind with a keen eye to catch everything.
10. Last Checks Before Bouncing
One quick look can save a lot of heartache! Conduct a thorough walk-through, making sure nothing is left behind. Get another pair of eyes to tag along and make sure all boxes and large items are accounted for.
11. Clean House
If you want a happy home, keep it clean! Leave your old rental in tip-top shape, ready for the newbies to move in with ease. A spotless abode not only leaves a good impression but also feels right for a clean start.
12. Keys and More Keys
Don't let keys get lost in the shuffle! Leave any instruction manuals behind and make a nice gesture with a bottle of wine and a warm welcome note for the new owners.
13. Lock It Up
Safety first! Lock the doors, windows, and maybe even unplug the appliances to save energy. Capture photos and leave the keys with your real estate agent, or place them in a lockbox for a seamless transition.
Your new house is all unpacked, and it's time to enjoy the neighborhood! Check out the vibes, greet your new neighbors, and get ready for your future adventures!
14. Test Everything
Welcome to your new home! Confirm that everything is in good working condition. Test appliances, water, electricity, and even light bulbs. Take note if anything looks unusual and contact your realtor if major issues arise.
15. Make Adjustments
Have the keys handy? Customize your closet, protect your hardware floors, and get cozy before the hectic unpacking begins. While you're at it, put pads on furniture, run wires, and caulk those windows, doors, and fixtures.
16. Slow and Steady
You're not in a race, so take your time. Unpack essential items first, like toiletries and kitchenware, and make your new place functional. Place boxes in their permanent rooms, systematically working your way through the house.
17. Embrace the Change
Don't forget to enjoy the journey! Go for a walk to discover your neighborhood, find the local grocery store, and begin building relationships with your neighbors. Reward yourself with takeout, relax, and unwind in your new home, knowing that you've got this!
- Contact Better Homes and Gardens real estate for expert advice on owning a home and moving, as their tips will ensure a smoother moving process.
- Research home improvement ideas before settling into your new home, to better understand any necessary updates or renovations.
- Be prepared for unexpected weather conditions when moving, and make sure to have proper transporting arrangements in place.
- Make a checklist for moving day reminders, including contacting utility companies, updating important information, and confirming arrangements with the movers.
- Work with a realtor or realtor-approved checklist when sorting your belongings to ensure a more organized move.
- Remember to ask a realtor for help in preparing your old home for showing, as they have valuable tips on quick and efficient home-and-garden improvements to make a lasting impression on potential buyers.