The United States population is one of the most mobile in the world. In fact, according to the United States Census Bureau, the average person will move about 12 times in their lifetime.* Moving to a new home can be exciting, but there are some important tasks you need to do before you make your move.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Prep Before Listing Your Home

As soon as the thought of moving crosses your mind, you need to start sorting and de-cluttering. Go through each room and decide what will or will not go. Sell, donate or toss the items you won’t be taking to the new home and begin packing non-essentials. This will give the added advantage of making the home appear more spacious.

Schedule your Move

Don’t wait until the last minute to schedule movers. You may want to hire professional movers to do all the packing and moving. If you’re a DIY mover, you’ll still likely need to rent a truck or trailer. You may want to hire someone just to move the heavier items while doing the rest yourself. Whichever way you choose, make sure you have things scheduled in advance.

Schedule Utility, Internet & Cable Services

Get all your utilities scheduled to be turned on as of the closing date. The seller has likely scheduled them to be turned off on that date and this way there won’t be any lapse in service. The same goes for your cable and internet service.

Change The Locks

It’s impossible to know how many keys to your new home are floating around out there so changing the locks is an important safety measure. Of course, this can’t be done until after closing, but you can schedule it in advance. 

Do a Deep Clean

Chances are that the seller has done a good job in leaving the home clean. However, you’ll probably feel better knowing that you’ve thoroughly cleaned it before moving in.

Test Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Make sure these are functioning properly to protect your new home from fire and other emergencies. Replace the units if they aren’t working properly.

Get to Know Your New Home

Find out where the circuit breaker box is located. If a breaker trips, you’ll know where to find it. Locate the main water shut-off valve so that, in an emergency, you’ll be able to shut off the water before the home becomes flooded.

Forward Your Mail & Update Your Billing Address

Don’t forget to update your address with the US Postal Service. This can be done online at https://moversguide.usps.com. The post office will stop forwarding your magazines & periodicals after 60 days, so be sure to alert magazines & newspapers that you’ve moved. Alert your credit card companies and banks of your new address. 

A Final Tip:  What You Shouldn’t Pack

You’ve finally made it, and have spent your first night in your new home. You head to the kitchen to make a cup of coffee to start the day when you realize that you have no idea which box the coffee maker is in. To avoid catastrophes like this, a little planning can make the post move-in hours easier.  Here are some things that should not be packed with everything else:

  • Toiletries & Medications.  Pretend you’re going out of town for a few days and pack the things you’d normally take. Don’t forget to include a supply of toilet paper and hand soap!
  • Important Documents. 
  • Anything valuable. Best to keep your valuables out of the moving boxes and out of the truck. You don’t want them to mysteriously disappear between point A and point B.
  • Basic Cleaning Supplies.  Hopefully the house you move into is clean but, with movers traipsing in and out etc., it’s inevitable that they will create a bit of a mess.
  • Shower Curtains.  If your new home doesn’t have shower doors, an inexpensive shower liner with hooks will come in handy for the first few days.
  • Paper Plates & Disposable Cutlery.  These will come in handy until you’ve had the chance to unpack.
  • Phone & Laptop Chargers. 
  • Everything Your Pet Needs. Make sure you pack Rover’s food & water bowls, as well as his leash and the doggie bags.
  • Anything Else You Might Need For the First Day or Two.  Which, of course, includes the coffee & coffee maker!

Contact The Donnelly Group

Are you ready for your next smooth move? If you’re moving home – no matter if you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced seller, let us help you with your next transaction! If you have any questions at all about the process, contact the Donnelly Group at 480-792-9700 or by email.

*Actually 11.7 not 12 - but who moves 0.7 of a time? https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2011/acs/acsbr10-07.html