Top 4 Checklist for Moving into a New House or Place

As you pack up your home and get ready to move to your new place, it is very easy and understandable to have certain important tasks fall t...

As you pack up your home and get ready to move to your new place, it is very easy and understandable to have certain important tasks fall through the proverbial cracks.

To help make sure that your move goes as smoothly and successfully as possible, please add the following commonly missed items to your moving checklist.

Top 4 Checklist for Moving into a New House or Place

1. Call All of Your Utility Providers

One of the most crucial tips for planning your move doesn’t involve packing anything into a box — it has to do with making a phone call or visiting a website. Yep, we're talking about transferring your utilities. You not only need to start utility services at your new home, but you also must arrange to have your existing services shut off once you are completely moved out.

As part of your changing address checklist, call each and every utility provider, including your internet, trash and sewer, electricity and/or gas, and cable or satellite company. Make these calls at least two weeks prior to your move and request that everything is transferred to your new place on your move date. If you learn that, for example, your gas company is not located in your new city, you will have ample time to find out which providers are available there and get set up. You may have to return equipment like a modem; be sure to ask about this while you are on the phone.

2. Get New Tags for Your Fur Babies

If you have pets, they will probably be in the car with you for the ride to your new home. While you will take extra good care of them during the trip, you should be prepared in case your dog wanders off from you at a rest area. Since their current tags have your old address and phone number, order new, temporary pet tags at PetSmart that have your cell number and the pet’s name. This way, if you do get separated, a Good Samaritan will not try to return your pet to your old/now empty home.

3. Make Sure You Get All of the Keys

Ensure the previous owners leave you all of the keys you need to access your new home and surrounding property. Common examples include a garden shed, a detached garage, garden gate, or deadbolt windows. Granted, once you are settled you will want to change all of these locks for added security and safety, but on move-in day you don’t want to find out the hard way that you cannot access the garage because you are lacking the key.

4. Pack a Box of Must-Haves

Packing can be a long and arduous process, and you may be tempted to get through it as quickly as you can by putting everything and anything into the various boxes. While this technique will work for a lot of your possessions, consider packing a suitcase or a specially marked box with all of the things you will need to access immediately in your new home.

Your moving suitcase can include pajamas and clean undies for everyone in your family, pet food and pet dishes, favorite toys and stuffed animals for your kids, medication, toothbrushes and toothpaste, shampoo, and a few changes of clothing. This way, if the moving truck is delayed you’ll have your essentials with you — and at the end of a very long day, you won’t have to spend time unpacking boxes looking for your dog’s water bowl.

Good Luck with Your Move:

When it comes to figuring out how to plan a move, the small details are as important as the larger tasks. By being aware of the commonly forgotten tasks and then adding them to your list, you will go a long way in ensuring that your upcoming move is as stress-free as possible.