Moving day is always a whirlwind of activity, no matter how well you prepare. To ensure everything goes smoothly, it’s crucial to stay organised and remember the key tasks that can easily slip through the cracks in the chaos. Here’s a checklist of 15 things you should keep in mind to make your moving day as stress-free as possible.
Key factors..
- Start early
- Make a moving day essentials box
- Label boxes clearly
- Keep important documents with you
- Take photos of valuables
- Disconnect and prepare appliances
- Protect your floor
- Make arrangements for your pets or kids
- Confirm moving details
- Check your utilities
- Prepare for your first night
- Empty all rubbish
- Do a final walkthrough
- Leave the keys
- Celebrate your success
1. Start Early
Time flies on moving day, so it’s essential to get an early start. Set your alarm for a little earlier than usual to ensure you have enough time to handle unexpected challenges and last-minute packing. The more time you have, the less stressful the day will feel.
2. Make a moving day essentials box
Pack a box or bag with essentials like snacks, water, phone chargers, toiletries, medications, and important documents. This will save you from digging through boxes when you need something quickly, and it ensures you have everything necessary on hand.
3. Label boxes clearly
Make sure each box is labelled with its contents and the room it belongs to. This will make unpacking much easier and will help your movers place everything in the correct rooms, saving you time and energy later.
4. Keep important documents with you
Documents like your ID, moving contracts, and any paperwork related to your new home should be kept with you at all times. Losing these could create significant problems, so ensure they’re in a safe and easily accessible place.
5. Take photos of valuables
Before packing up your electronics, furniture, and other valuables, take photos for insurance purposes. If anything gets damaged during the move, you’ll have documentation to support your claim.
6. Disconnect and prepare appliances
Make sure all appliances are properly disconnected and prepared for transport. This includes defrosting your fridge the day before, draining washing machines, and securing loose parts in ovens or microwaves.
7. Protect your floor
With heavy furniture and constant foot traffic, it’s easy to damage floors during a move. Use old blankets, rugs, or specialized floor protectors to keep your floors scratch-free.
8. Make arrangements for your pets or kids
Moving day can be chaotic, especially with pets and children underfoot. Arrange for a sitter, or set up a safe space for them away from the hustle and bustle. This will keep them safe and allow you to focus on the move.
9. Confirm moving details
A day or two before the move, confirm all the details with your moving company. Ensure they have the correct address, a parking plan, and a clear understanding of any special instructions.
10. Check your utilities
Make sure your utilities are set up to be turned off at your old home and turned on at your new one. This includes electricity, water, gas, and internet. A smooth transition will ensure you’re not stuck without essentials on your first night.
11. Prepare for your first night
Pack a separate box with everything you’ll need for your first night in your new home. This should include bedding, pajamas, toiletries, a change of clothes, and any other immediate necessities. You’ll likely be too tired to unpack fully, so having these items handy will make your first night more comfortable.
12. Empty all rubbish
It’s likely you’ll collect a fair bit of rubbish whilst packing up your house. Factor in time to do a tip run before moving day and empty the last bits when you’re in the final stages of packing. Before you lock up, make one last sweep of the house to ensure all rubbish is taken out and there’s nothing left behind.
The previous home owners of our first house left their dinner in the oven and mouldy food in the cupboard, wasn’t the best first impression!
13. Do a final walkthrough
Before leaving your old home for good, do a final walkthrough. Check all cupboards, cabinets, and drawers to ensure nothing is left behind. Don’t forget to check the loft, cellar, and garage, if you have them.
14. Leave the keys
If you’re moving out of a rental, make sure to leave the keys with the landlord or property manager. If you’re selling your home, arrange a handover with the new owners, usually at the estate agents. This might sound obvious, but in the rush of moving, it’s easy to forget.
15. Celebrate your success
Moving is a big accomplishment, so take a moment to celebrate once you’ve arrived at your new home. Whether it’s ordering pizza, popping a bottle of champagne, or just taking a deep breath and relaxing, acknowledge the hard work you’ve done and this exciting chapter in your new home.
Final thoughts..
In conclusion, keeping these 15 moving day essentials in mind can make a world of difference in ensuring a smooth and stress-free transition to your new home. From starting the day early to celebrating the first night, each step is designed to help you stay organised, avoid common pitfalls, and focus on what truly matters—beginning the next chapter of your life with ease. I write this from experience when Matt and I brought our first home. By being prepared and attentive to these key details, you can turn what is often seen as a stressful experience into an exciting and manageable process. Here’s to a successful move and the fresh start that awaits you!
