Every year, millions of people move to new homes. While this is an exciting time, it can also be overwhelming. There are so many things to do and remember when moving to a new home.
According to stats, the average person moves about 11.7 times in their lifetime. So, being prepared for your big move is a good idea.
To help make things a little easier, we’ve put together a list of things to do when moving to a new home.
1. Start packing early
Don’t wait until the last minute to start packing. Instead, start packing items you know you won’t need in the weeks leading up to your move. It will make packing less daunting and will help you avoid the stress of trying to pack everything at once.
Residents in Montana, for example, begin to pack their warm clothing and winter gear in the spring as they know they won’t need it for a few months. This way, when it’s time to move, they only have to worry about packing their summer belongings.
Billings is the largest city in Montana and is a great place to live. You can hire a storage unit to keep your belongings while you’re in the process of moving.
Just google “storage units Billings MT” to find a storage facility close to your new home. It can also be helpful to look for a storage unit that offers climate-controlled units, as this will help protect your belongings from extreme temperatures.
2. Make a list
Making a list of all the things you need to do before, during, and after your move will help you stay on track and avoid chaos. Be sure to include both big and small tasks on your list.
Some items that should be on your moving checklist include:
- Hiring a moving company
- Decluttering
- Changing your address
- Forwarding your mail
- Transferring utilities
- Cleaning your old home
- Unpacking and settling into your new home
Remember, planning and organization can go a long way when moving to a new home.
3. Hire a moving compan
Suppose you’re not up for moving all your belongings yourself. In that case, you may want to consider hiring a moving company. A professional moving company can handle all the heavy lifting and help ensure your belongings are moved safely and on time.
When hiring a moving company, be sure to do your research. Read online reviews and get quotes from a few different companies before making your decision.
4. Declutter
One of the best things you can do when preparing for a move is to purge unnecessary belongings.
If you’re unsure where to start, begin by going through each room in your home and sorting your belongings into three piles: keep, donate, and trash. Donate items in good condition but no longer needed or used, and get rid of damaged items.
5. Change your address
Be sure to change your address with the post office and update your information with any companies or organizations you work with. It will help ensure that you continue to receive important mail and deliveries at your new home. The reason why people forget to do this is that it can be time-consuming. But, if you set aside some time to do it in the weeks leading up to your move, it will be one less thing you have to worry about.
6. Forward your mai
If you’re not changing your address, you’ll need to forward your mail to your new home. This can be done easily by filling out a change of address form for the post office.
Also, share your new address with your family and friends so they can send you mail and stay in touch.
7. Transfer utilities
Be sure to transfer or cancel your utilities before you move. It includes electricity, gas, water, trash, and cable services. You’ll also want to set up these services at your new home so that everything is up and running when you move in.
However, keep in mind that you may not be able to transfer your utilities if you’re moving to a new city or state. In this case, you’ll need to cancel your current services and hire new ones in your area.
8. Clean your old home
Once you’ve moved all your belongings out of your old home, it’s time to clean it. It is imperative if you rent and need your security deposit back. Be sure to clean the inside and outside of your home, including the windows, floors, and appliances.
9. Unpack and settle into your new home
After moving your belongings into your new home, it’s time to unpack. It can be daunting, but taking your time and unpacking one room at a time is important.
As you’re unpacking, be sure to put away your belongings in a way that makes sense for you. It will help you stay organized and make it easier to find things when needed.
After unpacking, it’s time to start settling into your new home. This process can take some time, but eventually, you’ll feel right at home.
10. Get to know your new neighborhood
One of the best things about moving to a new home is exploring a new area. It is an excellent opportunity to meet new people and try new things.
Be sure to take some time to walk around your neighborhood and explore all it has to offer to feel like a local in no time.
Bottom Line
Moving to a new home can be daunting, but if you plan and take things one step at a time, it can be a smooth and rewarding experience. Be sure to purge your unnecessary belongings, change your address, forward your mail, transfer your utilities, clean your old home, and unpack and settle into your new home. Lastly, don’t forget to get to know your new neighborhood. By following these simple tips, you’ll surely have a successful move.