Moving to a new house is exciting!
But it’s also hectic, overwhelming, and requires lots of time to get settled in. Before you can get on to the fun stuff (like decorating and showing off your new home to family and friends), there are practical tasks to complete first.
The more tasks you have to take care of, the more challenging it becomes – and moving always involves many tasks!
From packing and unpacking to changing your address and finding your bearings in a new area, there’s a lot to get done, and the best way to tackle it all is with a new house checklist!
Make Your Move Easy Peasy!
To make moving easier for you, we’ve compiled some checklists to remind you of the many items needed for your move. Hopefully, this new house checklist will speed up the process and help make your move go smoothly.
Timing is Everything
The first set of checklists are based on a timeline, so you’ll know exactly what to do in the weeks just before the move to your new home.
4 to 6 Weeks Before The Move
You are now in the planning phase. If you’re excited about the move, you may want to start packing already. Resist the urge! There’s a lot to do before you start putting things into boxes. For example:
- Begin researching moving companies and get a few written quotes. Make sure you include packing essentials like boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and markers in the quote. Or get these items yourself.
- If you have kids, enroll them in their new schools and forward their records and report cards.
- If you have younger children, do some research on options for kindergarten or childcare.
- Have a clearout; you could sell or donate items you’re not taking with you. A garage sale is always an excellent idea!
- Arrange repairs and renovations for the new house, and for the old one if needed.
The Move-In Date is Set – What’s Next?
Reality sets in when your date is confirmed! This is when you can begin to get excited, but also when you need to get moving with yet another new house checklist. Here it is:
- Decide which moving company you’re using and sign a contract with them.
- Make a list of new home essentials you need to buy, like curtains or blinds, bathroom accessories, shelving, etc.
- Arrange your utilities – including electricity, gas, and water – and cancel them at the old house.
- Schedule your cable and internet installation.
- Request time off if you need a couple of days to pack, move, and unpack.
- Change your address at your employer, doctor, bank, streaming services, subscriptions, and of course, with friends and family.
- Move insurance coverage to your new address.
- Schedule cleaning for both houses.
- Start packing!
One Week Before the Move
By this time, you could be super excited – or super stressed out! Don’t worry, this checklist will help you feel more relaxed about being just a week away from setting up your new house.
- Confirm your date and moving details with the moving company and arrange payment.
- Plan your meals for the next week. What you don’t eat, give away.
- Pack a new home essentials kit with everything you need for the first few days in your new house. Think of it as packing a small vacation bag. This could include:
- One or two clothing changes
- Basic toiletries
- Essential documents you may need
- Air mattresses and bedding, if you’re not going to have your beds set up in time
- Snacks
Moving Day
You may feel overwhelmed after the day finally arrives when you can pick up your keys. So many little things have to happen!
Looking at each task, one by one, paints an entirely different picture, which is why this checklist for moving day is essential:
- Pick up your keys.
- Ensure that things like plumbing, electricity, lights, water, and gas are in working order at the new house.
- Change locks if needed.
- Make sure everything is clean and ready for your furniture and belongings to arrive.
- Take meter readings.
- Change the alarm code.
After the Move
I’m sure you’re exhausted by now, and there’s no shame in that – moving is hard work! Right now, this part of your new house checklist will help you get settled in, no time:
- Register your car at the new address.
- Have your doctor forward your medical records to the new doctor.
- Check in with your old landlord about your security deposit.
- Replace door locks if you feel it’s necessary.
- Get an updated driver’s license with your new address.
- Explore the local neighborhood and activities you and your family may want to join.
- Figure out where the circuit breaker and shut-off valves are in the new house.
- Do tests on your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.
Once you’re in the new house and everything on the list is checked off, your next step is to make a checklist of things to buy for a new house!
Shopping for Your New Home
Even if you already have the basics like plates and cups and cutlery, furniture, appliances, and other necessities, you’ll need a few more mini checklists to help you shop smartly.
There are always things to buy for a new house!
Checklist 1: Kitchen Essentials
- Sponges
- Dish soap
- Trash bags
- Paper towels
- Condiments and spices
- Essential kitchen gadgets like:
- Can opener
- Shredder
- Peeler
- Cutting boards
- Utensils
- A stick blender
- Recycling essentials like:
- Recycling bins for cans, glass, plastic, and paper
- A can crusher
- A composter or composting bin
- Reusable bags
Checklist 2: Living Room Essentials
- Lamps and lighting solutions
- Rugs
- Decor items
Checklist 3: Bathroom Essentials
You may need to get the following:
- Toilet paper
- Toilet brush and plunger
- Bath mats
- Toiletries
Checklist 4: Laundry And Other Basic Essentials
- Detergent
- Cleaning supplies
- Batteries
- Extension cords
- Basic maintenance supplies like:
- Lightbulbs
- A tape measure
- A crescent wrench
- Pliers
- Hammer
- Screwdrivers
- Nails and screws
- Tape
Besides ticking off the checklists as you settle in, there are other ways to make moving into your new space hassle-free.
Tips for After You’ve Moved In
Unpack Like a Pro
Use the handy hints in this checklist to make the dreaded unpacking process simpler in three simple steps:
- As you pack,label every box with a number and the room it should go for, for example: “1. Kitchen ”, 2. Kitchen”, “1. Master Bedroom,” etc. When you arrive at the new place, they’ll get to the right room, and you’ll know which sequence to unpack them in.
- Unpackkitchen essentials first. There’s nothing worse than rummaging through boxes trying to find the kettle so you can have a mid-unpacking break and a cuppa.
- Do not set your TV up first! This could become a massive distraction.
Do You Have a Lock-Out Plan?
If you've been locked out of your house before, then you know how frustrating and inconvenient it is. Make sure you have a plan in place in case this happens. Have an extra set of keys made, and keep them in a secure area, or give an extra set to a friend or family member to keep.
Organization is Everything!
The more organized you are, the easier you’ll be able to settle into your new space. Begin by setting up a digital or physical area devoted to organizing. Keep your checklists, receipts, quotations, and notes about household things there.
Set up a regular practice to organize these files and keep on top of tasks that need to be completed.
Make it a Fresh New Beginning
Moving house is an excellent time to switch up to healthy habits. It’s the perfect time to put practices in place like healthier eating, recycling, and a fitness regime. With practical organizational tips and tricks, you can turn all of this change into a positive new lifestyle!
Healthy Eating Habits Begin at Home
Arrange your kitchen layout to make fresh veggies and fruit readily available. Invest in quality storage containers that you can use to freeze meals you’ve prepped. This will help you to avoid unhealthy take-out!
Grow some fresh herbs and microgreens in your kitchen and keep the juicer handy. Even if you’re pressed for time, a healthy smoothie can help you fill the gap and get some greens in at the same time!
Start Recycling
Set up a recycling area and keep the tools you need, like reusable bags, a can crusher, different bins for cans, plastic and paper, and a composter in that space. Make sure it’s visible, so you have a reminder!
Make Fitness a Priority
When you organize your new house, make sure you store your home exercise equipment and running shoes where they are all accessible. If equipment is within reach, it will be easier to motivate yourself to get moving (theother kind of moving)!
Don’t Forget to Have Fun!
Once you’re in your new space, invite friends and family over for a house-warming. Consider including some new neighbors too! Having a party will force you to stick to a deadline for unpacking everything.
After all the hard work of putting everything away, organizing, decorating, and settling in, you deserve to enjoy your new home with a celebration!