Everyone knows that moving into a new home is a huge life step, but does anyone really tell you how to move into a new home? Well, here’s a simplified month-by-month guide from Ryan Homes at Brunswick Crossing:
3 months prior to move-in day is all about organizing the paperwork, transferring records, and conducting research of the moving company, new schools and professional offices, and more:
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Gather a binder for important documents, including insurance paperwork, moving estimates, receipts, alarm codes, and the IRS change-of-address form
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Create an inventory of everything in your home
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Consider purchasing a storage unit for excess items
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Get your child’s paperwork in order by transferring their school records and editing emergency contact information
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Research the new school district before the registration period
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Get your pet’s paperwork in order by asking for a copy of any important veterinary and adoption documents
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Ask for a transfer of all medical and dental records to be sent to the new healthcare provider, or obtain copies
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Go to the local post office or online to usps.gov to fill out a change-of-address form
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Transfer any memberships or subscriptions to the new address
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Check with the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) about obtaining a new license and registration if you’re moving to a different state
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Order supplies like Bubble Wrap, cardboard boxes, packing tape, and permanent markers
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Take measurements of your new home’s doorframes and rooms to see which pieces of furniture will fit
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Research local moving companies, or call friends and family to discuss their availability for your moving day
2 months prior to move-in day is all about making progress with your plans. It’s time to take action in packing up the old house and arranging for safe travel:
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Get an on-site estimate in writing, and validate the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number if you’re moving to a different state
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Consider planting indoor foliage to avoid messy travel
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Clean your old home from top to bottom to avoid packing toxic cleaning supplies
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Drain fuel and discard propane tanks from lawn mowers and grills, respectively
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Begin using up perishable and frozen foods
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Organize and pack up your home room-by-room, starting with the things that you use most infrequently
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Decide what you’d like to keep and give away, and note any valuable or breakable items that need an appraisal for additional insurance
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Label the boxes as you go
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Tag your new home with Post-It Notes for furniture placement
1 month prior to move-in day is all about finalizing important dates and documents with companies before you move:
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Confirm your moving date, costs, and contact information with your chosen moving company
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Confirm closing and move-in dates with your real estate agent
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Make travel arrangements for your family and pets including any flight or hotel confirmations
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Schedule a date to turn off and switch cable, Internet, and utility service to your new address
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Drop off unwanted items at a garage sale, non-profit, or with friends and family
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Pack an essentials box and personal suitcases with items you’ll need right away
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Stock up on any prescription medication
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Alert the following businesses of your move:
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Banks
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Brokerage firms
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Your employer, especially the human resources department
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Credit card company
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Car, health, and travel insurance companies
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Utility company
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Police (if your old home will be uninhabited for awhile)
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Cancel or redirect routine services like landscaping, newspaper delivery, babysitting, gym membership, and cleaning
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Arrange for the day off of work on moving day
1 week prior to moving in should be focused on neatly tying up loose ends:
- Close or transfer bank accounts
- Switch your prescription pick-up destination
- Back-up all of your desktop files to a memory stick or hard drive
- Load electronics in the car to avoid overheating in transfer
- Empty, defrost, and clean your refrigerator and freezer
- Arrange for the mover’s payment including tip
So, there you have it. Brunswick Crossing has given you a step-by-step guide on how to move into a new home, from the very beginning of paperwork to the final week of packing.
