Moving Into a New House Checklist – The Ultimate Guide

Moving day can be a circus, so getting ahead of the chaos is key. I’ve seen everything from last-minute box scrambles to folks forgetting to connect their new home’s electricity. (Yes, that really happened to my sister Megan once – she had a pile of boxes but no lights to see what she was unpacking!) Let’s talk through some basic steps to keep your stress levels down.

Arrange Utilities & Services

I can’t stress this enough: do not wait until you’re sitting in your new living room to realize the internet’s offline. A few days – or even a couple of weeks – before your move, contact your water, gas, electric, and internet providers. That way, you’ll have hot showers, cold milk in the fridge, and Wi-Fi ready when you arrive.

• Water and Electricity: Reach out and schedule your shut-off date at the old place and turn-on date at the new one. It’s best to keep services at your old home for a day or two after you move in case you need to return for any cleaning or last-minute pick-ups.
• Internet and Cable: These appointments can book up quickly. Ask if they provide self-installation kits, which often arrive early so you don’t have to wait on a technician.
• Trash Pickup and Recycling: Some neighborhoods have unique schedules for curbside pickup. Make sure you know the exact day so you don’t end up with stacks of boxes or garbage bags on your porch.

Also, think about other services like yard care if you’re moving to a home with a large lawn. You might not need a gardener right away, but it’s nice to have someone lined up, especially if you’re juggling a dozen tasks on moving day.

My dad, an engineer by trade, always told us kids, “Think about the process step by step.” That wisdom applies perfectly to packing. Sure, you can toss everything in boxes at random, but you’ll regret it when you open a box labeled “kitchen” and find only winter coats.

Oh, and if you’re browsing National Movers for company recommendations, pay attention to client reviews. From my experience, smaller local movers can sometimes offer more personalized service, while national chains may have more extensive resources. Both can be good options – just compare pricing, availability, and reputation.

I’m a big believer in cleaning an empty house before hauling in your furniture. It’s much easier to reach every corner and take care of any potential issues (like that squeaky door or a faucet leak). If you’re able to get the keys a few days early, drop by with cleaning supplies and freshen up.

When my mom opened our family restaurant years ago, she insisted on a deep clean before she installed anything. That lesson stuck with me. A spotless space feels welcoming – like putting on a fresh shirt after a shower.

Alright, the big day has arrived. The truck’s in your driveway, the neighbors are peeking over the fence, and your phone is buzzing with messages like, “What time should we come help?” or “Did you rent a dolly for the couch?” It can all feel a bit wild. Here’s how to keep a handle on things.

Pack a Moving Day Survival Kit

This is a must. Moving day is no time to be rummaging through half-sealed boxes for your kids’ toothbrushes or the dog’s leash. Gather these basics in a separate, clearly labeled bag or bin:

• Toiletries & Medications: Toothbrushes, toothpaste, pain relievers, allergy meds – whatever keeps your family functional.
• Phone Chargers & Electronics: Laptops, tablets, all those cables.
• Clean Clothes & Pajamas: Nobody wants to sleep in the sweaty T-shirt they’ve been wearing since morning.
• Important Documents: Keep passports, IDs, mortgage papers, car titles – anything tough to replace – within arm’s reach.
• Snacks & Drinks: Moving is hungry work, so granola bars, apples, and bottled water can help. Plus, if you have kiddos, you’ll thank yourself later for staving off “I’m starving!” meltdowns.

Don’t forget about children’s favorite toys or a comfy bed for your pets. My Labrador, Max, definitely appreciates having his dog bed set up early, so he doesn’t pace around the new place looking for a familiar spot.

Final Checks Before Leaving Old Home

The truck is loaded, boxes are labeled, and you’re just about to lock up. Wait – take a deep breath and run through a last-minute inspection of your old place.

• Walk Through Each Room: Open every cabinet and closet. It’s amazing what you might overlook (your phone charger, the pair of shoes behind the door, that bag of snacks you tucked away for the road).
• Lock Windows & Doors: Safety first, even if you’re no longer living there.
• Check the Thermostat & Lights: Set the thermostat to a reasonable temperature if you’re leaving soon, and turn off the lights.
• Take Photos: If you’re moving from a rental, pictures can help confirm the condition you left it in.
• Leave Instruction Manuals: If there’s a built-in microwave or specialized washing machine, leave the manuals on the kitchen counter for the next occupant. It’s a kind gesture and often required by the lease or sale agreement.

Once this checklist is done, give yourself a pat on the back. It’s time to hit the road!

You’re standing in your new living room, boxes stacked to the ceiling, kids excitedly exploring, or maybe it’s just you and the quiet potential of an empty home. It can be both thrilling and a bit overwhelming. Let’s bring some order to the fun chaos.

Back in Austin, my mom and dad were sticklers for safety – especially after a neighbor had a break-in. They upgraded to better locks and added motion-activated lights. While your new neighborhood might be safe, it’s smart to take a few precautions:

If you have kids or pets, think about childproofing or pet-proofing. That might mean installing baby gates or adding furniture anchors so heavy items don’t tip over.

The magical part of moving – besides a fresh start – is deciding how you want your new space to look. Maybe you’ve always wanted to try a farmhouse-style kitchen or a sleek modern office. Whatever your vision, an organized approach helps.

And remember, you don’t have to rush. Yes, it can feel weird living out of boxes for a while, but it’s better than making hasty decisions you’ll regret later.

Beyond furniture and decor, there are certain items that make a home run smoothly:

A friend once told me, “If you can’t fix a leaky faucet with what’s in your tool kit, you’re not properly equipped.” So don’t forget the plumbing tape and adjustable wrench if you want to be prepared for small household hiccups.

Let’s pause and sum up the big tasks. It’s easy to miss a detail or two along the way, so consider this your quick reference:

Tape this list on your fridge or bookmark it on your phone. Having a bird’s-eye view is comforting when you’re standing in a sea of boxes.

Since I work at National Movers, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention a few personal notes on moving companies. I’ve had the privilege of working with both large and small outfits. Some folks prefer big national names because they come with brand recognition and often have robust insurance options. Others choose local movers who know the area’s roads and seasonal quirks – like how snow in Chicago or heavy rain in Austin can mess with a schedule.

Recently, a close friend asked me about a particular company they found in our directory. They wanted a mover that specialized in fragile items, specifically antiques and paintings. After scanning reviews and calling a few places, they chose a local family-owned business that had rave feedback on handling delicate pieces. The key is to read reviews, compare quotes, and trust your gut. If something feels off, you’re better off moving on to another listing.

Moving is a dance between chaos and excitement – like juggling boxes while dreaming of the new life you’re about to start. Whether you’re prepping weeks in advance or you’re the type to do everything last-minute, remember you’re not alone. At National Movers, we believe that a well-planned move can be almost enjoyable. And if you need extra help, our directory is a great resource for finding the perfect moving company that matches your location, budget, and personal preferences.

Ready to make your move easier? Head over to National Movers to find a mover near you. Or explore our other guides and resources to tackle every aspect of relocation with confidence. If you’ve got more questions, keep reading – we might have covered them below!