Homeownership hub
Make moving feel manageable.
A practical checklist for a smoother transition
You've found the home.
You've made it through the transaction.
Now comes the part that sometimes gets overlooked:
Actually moving.
A little preparation can turn moving day from chaos into a checklist.
4–6 Weeks Before Moving
Start Decluttering
Go room by room and decide what you're:
Keeping | Donating | Selling | Throwing Away
There's no reason to pay to move things you don't want anymore.
Choose Your Moving Method
Decide whether you'll:
Hire professional movers
Rent a moving truck
Ask friends and family
Use a combination of these
Get quotes early if you're hiring movers.
Start a Moving Folder
Keep important documents together, including:
Purchase/closing documents
Moving estimates
Receipts
Utility information
Insurance information
Contact information
2–4 Weeks Before Moving
Update Your Address
Depending on your circumstances, update your address with:
Postal services
Banks
Credit cards
Insurance companies
Employers
Government agencies
Schools
Subscription services
Set Up Utilities
Contact your providers regarding:
Electricity
Water
Gas
Internet
Trash/recycling
Try to schedule services to begin around the time you'll need them.
Start Packing
Don't wait until moving day.
Start with things you don't use every day:
Seasonal clothing
Decorations
Books
Extra kitchenware
Storage items
Label each box with:
ROOM + GENERAL CONTENTS
Example:
KITCHEN — POTS & PANS
One Week Before
Confirm Everything
Moving company/truck
Closing details
Utility activation
Internet installation
Change of address
Childcare/pet arrangements
Cleaning arrangements
Pack a "First Night" Box
Keep the essentials together:
Toiletries
Medication
Phone chargers
Change of clothes
Towels
Basic kitchen items
Important documents
Snacks
Water
You don't want to search through 20 boxes for your toothbrush.
Moving Day
Before leaving your old home
Check every room
Check closets
Check cabinets
Check the garage
Check outdoor areas
Take meter readings if appropriate
Secure windows and doors
Keep important documents with you
At Your New Home
Before everything gets unloaded:
Do a quick walkthrough.
Check:
Doors and windows
Lights
Plumbing
Appliances
HVAC
Visible damage
If appropriate, document the condition of the property with photos.
Then:
Start with the essentials.
You don't have to unpack the entire house on day one.
Your First Week
Focus on getting the basics working.
Priority #1
Sleep.
Set up the bedrooms.
Priority #2
Eat.
Set up basic kitchen supplies.
Priority #3
Function.
Make sure your utilities, internet, and essential services are working.
Priority #4
Settle in.
Unpack gradually and make the space yours.
Your Moving-Day Checklist
Before moving
Declutter
Hire movers/truck
Update address
Transfer utilities
Pack systematically
Prepare first-night box
Moving day
Keep important documents with you
Inspect old property
Confirm movers
Walk through new home
Document condition
Unpack essentials
First week
Settle utilities
Unpack bedrooms
Organize kitchen
Learn your neighborhood
Update remaining accounts
Enjoy your new home
