Moving is one of life’s most stressful events, but every year, a whopping 11% of the US population picks up stakes and heads to new homes. We move for many reasons, from lower cost of living and proximity to family to new job opportunities and better schools. With the rise of hybrid work, people have more options for where they live — a trend that’s sparked a migration from expensive urban centers to quieter, more affordable rural communities.
The modern world has added new factors to consider when writing a moving checklist. Moving your internet service, for instance, is vitally important if you’re a hybrid or remote worker, and something you want taken care of before you reach your new home. Here are some tips to make your next move as smooth as possible.
Start With a Clear Moving Checklist
A comprehensive moving checklist keeps timelines, packing schedules, and moving logistics organized. Break tasks into weekly milestones starting six weeks to a month before moving day:
4-6 weeks before moving:
- Declutter.
- Hire movers or rent a moving truck.
- Gather packing supplies, including boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and markers.
- Update bank accounts and USPS with your new address.
- Arrange for utility hookups for your new home, and inform your current providers when to end service.
- Create a list of belongings for insurance purposes.
2-3 weeks before moving:
- Start packing.
- Arrange for child or pet care on moving day, if appropriate.
- Safely dispose of any hazardous items, such as paint, aerosol cans, and propane tanks.
1-2 weeks before moving:
- Pack an essentials bag for your first few days in your new home with clothing, toiletries, chargers, and medication.
- Confirm the moving company’s arrival time, or your truck rental.
- Clean and defrost the fridge.
- Finish packing.
On Moving Day:
- Do one last walkthrough to check closets and cabinets for missed items.
- Walk through with the movers to discuss any concerns or logistics (or load the truck yourself).
- Do a final sweep or clean of the old home.
- Turn off the lights, set the thermostat, lock the doors, and hand over the keys.
Declutter Before You Pack
Before packing, declutter. There’s no point packing things you don’t want or need. Go room by room, sorting items into three categories: keep, donate/sell, and trash. Less stuff means faster packing, easier unpacking, and lower transportation costs.
Schedule Utilities and Services Early
Set up your utilities ahead of time, so your new home’s gas, electricity, water, and internet are available on move-in day. Few things are more disheartening than ending a long trip only to discover your new home doesn’t have electricity. Remember to cancel all utilities and services for your old home, scheduling the cutoff for a day or two after moving day to account for possible delays.
Setting up your new internet for move-in day ensures you stay connected for work, communication, and daily needs. If you’re moving to a small town or the countryside, research your rural internet options well in advance of your move to determine which local ISP offers the most reliable high-speed service
Since moving provides a great natural opportunity for change, many people choose this time to go ahead and upgrade to a fiber internet plan if service is offered in their area. What is fiber internet, you ask? At a glance, it is a more reliable internet service that typically offers higher bandwidth and faster speeds than traditional internet service. And due to the nature of installation, making the upgrade to fiber during your move could be the most efficient way to switch.
Pack Strategically for an Easier Unpack
Pack each room separately, marking the room location of each box to make unpacking faster. For each room, pack one box with essentials so they are easily accessible. Having access to the items you need helps make the first night in your new home less chaotic.
Update Addresses and Important Accounts
Contact USPS a few weeks before your move to have your mail forwarded. At the same time, notify banks, insurance providers, and subscription services of the planned date of your move and provide your new address to help keep records accurate and prevent missed statements or service interruptions.
Plan for Moving Day Logistics
Consider creating a separate moving checklist for moving day itself to organize and streamline logistics. Confirm the movers’ arrival times at both residences and arrange parking access and payment details in advance. If you’re renting a truck, call the rental company several days before the move to confirm your rental.
During the move, personally transport valuable items and important documents to keep them secure during transit.
Test Run Appliances and Settle In Quickly
When you reach your new home, check all major appliances and utilities to ensure they work properly. Set up your internet network and run an internet speed check to confirm you’re getting the performance you need. Completing these small tasks early allows you to relax as you unpack and creates a smooth transition into your new routine.
A moving checklist helps you plan and ensure utilities, internet services, and mail delivery are all ready for you at your new home. Remember, moving isn’t about perfection. It’s about preparing early so you can settle into your new home as soon as possible.
Moving may always come with a bit of stress, but the right preparation can make all the difference. By planning ahead, staying organized, and setting up essentials like utilities and internet in advance, you can turn a chaotic process into a smooth transition. With a clear plan in place, you’ll be able to focus less on logistics and more on settling into your new space and making it feel like home.