Are you getting ready to move into a new place? It’s exciting! Getting the opportunity to put your stamp on a new home is a lot of fun. But it’s also a lot of work – especially if you are moving from one city to another.
Even though it’s a really hectic time and you probably have everything well under control, it’s always good to create a list to help you check things off. If you haven’t put these things on your “Moving To-Do List” – now’s the time to write them down.
Purge Those Things You No Longer Want
Before you even think about packing a box, take the time to purge those things you no longer want and declutter – especially if you will be selling your home. Spend some time in each room of your home and go through EVERYTHING! Yes, everything. Create a list of things you want to sell, donate, and throw away. There’s no sense bringing items with you that you no longer use or want.
Forward Your Mail
Make sure you have your mail forwarded to your new address so that there is no delay. The United States Postal Service has made this quite easy with the ability to do it all online now. When you do it online, it only takes about 10 minutes. Be aware that there is a one-time cost of $1.05 (to verify your identity). Once completed, you can expect mail and packages to be forwarded to your new address for up to 12 months, while things like magazines and newspapers will be forwarded for 60 days.
Disconnect Your Utilities
Create a list of your current utility providers and decide when these things will need to be disconnected or transferred to the new occupants of your home. Be sure to include time for any final walkthroughs or a cleaning company to come in and perform a move out cleaning. Common utilities are:
- Electricity
- Gas
- Internet
- Water
- Television
- Waste Removal
- Landline
Some providers may require you to come in-person to disconnect, so keep that in mind so you can plan accordingly.
Call Your Home Insurance Provider
As with your utilities, you’ll want to call your home insurance provider and let them know you will be moving. They will help you tie up any loose ends with your current place and set you up with all you need for your new one.
Get Organized for Packing
The worst part of any move has to be the packing. But if you can get organized ahead of time, it can go quicker and easier than imagined. Make sure you have all items placed in the room where they will go to in your new home. Be sure you have the right size boxes (and enough of them) and plenty of packing material to keep breakables safe. Label all of the boxes clearly and tape them well for security. Additionally, think about special items that may require additional care to move (for example, televisions and artwork).
Hire Movers or Enlist Friends to Help
If you’ll be hiring movers, make sure you’ve given them your intended move date so that you can get on the schedule. If you’ll be enlisting the help of friends, make sure you’ve got enough people committed to helping you when the date arrives. (You certainly don’t want to be left shorthanded when it comes to having able bodies to help.)
Have Your Home Professionally Cleaned
If you’re renting and have a security deposit that you’d like returned to you or you own a home, and the new owners have requested it be left in pristine condition, hire professional cleaners to come in and do the job. You want to leave your place looking its best!
Leave All of Your Keys Behind
And last, but not least, be sure to leave all of your keys behind for the next person who will live there.
Mini Maid knows that moving requires a lot of work. And while it’s definitely exciting, it can also be stressful. If we can assist you with keeping your home clean for showings as you sell or with a final cleaning once you move out, please let us know. We’re here to help!
