The Essential Relocation Checklist

Relocating to a new home in a new city or state involves numerous details and logistics. Careful planning and thorough preparation prevent major headaches during the moving process. This comprehensive relocation checklist covers key action items across the timeline of your move.

2-3 Months Before Moving

• Research neighborhoods and start virtually viewing homes/apartments in desired areas
• Obtain quotes from multiple moving companies and reserve one
• Begin purging and organizing possessions to determine what will be moved
• Track moving expenses and create a relocation budget
• Start redirecting mail through the USPS change of address form

Track Moving Expenses in Detail

Keeping track of your family finances can be tough. Create a master spreadsheet tracking every moving-related expense as they occur – deposits, fees, supplies, meals, lodging costs during transition etc. This helps you stay accountable to the moving budget and catch any discrepancies. Have a contingency fund for unexpected costs. Include tax and tip when booking movers. Moving costs add up quickly, so track diligently.

Relocation Checklist: Know What Kind Of Property You’re Looking For

As you view potential homes and apartments, keep track of must-have features, nice-to-have features, the ideal number of bedrooms/bathrooms, and preferred amenities. Drive around the neighborhoods you’re considering. This will help you identify the sweet spot of options meeting your needs and budget when you start touring in person. Prioritize needs like school districts if you have kids. Know your target property specs. For example, if you’re looking for apartments to rent in Madison, WI, then you need to find a website that can refine your search and show you the best options available. You can find Madison apartments at Rent. They have a range of resources to help you find the perfect place to live.  

1 Month Before Moving

• Finalize new housing selection and apply for a lease
• Finalize moving company date and confirm details
• Begin packing non-essential items room by room
• Arrange to transfer medical/dental records; refill prescriptions
• Back up computers and important files

Schedule Any Needed Home Repairs

If your current home requires any repairs or deep cleaning before listing it for sale or handing over keys to a new owner, schedule these well in advance of moving. Likewise, if your new home needs any maintenance or painting done before move-in, book contractors ahead of arrival. Don’t leave home repairs until the last minute.

3 Weeks Before Moving

• Confirm movers and truck size scheduled
• Confirm parking permits/reserved loading areas for moving day
• Send change of address to contacts and subscriptions
• Schedule transfer of utilities at the old and new address
• Begin packing essential daily-use items to set aside

Pack An Essentials Box For Unloading First

Before loading the truck, set aside one box to keep with you containing essentials like toilet paper, soap, trash bags, basic tools, first aid kit, phone chargers, medications, snacks, water, paper towels etc. Having this unpacked first means you can unload directly into a functional bathroom and kitchen before full unpacking.

2 Weeks Before Moving

• Fill any prescription refills to carry you through the move
• Start using up food in the pantry and freezer
• Arrange for child and pet care during the move
• Disassemble any furniture being moved
• Pack a suitcase with clothes and toiletries for move day

1 Week Before Moving: Relocation Checklist

• Finish packing everything except the final essentials
• Label boxes by room and contents
• Clean out the fridge and finish any open food items
• Transfer bank accounts and medical providers to the new location
• Confirm the arrival date for turning on utilities in the new home

Confirm All Accounts Have New Address

Call or email every business you interact with to provide your new address: doctors, dentists, pharmacies, gyms, contractors, mechanics, insurance companies, schools etc. Having consistent address info across organizations prevents missed notifications and bills. Update your address everywhere.

Moving Week

• Pick up the truck rental and confirm parking
• Set aside cleaning supplies for wiping down old home
• Pack suitcases with valuables and essentials to carry with you
• Schedule in-person delivery for any large purchases arriving at the new home
• Drain gas from any outdoor equipment being moved

Schedule a Post-Move Deep Cleaning

Consider booking a cleaning service to come refresh your new home after unpacking. This allows you to focus on organizing and decorating while professionals thoroughly clean every room from the stress of moving. A post-move deep cleaning lets you fully settle in and enjoy the tidy new space.

Pack a Toolkit for Immediate Use

Pack a box of tools you’ll need immediately like pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers, hammer, nails, tape measure, duct tape etc. Unpack this first so you’re prepared to assemble furniture and handle anything requiring tools. A toolkit on arrival makes you ready for quick repairs or tweaks needed in the new home.

Relocation Checklist: Moving Day

• Disassemble beds and furniture
• Perform a final thorough walk-through of the entire home, ensuring nothing got missed
• Clean bathrooms, kitchen and surfaces thoroughly
• Turn off and unplug appliances once cleaned
• Tape boxes/furniture as needed and load the truck methodically

Keep Valuables With You

Rather than risking theft, take valuables like jewelry, heirlooms, and important files in your car rather than putting them on the moving truck. These items are safest when you maintain custody during the move. Just be sure to keep them concealed.

On Arrival At the New Home

• Clean and prepare the kitchen first so you can unload groceries/supplies
• Wipe down bathrooms and disinfect all surfaces before unpacking
• Take photos of all sides of expensive boxes and furniture off the truck before moving in
• Check utilities are working – electricity, water heater, HVAC, internet etc.
• Make beds and set up one room at a time

Meet The Neighbors

Take cookies or muffins around the neighborhood to introduce yourself and meet surrounding residents. Getting to know neighbors early on builds community and gives you local contacts. Let neighbors know they can reach out if ever any issues arise.

Locate Main Shut-Off Valves

Identify where the shut-off valves are for the main water line and natural gas/propane feed into your new home. This enables quickly shutting supplies off in an emergency. Keep shut-off tools accessible. Knowing shut-off locations provides safety and peace of mind.

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