Moving to a new home is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming if you’re not prepared. The key to a smooth transition? Planning ahead!
Whether you're relocating across town or to a different state, having a solid plan will make all the difference. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive moving checklist to help you stay organized, reduce stress, and ensure nothing gets left behind.
Follow these expert tips to stay on track and make moving day a breeze!
Step 1: Prep in Advance for a Seamless Move
A successful move starts weeks (or even months) in advance. Here’s what you need to do:
✅ Set a Moving Budget: From hiring movers to buying packing supplies, estimate your costs early to avoid last-minute surprises.
✅ Declutter & Organize: Sort through your belongings and donate, sell, or discard items you don’t need. Less stuff means less to pack!
✅ Schedule Movers or a Rental Truck: Book professional movers or reserve a rental truck well in advance, especially during peak moving seasons.
✅ Make an Inventory of Household Items: Keep track of valuable items and fragile belongings to ensure everything arrives safely.
✅ Transfer Medical Records & Refill Prescriptions: If moving out of town, transfer prescriptions and find a new healthcare provider.
✅ Register Kids for New Schools: If moving to a new district, arrange school transfers and obtain necessary records.
✅ Arrange Time Off Work: Schedule time off for moving day so you can focus on the transition.
✅ Plan for Moving Pets & Vehicles: Ensure your pets have a safe travel plan and update vehicle registrations if needed.
✅ Dispose of Hazardous Materials: Items like paint, propane tanks, and cleaning chemicals may require special disposal.
✅ Measure Furniture for Placement: Avoid surprises by measuring doorways and planning furniture layouts in your new home.
✅ Defrost Freezer & Clean Appliances: If moving large appliances, clean and prep them in advance.
Step 2: Notify Important Contacts of Your Move
Don't forget to update your address with essential contacts:
📌 Essentials: Post office, employer
📌 Utilities & Home Services: Gas, electric, water, internet, garbage removal
📌 Financial Institutions: Banks, credit unions, loan companies
📌 Insurance Providers: Home, health, life, car insurance
📌 Service Providers: Doctors, dentists, veterinarians, attorneys, accountants
📌 Subscriptions & Memberships: Magazines, meal delivery services, gym memberships
💡 Pro Tip: Set up utilities before moving day so you have electricity, water, and WiFi when you arrive.
Step 3: Pack Smart – Essentials for a Smooth Move
📦 Pack an “Open First” Box
Moving day can be chaotic, so pack a box with essentials you’ll need right away:
✔️ Cleaning supplies
✔️ Light bulbs
✔️ Basic tools (screwdriver, wrench, tape measure)
✔️ Paper towels, cups, and utensils
✔️ Coffee, snacks, and bottled water
✔️ Hand soap
✔️ Remote controls
🎒 Pack an Overnight Bag
Keep important items close at hand with an overnight bag containing:
✔️ Pajamas & a change of clothes
✔️ Toiletries & medications
✔️ Towels & toilet paper
✔️ Pet food & supplies
✔️ Cell phone charger
✔️ Important documents
✔️ Cash & valuables
💡 Pro Tip: Label all boxes by room so movers know where to place them.
Step 4: Moving Day – Stay Organized & Stress-Free
🚛 Plan to Be Home When Movers Arrive: Oversee the process and provide directions as needed.
🏠 Protect Floors & Carpets: Use plastic coverings or rugs to prevent damage.
🐾 Keep Pets Secure: Moving can be stressful for pets. Keep them in a quiet room or arrange for pet care.
📦 Make Sure Boxes Are Labeled Correctly: This will make unpacking much easier!
🧹 Do a Final Cleaning & Trash Sweep: Before leaving, give your old home a quick clean.
🏡 Take a Final Walk-Through: Ensure nothing is left behind.
📜 Leave Manuals & Household Receipts: For new homeowners, leave behind warranties, manuals, and extra keys.
🔒 Lock Doors, Windows & Turn Off All Switches: Secure everything before handing over the keys.
A Stress-Free Move Starts with Planning
Moving doesn’t have to be stressful! By following this step-by-step moving checklist, you’ll stay organized, reduce last-minute chaos, and make your transition as smooth as possible.
At Move Utah Real Estate, we don’t just help you find the perfect home—we make sure you’re fully prepared for the journey ahead. If you’re thinking about buying or selling in Utah, we’re here to guide you every step of the way!
📞 Book a Call today to start your home-buying journey with confidence!
