Moving can be an exciting yet stressful experience. Whether you’re relocating to a new city, state, or country, the process requires careful planning and organization to ensure a smooth transition. From packing up your belongings to settling into your new home, there are numerous tasks to complete before the big moving day arrives. To help make your move as seamless as possible, here’s a comprehensive moving checklist outlining ten essential things to do before relocating.

1. Create a Moving Timeline

Start by creating a moving timeline that outlines all the tasks you need to complete before your move. Set specific deadlines for each task to help you stay on track and avoid last-minute stress. Consider factors such as packing, scheduling moving services, transferring utilities, and notifying important parties of your change of address.

2. Declutter and Downsize

Before packing up your belongings, take the time to declutter and downsize your possessions. Go through each room in your home and sort items into categories: keep, donate, sell, or discard. This process will not only lighten your load but also save you time and money.

3. Gather Packing Supplies

Stock up on packing supplies such as boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper. You can often find free boxes at local grocery stores, liquor stores, or online marketplaces. Make sure to have an assortment of box sizes to accommodate different items and label each box.

4. Pack Strategically

When packing your belongings, start with items you use infrequently and work your way towards everyday essentials. Pack fragile items with care, using plenty of padding and protection. Consider investing in specialty boxes for delicate items such as dishes, electronics, and artwork. Label each box clearly to make unpacking easier once you arrive at your new home.

5. Create a Moving Budget

Moving can quickly become expensive, so it’s essential to create a moving budget to keep your finances on track. Consider all potential expenses, including moving services, purchasing packing supplies, and any unexpected costs that may arise. Factor in additional expenses such as travel costs, meals, and accommodations if you’re planning to move a long distance. By establishing a budget early on and tracking your expenses closely, you can avoid overspending and ensure a financially manageable move.

6. Transfer Utilities and Services

Contact your utility providers to schedule the transfer or disconnection of services at your current address and the setup of services at your new address. This includes electricity, water, gas, internet, cable, and any other essential utilities. Make sure to coordinate the timing to avoid any disruptions in service during your move.

7. Notify Important Parties

Inform important parties of your upcoming move, including your employer, banks, insurance providers, healthcare professionals, and any subscription services you use. Update your address with the postal service, and consider setting up mail forwarding to ensure you receive any mail sent to your old address after you’ve moved.

8. Complete Change of Address Forms

Submit a change of address form to the appropriate organizations, including the post office, DMV, voter registration office, and any other relevant government agencies. Update your address with financial institutions, credit card companies, and other accounts to ensure you receive important correspondence and bills at your new address.

9. Prepare Your New Home

Before you move into your new home, make sure it’s clean, safe, and ready for your arrival. Arrange for any necessary repairs or renovations to be completed before moving day. If possible, visit the property ahead of time to familiarize yourself with the layout and take measurements for furniture placement.

10. Pack a Moving Day Essentials Kit

Prepare a moving day essentials kit containing items you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home. This may include toiletries, medications, snacks, cleaning supplies, bedding, and a change of clothes. Keep this kit with you during the move rather than packing it away.

By following this comprehensive moving checklist, you can ensure a smooth and organized transition to your new home. From decluttering and packing to scheduling moving services and updating your address, taking care of these essential tasks will help alleviate stress and streamline the moving process. With proper planning and preparation, you can start this exciting new chapter of your life on the right foot.


Looking for a reliable way to move? Visit UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage of New Orleans & The Gulf Coast or call (985) 401-8648.

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