Moving to a new home is an exciting chapter, but the process can often feel like a daunting task. From packing up stuff you’ve stored for years to coordinating logistics, the challenges can quickly pile up.
Whether you’re moving house for the first time or you’re a seasoned pro, you already know the basics: how to pack all your belongings into boxes; how to move those boxes (maybe even with the help of movers and a moving truck) to your new place; and how to unload everything once you get there. But with all the hustle and bustle of moving house, it’s easy to forget to take care of some important household projects before you get in your moving van.
However, with careful planning and the right strategies, you can turn your move from a stressful experience to a manageable and even enjoyable one.
One of the most effective ways to make the moving process easier is to start early and get organized. In this guide, we’ve compiled 12 expert-approved tips to help you navigate your move with confidence. Whether you’re moving out of town or across the country, these strategies are designed to simplify your move and help you settle into your new home with a minimum of stress.
For more moving tips, here’s how to pack boxes properly. And check out our picks for the best moving companies, and here are seven apps that make the moving process less stressful.
Move utilities and change your address
Changing your address and updating your utilities may seem obvious, but it can be easy to overlook when you’re busy with the home-buying process. Make sure you have utilities and main services active before you move into your new home. How frustrating is it to spend your first night in your first home without power? Don’t forget to transfer mail, internet, TV services, and any regularly scheduled deliveries to your new home address.
Deep clean
Whether your new home looks spotless or dusty, it’s a good idea to give it a good clean before you settle into it. The previous owner may have left some dirt, pet hair, dust, or other grime. Whether you see it or not, it’s best to start fresh.
Before you move into the home, you’ll need to clean these spots. While you’re cleaning, take some time to change your air filters and check your smoke detectors, too.
Paint
Painting can transform any space. Don’t love the purple dining room or the jet-black bedroom that previously housed a teenager? It’s best to get it done before you move in. It may not be as intrusive as other major home updates, but you’ll get to keep all your junk in the middle of the room, provided there’s space.
Plus, paint sprays and splatters, so if you have stuff in the room, you’ll need extra protection by way of plastic sheeting or drop cloths. Pro tip: You can paint the walls or rooms before updating the flooring, so you don’t have to worry as much about getting paint on your new floor.
Replace or refinish flooring
Anything in your home that’s not attached to a wall will take up floor space. If you’re going to replace or finish the existing flooring, you should definitely have this work done before you move into the home. Whoever you hire to do this work will need to keep the affected rooms empty, so there’s no need to fill them up beforehand.
Even if you do the work yourself, you’ll have to move your belongings around, and this will significantly increase the time it takes to complete the project and make it more difficult for you.
Plumbing and electric updates
If you’re buying a home that’s a little older and needs major updates to key systems like plumbing or electrical, you may want to consider getting these projects done before you move into your home.
If you’re making major changes, it’s very likely that the work involved will involve cutting out sections of drywall or flooring to make way for updated pipes or wiring. The demo and subsequent drywall repair will create a lot of dust, so you’ll likely have to paint the walls or repair the flooring as well.
Kitchen Renovation
If you’re planning to renovate or remodel your kitchen, it’s best to do it before you move into the house. A complete kitchen renovation can affect your daily routine in a number of ways. Not only will you not be able to cook, but you won’t have a place to store food, especially if appliances have to be removed or unplugged. You’ll need a place to keep all your utensils and kitchen gadgets, as well as somewhere to put all the debris and materials for the kitchen renovation.
Bathroom Renovation
A complete bathroom renovation is another inconvenience. If you have multiple bathrooms, this may or may not be a big problem depending on the number of people living in your home. If you only have one complete bathroom, it will be a hassle to be without it for several days or weeks. In any case, if you are paying to have the work done for you, exceed your contractor’s estimate.