A new home is a cause for celebration! However, moving can be stressful and time consuming. To help you ease into prepping and moving, check out this short moving checklist that will assist you with organizing your time and get you on your way.
Tracking
If you are moving for work, you may be able to deduct your moving expenses. You can take the quiz on the IRS’s website to determine your eligibility. In the meantime, keep and file your receipts for moving expenses so that if you can deduct them, you will have everything you need in a handy folder.
Packing
Moving is a great time to sift through belongings and clean out what doesn’t fit your lifestyle anymore. Create a donation pile and add the clothes the kids have outgrown, neglected toys, never-used bakeware, and other items you don’t care to bring with you. Unpacking will be easier if you do this first, but it is totally ok to do it after the fact too. After all, sometimes the things we liked in our previous home just don’t fit in our new home.
When packing, photograph any valuables to have them as reference for your homeowners’ insurance policy. This also helps protect you if you’ve hired a third-party to help you move.
If you’re packing your boxes yourself, make sure to label everything clearly. At the minimum, your boxes should state what room they will go into—Kitchen, Dining Room, Master Bedroom, etc. If you want to make your post-move life even easier, go into more details. For example, you can write, “Kitchen: pans, baking utensils” and “Master bathroom: towels, linens.” If you pack essential items together, you can note the boxes that should be opened first.
Utilities
Get your new home move-in ready by transferring your utilities. You will want to connect your electricity, water, phone, cable, and internet. Because so many of us are working from home, that last one is pretty crucial right now! No one wants to wait a few days to get their internet hooked up, so handle it before your move-in date to make sure you won’t miss any important emails.
You may also want to have an HVAC professional come out to do any needed maintenance so that you can be sure everything is working as it should.
When they are at your new house, ask them to show you how to change your filter and make sure you know where the fuse box is as well.
You will also want to check that your smoke detectors are working. See what types of batteries they take and put those on your shopping list to be ready to replace them.
Repairs, Remodeling & Painting
Before moving boxes into your new home, think about any work you would like to accomplish before moving in. It is generally easier to paint or refinish floors when there isn’t any furniture to move around or try to avoid. If you know you need that Pantone Color of the Year on your walls, set aside time to paint or hire a reputable paint professional before getting settled.
It is a good idea to change your locks at this point, too. There is no guarantee that there isn’t an old key lying about in someone’s junk drawer. New locks will give you peace of mind.
As these things are being done, think about where you want to place your furniture and how you want to decorate. Start creating a plan to get your items into your new space and turn your new house into your home. Take measurements if necessary to determine whether certain items like couches, armoires, or bookshelves will fit or if you will need to purchase some new furniture for your home.
Have Kids? Consider Schools
If you are moving with kids, you will need to determine whether they will be attending different schools. If your new home is in another school district, you will need to request their old schools’ transcripts and take them to their new schools to get them enrolled. You may want to plan your move around their schedule to minimize disruptions and time off.
Schedule a Cleaning
Once any work is complete in your home, you should schedule a cleaning. While the house may have been professionally cleaned before showings, now that the staged furniture and accessories have been cleared out, there may be dust and dirt left over. Be sure to have cleaners get behind appliances for a thorough clean!
Moving into a clean home will be that much more refreshing. Once your repairs are done, and your house is clean, it’s time to start moving boxes!
Update Your Address
Hooray! Once you have moved into your new home, don’t forget to submit a change of address form to the post office. You will also want to update the address on your drivers’ license or state ID and with your bank. If you have any magazine or other subscriptions, sign in to your account to change your address.
Here’s an extra tip: If you haven’t already, invest in a fire-proof, waterproof safe to hold your important documents. As a Tampa homeowner, you will want to keep your title, homeowners’ insurance policy, and other important documents about your home safe and in one spot. Make sure you understand your insurance policy and review it yearly to see if you need to make any changes. That way, there are no surprises should you need to make a claim in the future.
If you are looking to sell your house or in the market for your dream home, give me a call! I love Tampa and want to help you find the perfect place. Let’s chat about your goals and start looking together.