Moving Day is such an exciting time when buying a new home, but it can be stressful too. I have put together this list in an effort to help you focus on what needs to get done in the event that things become crazy leading up to the big day. Here are some things to remember to do to make your move a bit less stressful and worry-free (I hope):
- Contact the utility companies – make sure that the gas/oil, electricity, cable, and any other utility services have all been transferred into your name at the new house. At the same time, make sure you cut off service for those utilities at the home you are leaving.
- Complete a change of address form at your post office – this is a crucial step so that you can rest assured that your mail will be forwarded to your new home.
- Confirm school enrollment/information for your children – if you are moving to a new town, and your kids will be attending the public school in your new town, make sure that they are properly enrolled and that the school(s) have all of your up-to-date information. Even if you are moving within your town/area, make sure that the schools have your new contact information.
- Take final measurements – take any last-minute measurements of spaces in your new home to confirm that your furniture fits in just the right spot.
- Reserve a safe place for important documents and items – this is especially important during a move when things have a tendency to get rather chaotic. Put your passports, birth certificates, medications, etc., in a designated place so they don’t get lost in the move. In fact, I might put them in my purse or briefcase so they are “on my person,” as they say, rather than on a moving truck.
- Confirm your moving logistics with the moving company – by this time, you will have hired a mover so check in with the company to confirm the arrival time on moving day and any other logistics.
- Find a babysitter or family member to watch your children – if you have younger kids, you may want to do this and/or schedule play dates so that the children are cared for during the closing and first hours of the move. This will help you focus on the task at hand.
- Schedule your walk-through – ask your buyer’s agent to schedule a walk-through of your new home the day before or morning of your closing. During the walk-through, you want to make sure that everything has been removed from the property and that any inspection items have been repaired or resolved.
- Review the HUD-1 Settlement Statement with your real estate attorney – the HUD-1 Settlement Statement is usually available to review with your attorney the day before the closing. You can also wait to review it with your attorney at the closing, but many like to go over it in advance of the big day.
- Send out change of address cards – make sure all of your friends and family know about your move and your new address and phone number. It’s a fun way to reach out to and connect with your loved ones and share the exciting news. Congratulations on your new home!
I think that pretty well covers it. Are there any other things you did just prior to the moving day that you would add to the checklist? I can’t wait to hear.
This list does not include the packing of items and furniture and the determination of what is being given to goodwill or other family members, thrown away, potentially sold at a yard sale or to a consignment shop, and/or moved to the new house as these efforts are part of the overall and ongoing moving out process.
