GOOD PREPARATION is the secret to a stress-free move. When you’re well-prepared for what’s coming, nothing (or almost nothing) can stop you from having a successful move to another home.
When moving house, there are many things you should definitely do (DO’S) to make your move easier, cheaper and safer. Also, there are many things you shouldn’t do (DON’TS) in order to keep out of trouble.
A house move is full of too many critical decisions, so we’re here to help you make all the right choices.
So, follow these 40 moving house do’s and don’ts and you should be able to finish your move without any major problems along the way.
20 DO’S when moving house
The to-do list when moving out is quite extensive – in most cases, there are so many things to do when moving that the task of organizing a successful house move can seem rather daunting.
Here are the top 20 do’s of moving house that will help you pull off a stress-free move.
#1. DO START the move preparations as early as you can to give yourself a good head-start and a better chance to finish on time. {packing supplies}
#2. DO FOLLOW a moving checklist to organize your time in the best possible way. Prioritize all tasks in your moving timeline. {moving checklist}
#3. DO SOLVE the dilemma: hire movers or move by yourself. Factor in the move distance, and your previous relocation experience to make an informed decision. {movers vs. DIY}
#4. DO REQUEST in-home cost estimates from several top-rated moving companies. Learn the moving price in advance to set your budget accordingly. {in-house estimates}
#5. DO SELECT a good mover by comparing the quotes you got, checking their licensing information and reading online reviews about their services. {compare movers}
#6. DO BOOK your mover as soon as you’ve made your choice. Remember that reputable, experienced and affordable movers get reserved fast. {book movers}
#7. DO INVENTORY your entire home to know the type and quantity of all the household items you have for moving. {home inventory}
#8. DO DECLUTTER your home and get rid of any items you won’t ever need again. Sell, give away or donate all unwanted things. {declutter home}
#9. DO ORGANIZE a profitable garage sale to earn some fresh cash from all the items you won’t be moving to the new home. {moving sale}
#10. DO SAVE money by acquiring cardboard boxes without paying for them. Get free moving boxes from friends or local retail stores. {free moving boxes}
#11. DO PREPARE a few essentials boxes filled with super-important things to help you survive until you have your “normal” household items delivered. {essentials boxes}
#12. DO SECURE the right type and quantity of packing materials in advance so that you don’t interrupt the packing process later on. {packing supplies}
#13. DO LABEL all moving boxes for easier identification after the move. Mark down their content, destination room, and special handling instructions, if any. {label boxes}
#14. DO CHANGE your postal address with the USPS to keep receiving your mail. DO it online, in person, by phone or by mail. {change address}
#15. DO TRANSFER or change your household utilities: power, water, gas, phone, cable TV, etc. Arrange for their reconnection at the new home. {transfer utilities}
#16. DO TAKE your pets to the vet for a medical checkup before the relocation trip and discuss the need for anti-anxiety medications. {pets on the move}
#17. DO ARRANGE for a responsible adult to look after your small children or pets. Keep your loved ones safe, away from harm’s way. {prevent accidents & injuries}
#18. DO WEAR appropriate clothes and fitting shoes that will give you the comfort and safety you need on the day of the move. {what to wear}
#19. DO FIND time to say goodbye to your dear friends. DO CONSIDER inviting your pals to a farewell party before you move away. {say goodbye to friends}
#20. DO HAVE a final check around the home to make sure all windows and doors are secure and that nothing important is left behind. {how moving day works}
20 DON’TS when moving house
Now that you’re familiar with the major do’s when moving to a new house, let’s focus on what NOT to do when moving. Bear in mind that the moving out do’s and don’ts are equally important when the success of your own house move is on the line.
#1. DON’T LOSE precious time by doing things without a clear plan of action. Organize a perfect move by following a good moving timeline. {week-by-week moving timeline}
#2. DON’T MOVE by yourself when moving across the country. The greater move distance will make your move too expensive and too dangerous. {DIY moving mistakes}
#3. DON’T ACCEPT cost estimates from movers over the phone or via e-mail. The only way to get accurate quotes is after on-site surveys. {accurate estimates}
#4. DON’T ACCEPT a quote that is way cheaper than the rest because it may happen to be a fraudulent estimate from dishonest movers. {red flags of moving fraud}
#5. DON’T WAIT until the last minute to book your move because you won’t be left with good options of reputable movers and affordable prices. {select a good mover}
#6. DON’T PAY for overpriced moving supplies. Instead, lower your packing expenses by getting your hands on free packing materials. {free packing supplies}
#7. DON’T START packing without having a packing timeline to keep track of your progress. Packing for a move is an arduous task. {packing timeline}
#8. DON’T POSTPONE the beginning of the packing task. “I’ll start packing tomorrow” can get you in all sorts of troubles comes Moving day. {pack quickly}
#9. DON’T PACK and move all of your belongings without sorting them out first. The shipment weight will determine how much you pay in the end. {get rid of unwanted items}
#10. DON’T SKIMP on padding materials (packing paper, bubble wrap, etc.) when packing extra-fragile items such as dishes, glasses, porcelain figurines, etc. {bubble wrap vs. paper}
#11. DON’T PACK items that are forbidden for transport. Moving companies won’t move hazardous items that are flammable, explosive, corrosive or perishable. {non-allowables}
#12. DON’T HIRE professional packers unless you own specialty items or you don’t have enough time. Packing by yourself can save you money. {pack by yourself}
#13. DON’T SIGN any paperwork you don’t fully understand but ask your mover for clarification. And finitely DON’T SIGN any blank documents either. {moving paperwork}
#14. DON’T ENTRUST any valuable items to your movers, no matter how trustworthy those movers seem. Keep your valuables with you at all times. {pack valuables}
#15. DON’T MOVE your large and heavy furniture unless it is antique or has sentimental value. Often, it’ll be cheaper to buy new furniture. {furniture dilemma}
#16. DON’T TURN your back on safety during the most chaotic day of them all. Do all in your power to make your move day safer. {moving day safety}
#17. DON’T LIFT and carry heavy items without using proper moving equipment. Do yourself a favor – rent or buy a moving dolly first. {moving equipment}
#18. DON’T MOVE valuable or expensive items without purchasing extra moving insurance. Speak with your moving company about your insurance options. {insurance options}
#19. DON’T ASSUME your friends will be more than happy to help you pack and move. Reach out to your pals early to increase the odds. {friendly help}
#20. DON’T MOVE out without obtaining the medical records from your family physician, as well as the documents for registering with a new doctor. {choose a doctor}
