Congratulations on finding the home of your dreams and having your offer accepted! Once you’ve closed the sale on your new property, the work has only just begun. Leading up to moving day, there are many things you need to think about, and it can become overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. Having a step-by-step checklist to follow eliminates the guesswork and ensures you don’t miss anything during the process.
Here are all the things you need to do to get ready for your big move.
Two months before moving day
1. Get the floorplan from your agent
This point is especially key if you are relocating to a new city or even a new country. You need to know the layout of your home to begin to make decisions about furniture and décor. If you are relocating to Kenya, for example, reach out to your agent from Kenya Property Centre to ask them to send over the blueprint so you can start visualizing how you will set up your home.
2. Schedule improvements
If you need any painting or repairs done before moving in, schedule them now.
3. Budget your moving costs
Think about how much it’s going to cost you for the move. It can vary depending on how far you have to go and how much you’re taking. Start listing the cost of supplies (boxes, bubble wrap, rope, tape, etc.) and how much for the moving van and any moving staff you need.
One month before moving day
1. Start packing non-essentials
Most people wait until a week before moving day to start packing and end up scrambling to get everything done. Save yourself the stress by starting to pack non-essential items a month before you move.
2. Change your addresses
Go through any subscriptions or accounts that you have and start changing over your address. That way, your mail all comes to your new place.
3. Declutter
Moving is the best time for decluttering. Get rid of things that you don’t need either by selling online, donating to charity, or giving to family or friends. It will make the moving process much more manageable.
4. Hire a moving company
Schedule a moving company for the day of your move, and ensure you’ve got parking arranged for them when they arrive.
The week of moving day
1. Pack your essentials
The week of moving day is crunch time. Now you can start packing up everything that you’ve got left, including all the essential items. Ensure that you set aside a few boxes or bags with the things you will need to access on the first day you move in, such as clean sheets, toiletries, a change of clothes, etc.
2. Start cleaning the house
Once you’ve got most of your belongings packed, you can begin cleaning. Make sure to vacuum, mop, dust, and thoroughly clean the space before you leave.
3. Sort out pet and childcare
If you have small children or pets, you will want to organize a place for them to go during the moving time. It helps reduce stress and anxiety for everyone.
The day of the move
4. Empty the fridge and freezer
Take all remaining items out of your fridge and freezer and pack them in a cooler or icebox.
5. Load up the moving van
Work with your moving team to load all your items into the van or trucks.
6. Keep your valuables with you
Any valuables like your laptop, passport, or sentimental items should travel with you, not in the moving van.
7. Do a final walkthrough
Once everything is loaded up, do a final walkthrough of the entire home to check that nothing has been left behind.
And last but not least, enjoy settling into your new home!
