Things To Do Before You Move

Declutter, Donate, and Save Time

When the moving truck is scheduled, the first thing you’ll want to tackle is your home’s inventory. Think of the move as a fresh start; anything you haven’t used in the last two years is a candidate for removal. Begin by sorting items into three piles: keep, donate, and discard. Keep the items that are essential for everyday life, sentimental pieces that you’ll absolutely need, and a few special items that you can’t live without. For the donate pile, reach out to local charities such as Goodwill, the Salvation Army, or Habitat for Humanity. These organizations often provide free pickup for large furniture, and you’ll save on both the cost of moving those pieces and the emotional weight of carrying them. If you come across a framed photo or a toy that you haven’t touched in years, weigh its sentimental value against the weight of the item and the cost of moving it. If the sentiment is weak, it’s usually best to part ways.

Once you’ve separated items, plan a garage sale to generate extra cash and clear space. Advertise the sale online through local Facebook groups, Craigslist, or community bulletin boards. Set up a clear, organized layout with sign‑posts and pricing tags. For items you won’t sell, package them carefully for donation. Keep all receipts from charities; you may be eligible for tax deductions, and the receipts will simplify your move’s paperwork later.

For fragile or valuable items, consider professional removal services. Many moving companies offer a “hauling out” service for large or delicate objects that can’t be shipped in a van. By delegating these tasks to experts, you avoid the risk of damage during the move and free up your time for other preparations. This phase also gives you an opportunity to evaluate whether you need to downsize. If your house is filled with possessions that no longer serve a purpose, moving to a smaller space may become an attractive option.

Finally, make a list of items that require special attention. This includes electronics, art pieces, or heirlooms. Mark them in your packing list, label them clearly, and treat them with extra care when loading onto the truck. By starting with decluttering, you reduce the volume of items that need to be transported, lower the moving cost, and create a lighter, more organized environment for your new home.

Transfer Accounts, Utilities, and Personal Records

Once the physical declutter is underway, shift focus to the intangible logistics of the move. Begin by notifying your bank about your upcoming address change. Most banks allow you to update your information online, but it’s wise to verify that your safety deposit box contents are still accessible or need relocation. If you keep a safety deposit box, call your bank and ask about their policy on transferring or maintaining the box at a different branch. If your current branch closes or relocates, consider closing the box and setting up a new one at your new location.

Next, coordinate with your phone, cable, and internet providers. Many companies offer a free transfer service when you move within the same region; others may charge a fee. Call each provider to request a service transfer or cancellation and new installation date that aligns with your move-in day. When you sign up for new services, ask for a written confirmation of the service start date and the number of the account you’ll be using, which helps avoid billing surprises.

Don’t forget about utilities such as water, gas, and electricity. Contact each provider to schedule the disconnection of old services and the connection at your new address. Be aware of minimum usage requirements or early termination fees. Some utility companies allow you to pay a one-time disconnection fee for early closure. Mark these dates in your calendar so that no utility goes dormant or overcharges you.

Gather your family’s medical records and any other essential documents, such as passports, birth certificates, and insurance policies. Store these documents in a secure, waterproof envelope that you can take with you to the new home. If you have children, bring school records and a copy of their vaccination history. It’s useful to have these documents on hand during the move to avoid missing appointments or administrative delays. Also, inform your healthcare providers of your new address, so they can update their records and send any future correspondence to the correct location.

At this point, it’s also a good moment to update your address with the U.S. Postal Service. Submit a change‑of‑address form online or at your local post office to forward your mail to the new address. Include a 30‑day notice to all businesses and subscriptions. This step will prevent lost mail and give you an additional safety net for important paperwork that may arrive after you’ve already moved.

Smart Packing: Strategies and Supplies

Having sorted and transferred, the next major step is packing. Begin by acquiring the right supplies. A reputable rental center, like a moving company, will have a range of box sizes and packing materials, including sturdy moving blankets, bubble wrap, and packing paper. Medium‑sized boxes work best because they’re easier to lift while still holding a good amount of weight. For each box, write a clear label that includes the room it belongs to and a brief description of contents. Use a waterproof marker and place the label on the side of the box where it will stay visible even after the box is stacked.

Create a master inventory list. For every box, note its contents, the label, and the room it will be unpacked into. This list can be printed or stored on your phone; it serves as a reference during the loading process and helps you avoid double‑counting items. Keep a separate box of “essential” items - bathroom toiletries, a change of clothes, basic kitchen utensils, and a few blankets. Label this box “Open First” and set it aside to go directly into your new home.

When packing fragile items, use generous padding. Wrap each item in bubble wrap or a towel and place it in the center of the box, surrounded by packing paper or crumpled newspaper to fill any gaps. If you’re packing electronics, keep the original boxes if possible. If not, create a custom box with additional cushioning to protect delicate components.

For heavy items, pack them into smaller boxes to keep each box’s weight manageable. Even a medium box can become unwieldy if it holds too much weight. If you have a large sofa or mattress, disassemble the frame or split the mattress into two halves if the mover’s truck can handle the pieces separately. This approach reduces the load on the truck and simplifies the loading and unloading process.

Plan the loading sequence. Place the heaviest boxes at the bottom of the truck and the lightest on top. Keep the “Open First” box in a secure, accessible spot so you can load it into your new home immediately. If you have children, assign them a simple task, like gathering the “Open First” box or placing small items in designated boxes under supervision. This involvement gives them a sense of ownership and keeps them engaged throughout the process.

Coordinating the Move and Transitioning Smoothly

Now that you’ve packed and organized, focus on the logistics of the moving day itself. Coordinate with your moving company well in advance. Ask for a detailed quote that includes loading, transportation, and unloading. Confirm the pickup date and time, and verify the truck’s size. A larger truck can carry more items in fewer trips, saving you time and money.

Prepare a detailed floor plan of your new home. This will help the movers know where each box should go, preventing confusion during unloading. Mark the positions of large furniture pieces on the plan and highlight any obstacles, like narrow doorways or tight staircases. Communicate any special handling instructions - such as “do not load onto the floor” or “handle with care” - for fragile items.

On moving day, keep your key items - such as the “Open First” box, documents, and a change of clothes - in your car or a designated carry‑on bag. This ensures you have essential supplies when you arrive, even if the movers are still unloading. Check each room as you unpack: first place the “Open First” box, then the boxes that contain kitchenware and bedroom items, followed by furniture and electronics. This phased approach creates a functional living space quickly.

After unloading, take a short break to hydrate and rest. Moving is physically demanding, and a quick walk around the new home can help you mentally reset. Once you feel ready, start with basic tasks: set up the bathroom essentials, light a few candles or open windows for fresh air, and connect a small appliance like a coffee maker. These simple actions give you a sense of progress and comfort.

During the first few days, explore your new neighborhood. Visit a local grocery store, park, or coffee shop. Meet a neighbor or two - introducing yourself is a great way to start building a sense of community. Find out which local services are convenient: a nearby dentist, pediatrician, or family doctor. Look up reputable repair services for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. Having these contacts in place will ease future inconveniences.

Celebrating Your New Beginning

Finally, take a moment to celebrate the milestone. A simple “first night” ritual - such as lighting a candle, playing your favorite music, or sharing a toast - can set a positive tone for your new home. You might also consider writing a short note or a list of things you’re grateful for about the new space. These small rituals turn an ordinary night into a meaningful memory and help you feel at home sooner.

In the weeks that follow, you’ll continue to unpack, reorganize, and personalize your space. Keep the momentum by tackling one room at a time, allowing yourself to enjoy the process of turning a house into a home. Remember, the move is just the first chapter; the real journey is building a life in that new place.

For more practical tips and a detailed moving checklist, contact Susan Dunn, MA, Marketing Coach, at