Moving to a new home is exciting! But when your new home isn’t ready for your belongings, excitement can turn into chaos. After all the effort of packing, organizing, and saying goodbye to your previous home, no one wants to arrive at their new place and have to scramble to make it comfortable.
Let’s walk through some important steps to prepare your new home for move-in day. With the right “moving day prep,” you can make the process much smoother and less stressful.
If you’re just starting to plan your move, we’ve created this free, downloadable moving checklist to help!
1. Ready House Before Movers: The “Clean Slate” Advantage
Imagine stepping into your new home, only to find dust bunnies and messes from previous occupants. Not exactly the welcome you pictured, right?
Even if the house has been cleaned, dust, pet hair, or hidden grime can linger in corners and vents. A thorough cleaning ensures your family a fresh start and peace of mind so you can start settling in.
Although it’s tempting to start unpacking immediately, remember: It’s much easier to clean empty rooms before your belongings are unpacked.
Preparing New Home For Move: Deep Cleaning Checklist
Here are some items to tackle before unpacking your boxes:
- Wipe down all surfaces, cabinets, and closets.
- Mop floors and shampoo carpets.
- Clean appliances inside and out.
- Sanitize bathrooms and kitchens.
Don’t Forget Pest Control
If your new home has been vacant for a while, consider adding a preventative pest treatment to your moving day prep checklist. This can save you headaches later.
Tackle Minor Repairs
Take care of little fixes like loose doorknobs, squeaky hinges, or nail holes. It’s much easier to do now, before large furniture covers up the problem areas.
Once your new place is sparkling and secure, you can focus on making it functional and welcoming.
Some professional movers (like Central) can make sure your new home is clean and ready to go before your boxes even arrive. Ask your moving partner about these services!
2. Setting Up the Essentials
After a long moving day, you’re probably ready to rest! But what happens if you open the door to your new home…and realize that lights don’t work. Or the internet isn’t connected. This can make things less comfortable when you arrive. Here are some ways to ready house before movers so that you can start settling in right away:
Confirm Utility Connections
- Confirm that electricity, water, gas, and internet services are all active before you arrive.
- Test lights, outlets, faucets, and your heating/cooling system.
Consider Security
- Change locks or rekey doors right away. This step provides immediate peace of mind.
- Check all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, replacing batteries if needed.
Protect The Floor
- Lay down temporary floor coverings (cardboard, tarps, or old sheets) in entryways and high-traffic areas. This is especially important for protecting hardwood or new carpet from muddy shoes and heavy foot traffic. Professional movers (like Central) can handle this moving day prep for you.
Don’t forget to add these items to your “Prepare New Home For Move Checklist:”
- Call utility companies at least a week before move-in.
- Pack extra light bulbs, extension cords, and batteries with your essentials.
- Place floor protection before the movers arrive.
With the basics in place, you can move on to organizing your new space for an efficient and calm move-in experience.
Planning the Layout & Flow
An organized move is a smooth move. Planning where things go ahead of time takes the guesswork out of unpacking and makes the “ready house before moving process” much less stressful.
Designate a “No-Pack” Zone
- Set aside a spot for items you’ll need immediately, like medications, chargers, important documents, and your first-night essentials kit. Mark it clearly so movers know not to stack boxes there.
Pre-Plan Furniture Placement
- Sketch a simple layout for each room, deciding where big pieces (like beds, sofas, dining table, etc.) will go. This saves time and helps the movers place everything correctly the first time.
Mark Rooms Clearly
- Label each room with a sign on the door, like “Kitchen,” “Kids’ Bedroom,” or “Home Office.” This makes it easy for movers (and family members) to know where each box belongs, especially if your new place has a complex layout.
Create a smoother moving day by:
- Tape signs to each door.
- Print or draw a quick floor plan to give to the movers.
- Set aside a box or bag with must-haves for the first few days.
When everything has its place, unpacking feels less overwhelming so that your house can start to feel like home faster.
Get a Head Start on Unpacking
Think of moving day prep as your secret weapon to help you settle in quickly and comfortably after a long day. By thinking ahead about the things you’ll need, you can get a good night of rest in your new home, and start unpacking tomorrow.
Here are some “ready house for moving” tips:
Pack an Essentials Box (and Keep it Somewhere Accessible)
Your “first night” box should contain toiletries, pajamas, a change of clothes, and basic kitchen supplies. Place it in an accessible spot, such as the kitchen or your bedroom.
Keep Your Tool Kit Handy
- A small set of tools (screwdrivers, a hammer, and measuring tape) comes in handy for assembling furniture, hanging curtains, or handling quick fixes.
Stock Simple Refreshments
- Moving is hard work! Have water bottles, snacks, and basic cleaning supplies ready for both family and movers. A few refreshments help keep everyone comfortable and energized.
- Place your “Essentials Box” near the front door or in the kitchen.
- Unpack your tool kit first.
- Set up a temporary area for kids or pets to relax during the chaos.
By handling the small details ahead of time, you’ll have more energy to enjoy your first night and begin making memories.
Ready for a Fresh Start?
With a little moving day prep (and a great moving partner like Central), you can start making your house feel like home on day one. We hope these tips have been helpful! At Central Transportation Systems, we’re here to take the stress out of the entire moving process so that you can focus on settling in.