Moving checklist: 5 Essential Things To Do Before You Move

The earlier you can start planning, the better. It’s best to start preparing for your move around eight weeks before the moving date or even earlier if possible. Although it won’t be convenient to pack up everything this early, you can start sorting through all the boxes and items that have been stored away and not looked at for years. This will give you time to sell or donate certain items instead of just throwing things out. Be sure to label all of your boxes when you’re packing!

Hire a Moving Company
This is one of the most important steps on your moving checklist, and it’s something that should be done early. Research different moving companies and make sure they offer specific services you need, such as moving to a different state. Planning ahead will ensure the company you prefer has availability. Get an estimate in writing for the expected cost, confirm that they have comprehensive moving insurance, and ask if the company provides packing materials.

Notify Various Services
You’ll need to notify the post office of your change of address. You can do it online on the USPS website. You’ll also need to cancel utilities for your old property and make sure they will be turned on in your new home. Around six weeks before you move, make your children’s schools aware of the move and ask them to transfer records. Other services to notify about your move include local gyms, healthcare providers, anywhere you have automatically shipped subscriptions from, and more.

Arrange Insurance 
If your home insurance company covers the area you are moving to, you might want to stay with the same company to make things easier. However, moving might be a good opportunity to shop around for better rates, and new customers often get lower premiums than people who stick with the same company. You may also need different types of insurance, such as sinkhole coverage. Put a note on your moving checklist to start shopping around for insurance around six weeks before your move. It’s also a great opportunity to look into moving your auto insurance as well. Ask the providers you are shopping with for a quote for homeowners insurance with a bundle deal with auto.

Get Home Security 
You’ll need to make sure your new home is secure as soon as you move in. If you never used DIY home security, a move is a perfect opportunity to upgrade. If you already have a security system you’re happy with, it should be easy to take with you. Smart systems like abode are flexible, portable, and can be set up in your new home quickly. Don’t forget to let your provider know you moved so they can update their system and add new details for professional monitoring. Another thing to not forget is to send a certificate of professionally monitored security to your insurance provider for a discount on your premium. Once you have made your moving checklist, you can start thinking about what your new home will be like, including the exciting smart home features. Learn more about how to make your new place a secure smart home right here.