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The Moving Series Part 4: Tips for Move Day and the Days that Follow

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On top of figuring out how to move your stuff and how to budget for moving expenses, there are a lot of little things that are easy to forget, but still super important. I’ve compiled a list of things to consider and when you should be thinking about them.

2 Weeks Prior to Move Day

  • Finalize the paperwork: Sign your lease and ensure you’re all set on the paperwork to move in on time. If your employer is paying for your move, make sure the paperwork is all set with them too.
  • Set up mail forwarding: Here’s a link to do so https://www.usps.com/manage/forward.htm
  • Transfer energy and internet services: See if your current service providers also offer service in your new location or set up your cancel date and start dates for your old/new companies. Some apartments require you to use a specific provider, so take a look at your move-in letter or ask your new leasing office.
  • Update your insurance: Remember home, auto, and personal property.
  • Ask about transferring your gym membership: Find out if your gym has locations near your new home and if your membership is transferable. If not, set a date to end your membership and start researching gyms or activities to do in your new place so you can hit the ground running when you get there.

Week of Move

  • Pack a suitcase: Don’t forget the things you’ll need to “camp” for a couple weeks in case you get there before your movers do, e.g. air mattress, blankets, a pillow, clothes and shoes, work clothes, and laundry detergent. Also remember to pack the things you’ll need right away like toilet paper, trash bags, hand soap, cleaning supplies, broom, and a step stool if you’re short like me.
  • Sort, organize, and label: Your movers are on a mission to pack and ship your stuff as quickly as possible to get on to their next job. It’s just business for them. Make sure you get your stuff organized so they don’t pack something you didn’t want them to.
  • Set your auto-reply: On one of your last days at work, turn on automatic replies so that you aren’t leaving people hanging.
  • Start energy at new place: If you haven’t turned on power at your new place, make sure you call your energy company and get it set up before you get there. Especially if you’re moving during the summer, you’ll want the AC ready and running for move day.

Move Day

  • Load the car.
  • Do a final sweep: Walk through all the rooms and make sure you aren’t leaving anything behind. Don’t forget about the fridge.
  • Clean it up: Pick up any tape and cardboard scraps that the movers may have left on the floor. If you have the time and supplies, do a quick wipe-down of countertops and sweep the floor. Take out the trash. These things will help you get the most back on your security deposit.
  • Keep water and snacks on hand: I like to offer my movers snacks and water bottles. Moving furniture is tough manual labor, and offering them a PB&J and water is the least I can do to help. If you’re doing your move yourself, remember to take breaks and stay hydrated. It’s easy to get caught up in everything there is to do, but remember to stop for meals too.
  • Clean the new place: When you first get there, sanitize surfaces and sweep before movers come. Don’t stress about doing a deep clean, but definitely do a quick clean before there are boxes everywhere and it gets a whole lot more difficult to clean surfaces that are covered with stuff.
  • Damage Survey: Another annoying but important thing to do right away. You don’t need to fill out the whole form right away, but as you’re cleaning, take note of any dents, damages, or dysfunctions in your new place. The easiest way is to snap a picture of anything you find and then you can fill in the actual form in the next few days. This form is important because your apartment can hold you liable for damages when you move out. Don’t let things that were present when you moved in come out of your wallet when you move out.
  • Watch the movers unload: Check off the inventory sheet as things come in to make sure everything is there. Watch for any bumps or scrapes, not just on your furniture, but on doors and walls. Any damage caused by your movers can be claimed. Once my movers dented my coffee table; I put in a claim and got a $400 check to replace it. I still have the old table, and I invested the money.

Post-Move

  • Set up wifi: If you’ve already been in touch with your internet provider, this should just be a quick phone call. Either someone will come by to install your modem and router or you can plug and play on your own if you own your modem and router. (If you’re moving into your first place, call your internet provider and ask the prices for renting a modem and router. In most cases, it’ll be cheaper to go to buy your own and pay the money up front instead of renting the equipment each month. You’ll still have to pay for the internet service itself, but it’ll bring down your monthly costs and be cheaper in the long run.)
  • Unpack all boxes.
  • Buy/sell furniture to fit new space: Your new place will most likely be shaped different than your old one and have new nooks and crannies to fill with stuff. Try to have a minimalist mindset to save yourself some money here. You don’t need to fill every single corner of your new place. Get creative with the things you have, but if do need some things, make a budget before you go shopping. Furniture can be expensive. To be more wallet-friendly and sustainable, shop on Facebook marketplace or at consignment stores.
  • Hang frames: Having things hung up on the walls is what I feel like makes the new place really feel like home. Having pictures of you and your loved ones or even art that you just love on the walls fills your place with your personality and character. It’s the little things.
  • Set up autopay for rent and utilities: If you have the luxury of a steady income, I highly recommend setting up autopay for your rent and utilities. Avoid missing any payments and having to pay late fees.
  • Update any account addresses and autopayments: Make a list of your accounts and subscriptions, cancel any you don’t need anymore, and update your address on those you’ll keep – remember your bank accounts and credit cards, medical prescriptions, phone bill, Alumni Association, Amazon, and any streaming services. I recommend updating your bank accounts and credit cards first because you’ll have to update the billing address on your other accounts after.
  • Update license and title for car: Look up your new local DMV and/or tax collector for information on how to get these taken care of.

The Fun Stuff

  • Find your new local coffee shop.
  • Start your new gym membership / pool membership / yoga studio.
  • Find your new hair salon / nail salon.
  • Get out and meet people: Look up local run clubs, find out about apartment events, etc.
  • Find recycling center.

I hope this list can help you stay organized on your next move! If you have any questions or think of things I should change or add, let me know in the comments!

Want more tips on moving? Check out the other blogs in this series:

For more free resources like this checklist, check out:
mymove.com
Updater.com

If you like what you read here, follow @genuinesunshineblog on Instagram and look for new posts here at genuinesunshineblog.com every Sunday to start your week with sunshine!

Cheers!

Sarah

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