Consumer Tip Sheet – 10 Move in Day Tasks

 

Congratulations! After weeks of planning and preparing for your move, you have finally crossed the finish line and into the threshold of your new home. Take a minute to decompress and give yourself a pat on the back that all the heavy lifting is finally done. Don’t get too comfortable just yet, because the day is not over. Make sure you complete our list of 10 move-in day tasks below, so you can make transitioning into your new space as smooth as possible.

1. Check Your Utilities

The last thing you want to do is move into a home with no running water, gas, heat/AC or electricity. Check to make sure all utilities are in proper working order, and if you have any issues contact the necessary company to assist you.

2. Sort Your Boxes

If you used a professional moving service, your boxes will most likely be in the correct room, but it doesn’t hurt to double check that boxes are located in the proper rooms to make unpacking easier.

3. Unpack Your Essentials

Unpack all your important items like clothes, toiletries, cleaning supplies, bedding, etc. These are items you will be using right away, so it is important to keep them accessible.

4. Clean

Before you start unpacking, give your home a quick clean to get rid of any dirt or debris from the move. A clean space will make the unpacking process much easier and less stressful.

5. Check In with Family

Give close family and friends a call to let them know you are officially moved in. Talk to your spouse or children about how they are feeling about the move, because moving can be physically and emotionally draining on everyone. Discuss your to-do list and assign tasks to family members.

6. Take Care of Pets

Moving can be especially stressful on pets, so it is important to make sure your pet is properly cared for during move-in day. Make sure a bathroom and an eating and sleeping area is clearly established for them. Pay attention to your pet’s behavior over the next few days. If they are lethargic, not eating or making excessive noise it may be wise to consult your vet on what you can do to make the transition easier on them.

7. Get Your Bed Ready

By the end of the day, you will be absolutely exhausted, so having your bed ready to sleep in is a very important task.

8. Eat!

A move will not go smoothly if you are hangry! Make sure to take breaks and eat. Order takeout or prepare or check out some of these suggestions for move in menus.

• 15 make ahead recipes for moving day
• Moving Day Food
• How not to go hungry on moving day

9. Take a Shower

After a full day of moving around and trying to settle into your new home, take some time out at the end of the day to unpack all your shower essentials and take a nice relaxing shower or bath. This will make sleeping much easier that night.

10. Breathe, and Take it Slow

It is only natural to want to get everything done in one day so you can enjoy living in your new home, but this is unrealistic and stressful. Take your time unpacking, take breaks, and take a realistic approach. Do what you can and try your best not to overwork yourself. Maybe try to put together a quick checklist of what you would like to get completed over the next few days.

 

Thank you to the American Moving & Storage Association.