checklist when moving to a new home

Mistakes to Avoid When Moving House

Published April 28, 2022 | By admin@primelinemoving.com

When you’re moving to a new home, there are a lot of things to think about and a lot of things that can go wrong.

To help you avoid some of the most common mistakes people make when moving, we’ve put together a list of Mistakes to Avoid When Moving House and things to watch out for.

From forgetting to change your address to not packing properly. Read on to learn about some of the most common mistakes people make when moving and how to avoid them.

Mistakes to Avoid When Moving House 1: Forgetting to Change Your Address

– Don’t Forget to Change Your Address!

Did you know that one of the most common mistakes people make when moving, is forgetting to change their address?

It may seem like a small thing, but it can have big consequences. Here’s a quick checklist of things to remember when you move, so you don’t forget to change your address.

– Notify the post office of your new address – This is important so that your mail gets forwarded to your new home.

– Update your address with any companies or organizations you do business with. This includes your bank, credit cards, utility providers, and magazine subscriptions.

– Let friends and family know your new contact information. They might not be able to reach you if they don’t have your updated address and phone number

– If you have a driver’s license or state ID, be sure to update your address with the DMV (in most states). Otherwise, you could run into problems when renewing or replacing them in the future

– Lastly, don’t forget about updating your residence on file with the IRS! Failing to do so could cause delays in processing tax returns and refunds

Mistakes to Avoid When Moving House 2: Not Packing Properly

What You Need to Know to Get Started.

Are you getting ready to move? If so, congratulations! A new home is an exciting adventure.

But before you get too caught up in the excitement, it’s important to make sure you’re prepared for the big day. One of the most important things you can do to prepare for your move is to create a moving checklist.

A moving checklist will help ensure that you don’t forget any important details, as you’re packing up your life and making the transition to your new home .

Here are some of the key elements that should be included on your moving checklist

-Compile a list of all the items you need to pack, including clothes, kitchenware, furniture, electronics, etc

-Create a packing schedule and stick to it This will help ensure that you’re not rushed and that everything is properly packed

-Label all of your boxes with their contents and which room they belong in at your new home This will make unpacking much easier (and less stressful

-Pack a survival kit with essential items, like toiletries, medications, snacks, etc, that you’ll need during those first few days in your new place, while everything else is being unpacked.

-Make arrangements for transportation of your belongings from your old home to your new one

-Change your address and update all relevant accounts, (utilities, magazine subscriptions, online memberships) with your new information. The list goes on!

As you can see, there’s a lot to think about when preparing for a move.

But don’t worry – by following this moving checklist, you can be sure that nothing will be forgotten and that everything will go smoothly come moving day!

Mistakes to Avoid When Moving House 3: Not Hiring Professional Movers

How to Prepare for a Successful Move.

Whether you’re moving across the country or just down the street, preparation is key to ensuring a successful move.

To help you get started, we’ve put together a moving checklist with everything you need to do before, during, and after your move.

Before you start packing up your things, take some time to declutter and get rid of anything you don’t need. This will not only make packing easier, but it will also save you money on movers and storage. Once you’ve decluttered, start packing up your belongings room by room. Make sure to label all of your boxes so you know where everything is when you arrive at your new home.

When it’s time to move day, be sure to have all of your essentials packed in an overnight bag so you’re not scrambling to find them later. And don’t forget to double check that everything is turned off and unplugged before the movers arrive.

Once the move is over and done with, there are still a few things left on our checklist. Be sure to change your address with the post office and update your information with any subscription services or bills that come through the mail.

You should also take some time to settle into your new place and get familiar with your new surroundings. By following this simple moving checklist, you can rest assured knowing that everything is taken care of and that your move will go smoothly.

Mistakes to Avoid When Moving House 4: Packing Too Much Stuff

If you’re like most people, packing for a move is one of the most stressful parts of the process. But it doesn’t have to be!

With a little planning and our handy moving checklist, you can make packing (and unpacking a breeze). So where do you start?

First, take an inventory of everything you need to pack. This will help you determine how many boxes you’ll need and what kind of materials ( bubble wrap, packing peanuts, etc.) you’ll need to protect your belongings.

Next, start sorting your things into piles keep, donate/sell, and trash. This will help you declutter and lighten your load before the move. Once you’ve got everything sorted, it’s time to start packing! Begin with the items you won’t need right away – out-of-season clothes, knick-knacks, non-essential kitchen items – and work your way up to the essentials. Be sure to label all of your boxes so you know what’s inside each one. And that’s it! With our helpful tips and this handy checklist, packing for your move will be a breeze

Mistakes to Avoid When Moving House 5: Not Labeling Boxes

How to Get Started.

Make a list of what needs to be packed and moved. This includes big items like furniture and appliances, as well as smaller items like dishes, clothes, and books.

Find boxes or other containers that can be used for packing If possible, try to find boxes that are the same size so they will be easier to stack and load into the moving truck.

Begin packing items from your list into the boxes, using packing material like bubble wrap or newspaper to protect fragile items.

Label each box with its contents and the room it should go in at your new home. This will make unpacking much easier later on! Once everything is packed up, load the boxes into the moving truck or any other vehicle you’re using for transport. Be sure to secure them so they don’t shift during transit!

Mistakes to Avoid When Moving House 6: Losing Important Documents

How to Safely Pack and Move Important Documents.

If you’re like most people, you have a lot of important documents. From birth certificates and tax records to insurance policies and mortgage paperwork, these items are vital to your life – and can be a pain to move. But whether you’re moving across town or across the country, there’s no need to stress about losing important documents in the process. With a little planning and preparation, you can safely pack and move your important papers without any problems.

Here’s a quick checklist of what you need to do. Make a list of all the important documents you need to move. This should include everything from birth certificates and passports to financial records and property deeds.

-Gather up all of your documents in one place so they’re easy to find when it’s time to pack them up. A storage box or filing cabinet is ideal for this purpose.

-Pack your documents carefully using acid-free paper or plastic sleeves designed for storing valuable papers.

-If possible, make copies of all essential documents before packing them just in case something gets lost in transit. You might also want to consider storing copies electronically, such as on a USB drive or online backup service.

-Label each box containing your important papers clearly with its contents and destination information (if applicable). This will make it easier to locate specific items when you need them later on down the road.

Mistakes to Avoid When Moving House 7: Not Cleaning Before You Move

Not cleaning before you move.

When you’re packing up your things and getting ready to move, the last thing you want to do is spend hours cleaning your old place. But trust us, it’s worth it!

Skipping this step can leave your new place feeling dirty and cluttered, and it can be a real pain to try and clean everything once you’re already settled in.

Waiting until the last minute to pack. Packing up all your belongings is no small task, so it’s important to start early.

Leaving everything until the last minute will only make the process more stressful, and it increases the chances of something getting lost or broken in the move.

Forgetting to change your address. This is a crucial step in moving that is often overlooked. Don’t forget to notify everyone of your new address, from utility companies to family and friends.

Trying to do everything yourself. Moving is a lot of work, so don’t be afraid to ask for help! Enlisting the help of friends or hiring professional movers can take a big load off your shoulders and make the whole process much easier.

Not budgeting for unexpected expenses. There’s always something that comes up when you’re moving, whether it’s an unexpected repair bill or extra storage fees. Be sure to account for these potential expenses in your budget so they don’t end up putting a strain on your finances.

Mistakes to Avoid When Moving House: Final Thoughts

If you are planning to move soon, be sure to avoid making these mistakes! By following this checklist and paying attention to detail, your move will go much smoother.

Moving Into New House Checklist – The Ultimate Moving Checklist

Published March 29, 2022 | By admin@primelinemoving.com

Moving Into New House Checklist – Essential Things You Need to Do When Moving House

Are you planning on moving house? Moving house is an enormous task, and it comes at a worse time after the chaos of buying or selling your home. In the US, 9.8% of Americans move annually. Over 3 million people move interstate every year.

Moving house does not have to be a headache. With a little planning and with the help of our Ultimate Moving Into New House Checklist, you can make the move a lot smoother.

Here is our moving checklist.

Moving Into New House Checklist part 1: Three Months Before Moving

Estate Agents

An experienced real estate agent can help you buy a new home, sell your old home or find a new place to rent. The majority of realtors are members of the National Association of Realtors. As such, they abide by a code of ethics. Under the code, a realtor must always put the client’s interest ahead of his own.

Want to buy or sell your home? Hire a qualified realtor. Before you buy or sell your home, determine your buying and selling goals. This means determining the price range you’re willing to accept.

Next, know how much equity you have in your home. Make sure you’ve enough equity to use as a down-payment for your new home and cover other costs – closing costs.

Find out how long the realtor has been licensed. If you hire an experienced and licensed realtor, you have a better opportunity to sell your home faster or find a great home to rent or buy.

While vetting realtors, try to find out how many transactions they completed in the last year. The exact number does not matter, but the estimate you receive will tell you how well they’re doing to keep their business consistent.

Lastly, narrow down to the top 5 realtors, get their contact information and give them a call. Have several questions prepared.

Lawyers/Solicitors

Did you know that if you fail to give the right amount of notice when you move out, your tenancy does not end? In fact, you’ll owe your landlord rent for the time until your tenancy ends. If you also give an invalid tenancy notice, your tenancy could end on the earliest date. To prevent this and more, consult your lawyer.

He can guide you on the rules of moving out, when to give notice to your landlord, teach you legal ways to move early, and more. When you move in, you also need a lawyer. This is true, especially if it’s your first time signing the lease agreement.

When buying or selling your home, a lawyer/solicitor will review the contract. Your realtor will send your accepted offer of purchase to your lawyer for review. They will also examine the title of the property. This is to make sure that the title to your property is properly transferred to you. They can also protect you against title and mortgage fraud.

Lastly, your lawyer will prepare financing documents. Bank documents are often confusing for many people. So, it’s your lawyer’s job to make sure you understand the terms of your mortgage.

Mortgage Prices

Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make in your life. Before taking the plunge, there are a lot of things to consider. First, take a deep dive into your finances. How much do you earn every month? Do you have any debt – student loans, credit card debt, car payments? Are you paying off these debts?

You want to be sure that you can pay for your mortgage while also paying your usual expenses. Most people get approved for a mortgage, especially if they make their monthly payments responsibly.

If you’re planning on buying a home, you want to get pre-approved for a mortgage before you even start looking for a home. This helps you and your realtor to manage expectations. We recommend comparing mortgage prices. Most banks have an online mortgage calculator, or you can chat with a mortgage advisor.

If selling your old home before paying off your mortgage, you must get a mortgage discharge. You, your lawyer, and the notary must complete every step in the mortgage discharge process.

Once the process is complete, the lender’s rights are usually removed from the property. However, if you paid off the mortgage before selling your home, then you own the house and you’re free of “debt.”

Radon Testing

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking. Inhaling radon over a period of year increases the risk of lung cancer. Three months before moving to your new home, have the building tested for radon.

If the landlord or real estate agent informs you that they already carried out radon testing, ask for a copy of the test results. If you’ve questions about the results, contact your state radon office or the National Radon Helpline at 1-800-557-2366.

Long-distance Moves

The time has come for you to move everything you own hundreds or even thousands of miles away. That kind of task is huge, and to ensure success, you need a plan. Start by creating the ultimate moving checklist. We recommend using an online calendar to know when to complete each task.

Next, calculate the costs of your move so that you can budget wisely. We estimate that you’ll need as little as $15,000 to more than $200,000. Create a do not pack list. This comes in handy if you’re moving across state lines or to another country. To save precious time, hire a packing service.

Many people underestimate the costs, time, and effort required for moving short distances. As a result, it’s tempting to perform a self-move to cut costs.

To prepare for a short-distance move, create a to-do list. Your list can include canceling all utilities, hiring a moving company, forwarding mail, and more. Next, start packing early. We recommend you start two weeks or a month before your planned leaving date.

Then, take inventory of your belongings then get moving boxes. With the help of family members and friends, pack your belongings in the boxes. Don’t forget to pack an essentials bag.

Moving Into New House Checklist part 2: Two Months Before Moving

Home Insurance

Home insurance policies normally cover old and new homes for 30 days. So, when you move from address A to address B, your stuff is automatically covered. However, you must inform your insurer at least two months before. This is because your insurer is closely linked to your home.

Moving to a new address also means new changes, and your insurance should update them. Your insurer will analyze your new situation and update your coverage. If you’re purchasing a new home or renting a home, sign at the notary two months before the date of your move.

Renters Insurance

If you’re moving from address A to B and you’re renting address B, your landlord will require proof of renters insurance. So, you can either send a copy of your policy or request your insurer to add your landlord to your policy.

Since you can move your renters insurance, call up your insurance provider and make sure they know the new location you’re moving to. Also, inform them of your actual date and whether or not your new landlord needs to be in the policy. If relocating to another state, the underwriter will rewrite your policy.

Contents Insurance

Just like your renters insurance, you can transfer your contents insurance from your current address to your new address. But, you’ve to call up your insurance provider. This is because premiums are usually based on property type and address.

Your contents insurance covers both your current and new home for up to 60 days. So, you don’t have to buy contents insurance for your new home from your existing insurer.

Getting a Will

You should get a will or update your estate planning documents if moving to another state. While the principles of wills and trusts are similar from state to state, you want to get your affairs in order. Getting a will is the best way to determine which beneficiaries will inherit your property after you pass away.

That way, your family and other beneficiaries will not argue over who gets what. Rethinking your will when you move across state lines ensures all changes conform with state laws. You can use trust and wills online estate planning services online. But we recommend an experienced attorney.

Life Insurance

Do you’ve an existing life insurance policy? Have you already provided your insurer with accurate information about your future residency? Then your life policy should continue provided you keep the payments up to date.

If you’re moving to a new home, inform your insurer of your change of address. This is vital especially if you need a new mortgage or your level of debt changes. By revising your life insurance policy, you ensure that your family can cover costs in the event of your death.

Moving Into New House Checklist part 3: One Month Before Moving

Carpet Cleaners

If you’re moving to a new rental, it’s the responsibility of the landlord to arrange for residential carpet cleaners. Before moving out of your old house, conduct a thorough inspection. Check for damage, severe stains and stench from pets or other factors.

If you can, hire professional carpet cleaners. They can clean your carpets at your new and old home. Don’t try to clean the stains or damage yourself. The last thing you want is to cause more damage.

Professional carpet cleaners have proper equipment and knowledge to treat and clean carpets. They can provide hot water carpet extraction, and much more.

Stain Removal

Speaking of stain removal, there are plenty of environmentally friendly cleaning solutions. These solutions provide much better results than harsh chemicals. Not only that. They are better for your family’s health and air quality.

Hire carpet cleaning experts as they will ensure you don’t have to wait for your carpets to dry. You can ask your landlord about a particular situation. But to get the best results, be honest.

The landlord can clean the stains from your carpets. But he will deduct carpet cleaning costs from your security deposit. We recommend having your carpets at your new and old home cleaned a month before moving out.

Removal Van Hire

Research and organize your moving company. You want to do this a month earlier because there is a lot of stuff for you to pack and transport. You don’t want to start looking for a moving company a week or a few days before you want to move.

Yes, Removal companies can be flexible especially when you want to change your moving date. But it’s best you give your preferred Removal company a call 4 weeks before the move. This will simplify all your logistics.

For most Removal companies, intrastate moves take a day. As such, you’ll find fewer companies willing and available for intrastate moves compared to a local move.

Painters and Decorators

You need to hire painters and decorators a month before you move into your new home. This will ensure ample time for them to make any modifications you need to your new home. Need the nursery room painted blue or pink? Hire a painter and decorator early.

The painters should start repainting your old home immediately you move out. Once they’re done, return the old keys to the relevant party. Alternatively, you can save money and repaint the home yourself before you move.

Storage Services

Most storage companies can reserve available storage units a month before you move out. The earlier you book, the more time you’ve to declutter before you move out. Decluttering allows you to get rid of old and unwanted stuff such as old toys, clothes, DVDs, electronics, and much more.

Storage units are also space-saving solutions. The majority of facilities provide short and long-term storage. To reserve a storage unit, research the company and the location you’d kike to store your stuff. Make a reservation, sign the contract and store your stuff.

Packing Services

In the chaos of moving house, one of the most important parts that people fail to give attention to until the last minute is packing. Proper packing is essential as it ensures your fragile and delicate items make the trip damage free.

To protect your belongings, hire professional moving packers. The company uses industry-standard packing material to ensure that your belongings are safe and undamaged during transit. That being said, they can also unpack and help you settle into your new home a day or two after you arrive, which is time-saving.

Moving Into New House Checklist part 4: Two Weeks Before Moving

Cable TV/Direct TV

If the DirectTV service isn’t available at your new location. If you can not continue to enjoy the same benefits cancel your contract by giving them a call. To cancel, call their toll-free number. If you go over your contract, you’ll have to pay a $20 charge. Your monthly fee will be this amount until the end of your agreement. A $15 deactivation fee applies only when you want to discontinue your service.

Besides canceling your contract, you may have to return your unboxed equipment to a company-owned UPS or FedEx Office pack. They will send the equipment back to DirectTV at no charge to you.

Internet Connections

Most internet providers make it easy for you to move your service to your new address. After all, these companies want to retain you as a customer. To transfer your internet, inform your ISP that you’re moving. Find out if your ISP services your new area.

Once you move to your new address, schedule a date for your ISP to install the internet. When moving, carry your router or modem. Most routers have a physical power button. Simply press the button to shut down the router then pack it.

Air Conditioning

Can I relocate my HVAC unit? The simple answer is yes, but it’s not that simple. One of the biggest challenges of relocating a HVAC unit is that the refrigerant line should not be bent. This would create a leak.

To relocate your HVAC unit safely, hire professionals. They will pump out all the refrigerant, relocate the unit, reconnect it, pump back the refrigerant, and it’s done. They will vacuum any moisture or air in the lines to ensure the refrigerant circulates well.

The experts will also run new thermostat wiring and secure the unit. They will insulate the copper wires and place a protective cover so that it does become an eyesore. Finally, they will position the system and restart it.

Pest Removal

It’s important to get a pest inspection before moving into a new home. Pests can cause serious structural damage, put you and your family at risk for diseases and other threats. You want to find an exterminator you can trust so you don’t have any problems. So it’s important to look for a trusted exterminator before moving in and out.

Pest control specialists will visit your old and new home. They will inspect the inside and outside of your home to identify the problem and find access points. Then they will record their findings and present you with a report recommending the right pest control treatment. Once you hire them, they will effectively eliminate the pests and ensure your home is free from unwanted guests.

Landscaping

If you’re renting, you’ve to return the property to the same state before you moved in. But if selling your home, you can dig up your plants or negotiate as part of the property. However, there are plant moving restrictions from one state to another or one country to another. Also, if your plants are too well established, you don’t have to take them.

If you can’t take established plants, we recommend taking cuttings. When packing the containers in your moving van, make sure they can’t tip over. Wedge them as close together as possible or add some padding.

Want to know which plants enhance your garden and landscape aesthetics? If you want your new garden re-designed or improved a landscape gardener could be what you need. They can help make your garden a place you are proud of and make it a beautiful, relaxing place for you and your family. They can help you choose plants and flowers that are best suited to the soil, climate and light levels and where they will look best. Or if you are after a water feature they can often design this too.

Moving Into New House Checklist part 5: One Week Before Moving

Piano Moving

Moving a piano is challenging considering it’s a prized possession. We recommend hiring professional movers to do the job. They will map out the moving path at your current and new address. The experts will clear any obstructions out of the path.

Then they will measure your piano plus the hallways, door frames, and staircases. The team will also protect your floors and make sure pets are not nearby as they move the piano. Once you move your piano to your new home, prepare to tune it as the keys can shift during a move. We recommend that you wait atleast a month to tune the keys.

Pool Table Moving

Just like piano moving, you need to hire professionals if moving your pool table. Pool tables can weigh more than 1,000 pounds. As such, their weight and bulkiness make it a challenge to move. However, if you hire professionals, they will simplify the task for you.

Professionals will disassemble the pool table, pack and protect all the parts. They will load them into the truck and drive carefully to your new home. There, they will reassemble the pool table and position it for a smooth experience.

Moving Fine Art

Before moving artwork, wrap it in plain brown paper or unprinted newsprint. Apply heavy-duty corner protectors and a layer or two of bubble wrap. Then, tuck your artwork into large, heavy-duty picture boxes. For additional protection, wrap the artwork in plastic.

Once the artwork is ready for transportation, load it in a climate-controlled trailer or truck. Look for a trailer or truck with air ride suspension. We also recommend hiring fine art movers to ensure a safe move.

Moving Into New House Checklist part 6: One Day Before You Move

Blinds installation

When it comes to buying a home, it’s best to ask for clarification about blinds, curtains, and curtain rods. Traditionally, they’re considered fixtures as they’re anchored to the wall.

If you’re selling your home, remove your curtains and blinds. The worst thing you can do is take all the blinds and hope your buyer or landlord does not notice. Once you move to your new home, have the blinds installed. It only takes 20 to 30 minutes for the first blind and 10 to 15 minutes for every other blind.

Moving Into New House Checklist: Final Words

There you have it. The ultimate moving checklist for when moving house, to ensure you make a seamless transition from your old home to your new one. If planning to move house, start making plans three months early. Map out the tasks related to your move. Next, set a moving budget. This will allow you to cover your moving costs.

Always research and compare services. This comes in handy when looking for a moving company, lawyer, realtor, mortgage, packing services, and more. Make sure the service you choose has good reviews.

Request time off for your move if you’re making a short-distance move and are planning to keep the same job. You can ask for a few days around a weekend or take five days off. Lastly, don’t forget to give your landlord a two-month notice.

Best of luck!