Moving into a new home is exciting, but with so many things to do, it can also become overwhelming. Follow this checklist to keep yourself organized and make moving a breeze!

Before the big move:

Size up –  Measure dimensions of rooms in new home.

Start purging –  Recycle, donate or toss everything you can.

Plan –  You need supplies such as boxes, labels, tape, markers and bubble wrap.

Pack –  Start packing items you don’t need, such as seasonal clothes.

Inventory –  Create separate inventory lists of each box as you pack.

Label –  Mark each box with the new room it should go in.

Store –  Purchase a small fire-safe box for safekeeping valuables. Create a separate inventory list of valuables.

Clean –  If you can get into your new home before the boxes arrive, do a deep clean.

After the move-in:

Locate  your home’s shut-off valves and circuit panel (if not already marked, label the panel).

Test  and/or change batteries in smoke detectors for each room.

Check  for or buy fire extinguishers for the kitchen and garage, at a minimum.

Make  quick repairs, such as touching up paint and changing light bulbs and switches.

Set up  your living room couch, sit back, relax and admire your new home.

Remember to secure a home warranty:

With all of the details to track and the work to do when you’re moving, having a home warranty means you don’t have to worry about whom to call when a covered appliance or system breaks down after the move.

Easy check-off list for items to change:

• Utilities such as electricity, gas, water


• Services such as cable, satellite and internet


• Change of address and forwarding your mail (good tips available at usps.com/move)


• New billing address (when you have your move-in date, notify credit card companies, banks and any other financial companies of your new address)


• Ditto for updating address for newspapers/magazine subscriptions


• Medical records, if move includes new insurance carriers, hospitals, etc.


• Prescriptions, if move is to new town or state


• Schedule date to change locks/re-key

For more moving resources,  click here.