9 Things To Do Before You Move Into A New Home

Moving to a new home is more than just physically transporting furniture and belongings from one location to another. There are plenty of to-dos to tackle prior to “moving day” that include some planning and preparation.

To help you stay organized and efficient throughout the process, here are some of the most essential things to get done before you move into a new home, as well as some products to make the process easier.

This post is sponsored by Ring, a Patch Brand Partner. All prices and savings listed in this post are as of publication and could change. Patch may earn a commission on products purchased.

1. Create a moving calendar.

The entire process of moving is much easier when it's organized. Most people know when they’re moving at least six to eight weeks in advance, so once you sign your lease or home sale contract, sit down and make a list of important dates, including the day you get the keys, the day you have to be out of your current home and the day you’ll officially move in. From there, set aside dates to get various moving tasks done. Spread it out as much as possible so you don't overwhelm yourself, so you have enough time to devote to your normal daily responsibilities.

2. Get the proper containers.

As you take stock of all the items you'll be moving, brainstorm how you'd like to move them. Boxes are great to transport items, but they can break down. It can also be difficult to find ones to hold heavy or oddly shaped items. Purchase proper-sized containers, such as this set of two foldable storage bins with lids, to make moving those more-difficult items much easier.

3. Take stock of your belongings and start packing.

Moving to a new home is a great time to take stock of all your possessions. In the weeks before you start packing, take a look around your house and make a list of what you'd like to keep and what you'd like to give away. For the items you won't be taking on your move, see if there’s anyone in your life who can use them. If not, donate the items to a local charity or a donation store, such as Goodwill.

For the items you will be taking with you, pack them as you go through them. If there are items you know you won’t need or use in the days leading up before the move, pack them up in advance, label them and set them aside in a staging area so you’re prepared on moving day.

4. Scan any important documents related to the move.

Whether you’re renting a home or purchasing one, there’s typically a lot of paperwork involved in a move. For any physical documents you’ve signed, such as a lease or mortgage, or correspondence from your new utilities companies, you’ll want to have backup digital copies in case any of those documents gets misplaced during the move. Investing in a solid document scanner — such as this ultra compact version that you can take with you on the go — will allow you to scan all these documents before you pack them so you can have a digital copy whenever you need it.

5. Hire a moving service.

Moving can be an exhausting process, and if you want to alleviate some of the burden, a professional moving service can be worth the investment. All you have to do is pack up your items and leave the heavy lifting (literally!) to the pros. While moving companies usually take extra precautions when transporting people’s valuables, it’s always a good idea to purchase some extra packing materials such as bubble wrap and this set of heavy-duty moving blankets by Amazon to make sure everything is protected on moving day.

6. Paint the walls and clean the new home.

Nothing makes a place feel homey like a fresh coat of paint in a color you love. If you’re able to get access to your new home before you officially move in, take a weekend to paint the walls, scrub the floors, and clean up before you begin moving in your belongings. It’s much easier to paint and clean a home when it’s empty — plus you won’t get paint on any of your furniture! This interior paint and primer in one by Prestige is ideal for paining any room in your new home.

7. Purchase new locks.

One thing you’ll want to do the day you move into your home is change the locks in case anyone connected to the previous homeowners still has a copy of the old key. If you want to go high-tech, consider purchasing these key-free touch-screen locks by Yale. Instead of using a key, these locks require a code to be punched into them. This makes the burden of losing your keys a thing of the past, as homeowners only need to remember their code. It also makes homes harder to break into, as a key can’t be forged. In the event of any type of security breach, the code can be changed by the homeowner and doesn’t require the extra step of going through a locksmith.

8. Invest in a new security system.

Want an extra layer of security for your new home? Get a home security system such as a Ring Alarm 8-Piece Security Kit and set it up as soon as you move in. The second-generation Ring Alarm can be self-installed and helps you achieve whole-home security. The kit includes one Base Station, one Keypad, one Motion Detector, one Range Extender and four Contact Sensors. Setup is simple, and you can add more sensors and security devices at any time based on your security needs. Real-time notification preferences can also be personalized so you only receive the alerts you care about.

9. Set up mail forwarding.

In the chaos of moving, you may not have time to change your address on all of your important accounts. Fortunately, you can change your address online via the United States Postal Service ahead of your move and schedule mail forwarding to begin on moving day. That way, you can buy yourself some time after moving day to update your address on your driver’s license, credit cards, bank statements, subscription services, work documentation, and anywhere else that lists your previous address.