Moving to a new home can be exciting, but it can also become stressful quickly if you are not prepared.
Whether you're moving across town, relocating to another state, buying your first home, or simply moving into a property that better fits your needs, there are many details to manage before moving day arrives.
The best way to make a move easier is to start planning early.
From budgeting and hiring movers to changing your address and preparing your new home, understanding what to expect can help you avoid unnecessary expenses, delays, and last-minute problems.
If you're getting ready to move, here are the top ten things to know before moving into a new home.
1. Start Planning Your Move Early
One of the biggest mistakes people make when moving is waiting too long to get organized.
Even a relatively simple move involves more tasks than you may initially expect.
You may need to:
Hire movers
Reserve a moving truck
Buy packing supplies
Sort belongings
Pack rooms
Transfer utilities
Update your address
Schedule cleaning
Arrange childcare or pet care
Coordinate closing or lease dates
Starting several weeks before your move can make these tasks much more manageable.
Create a moving checklist and work backward from your moving date.
You do not need to pack your entire home immediately. Begin with items you rarely use, such as seasonal decorations, books, extra linens, and clothing that is not currently in season.
As moving day gets closer, gradually work toward everyday essentials.
2. Know How Much Moving Will Actually Cost
Moving expenses can add up surprisingly quickly.
Your total cost will depend on factors such as how far you're moving, how much you own, whether you hire professional movers, and whether you need temporary storage.
Potential moving expenses include:
Professional movers
Moving truck rental
Fuel
Packing materials
Storage
Moving insurance
Cleaning services
Travel expenses
Utility deposits
Pet transportation
Hotel stays
Meals during the move
If you're buying a home, remember that moving expenses are separate from the costs associated with purchasing the property.
You may already be paying for closing costs, inspections, repairs, furnishings, and other expenses.
Build moving costs into your overall budget before the process begins.
It is also wise to keep some additional money available for unexpected expenses.
3. Decide Whether to Hire Movers or Move Yourself
One of the first major decisions you will need to make is whether to hire professional movers.
A do-it-yourself move may save money, particularly if you're moving locally and do not have many belongings.
However, moving everything yourself also requires significant time and physical effort.
Professional movers may be worth considering if:
You're moving a long distance
You have heavy furniture
Your home has multiple floors
You have limited time
You cannot safely lift heavy objects
You're moving a large household
If you hire movers, research companies carefully.
Request written estimates, understand what services are included, and ask about additional charges that could apply.
Be cautious about choosing a company solely because it provides the lowest estimate.
Reliability and professionalism are especially important when someone will be responsible for transporting most of your belongings.
4. Declutter Before You Start Packing
Moving is one of the best opportunities to get rid of things you no longer use.
There is little reason to spend time, money, and effort moving belongings you do not actually want.
Before packing each room, decide what you want to:
Keep
Sell
Donate
Recycle
Throw away
Ask yourself whether you have used an item recently and whether it deserves space in your new home.
Pay particular attention to areas where unused belongings tend to accumulate, including:
Closets
Garages
Basements
Attics
Storage rooms
Kitchen cabinets
Decluttering before you move can reduce the number of boxes you need, lower moving costs, and make unpacking much easier.
If you're downsizing, this step becomes even more important.
Measure your new home's rooms and storage spaces before deciding what furniture and belongings to bring.
5. Pack Strategically
Good packing can make the difference between a relatively organized move and days of searching through unidentified boxes.
Instead of simply putting everything into whatever box is available, create a system.
Label every box with both its contents and destination room.
For example:
Kitchen — Pots and Pans
is considerably more useful than simply writing:
Kitchen
You might also number boxes and maintain a simple inventory.
Keep heavier items in smaller boxes so they remain manageable to lift.
Use larger boxes for lighter belongings such as bedding, pillows, and towels.
Protect fragile items carefully and avoid leaving empty space inside boxes that allows contents to shift during transportation.
Most importantly, avoid packing essential documents or valuables in a moving truck.
Keep items such as identification, financial documents, medications, jewelry, important electronics, and irreplaceable personal belongings with you.
6. Prepare a Moving-Day Essentials Box
One of the most useful things you can do before moving is prepare a separate box or bag containing everything you'll need during your first day and night in the new home.
Your essentials might include:
Toilet paper
Paper towels
Soap
Toothbrushes
Toiletries
Medications
Phone chargers
Basic tools
Scissors or a box cutter
Trash bags
Cleaning supplies
Towels
Bedding
Change of clothes
Pet supplies
Snacks
Bottled water
If you have children, include anything they will need immediately, such as favorite toys, clothing, diapers, formula, school items, or comfort objects.
Keep this box with you rather than placing it somewhere deep inside the moving truck.
After a long day of moving, the last thing you want to do is open twenty boxes looking for a phone charger or toothbrush.
7. Transfer Utilities Before Moving Day
Do not wait until you arrive at your new home to think about utilities.
Arrange for necessary services to begin around your move-in date.
Depending on the property, you may need to establish or transfer:
Electricity
Natural gas
Water
Sewer
Trash collection
Internet
Cable or television services
Home security
At the same time, schedule utilities at your previous residence to end at the appropriate time.
Avoid disconnecting services too early.
You may still need electricity, water, and internet while cleaning or completing final moving tasks.
It can also be helpful to photograph utility meters at both properties when appropriate so you have a record of readings around your move.
8. Change Your Address and Update Important Accounts
Your mailing address is connected to more accounts and organizations than you might realize.
Arrange for mail forwarding and begin updating your address before or shortly after moving.
Depending on your circumstances, you may need to notify:
Banks
Credit card companies
Insurance providers
Employers
Government agencies
Healthcare providers
Schools
Subscription services
Online retailers
Professional organizations
Friends and family
You may also need to update your driver's license, vehicle registration, voter registration, or other official records.
Requirements and deadlines vary by location, particularly when moving between states.
Create a list rather than relying on memory.
You will probably continue discovering accounts that need updating for several weeks after the move.
9. Learn About Your New Home Before Moving In
Before moving furniture and boxes into the property, spend some time learning how the home works.
Find important components such as:
Main water shutoff
Electrical panel
Gas shutoff
HVAC equipment
Water heater
Smoke detectors
Carbon monoxide detectors
Garage controls
Irrigation controls
Knowing how to shut off water quickly can be particularly important if a plumbing emergency occurs.
You should also understand any maintenance requirements associated with the home.
If you're moving into a house, consider asking the previous owner for information about:
HVAC maintenance
Irrigation schedules
Appliance manuals
Filters
Landscaping
Security systems
Smart-home devices
If you purchased the property, your home inspection report can also be a useful reference for future maintenance.
10. Take Care of Important Tasks Before Unpacking
It can be tempting to immediately start arranging furniture and decorating your new home.
However, certain projects are much easier to complete before everything is unpacked.
Consider taking care of tasks such as:
Deep cleaning
Carpet cleaning
Interior painting
Changing locks
Replacing damaged fixtures
Making minor repairs
Installing shelving
Pest treatment
An empty house provides much easier access to walls, floors, closets, and other areas.
If you're purchasing the home, prioritize any repairs identified during the inspection that affect safety or prevent additional damage.
Cosmetic projects can usually wait.
What Should You Do Immediately After Moving Into a New House?
Once your belongings have arrived, focus first on making the home safe and functional.
Start by checking doors and windows and locating important safety equipment.
Test:
Smoke detectors
Carbon monoxide detectors
Exterior locks
Garage doors
Security equipment
If you own the home, consider changing or rekeying exterior locks unless you know they were changed before you took possession.
You generally cannot know how many copies of an old key may exist.
Next, make sure essential rooms are functional.
Set up beds before spending hours unpacking decorations.
Organize basic bathroom supplies.
Make sure you can prepare or store food.
You do not need to completely unpack your home on the first day.
Focus on what you need to live comfortably, then handle the remaining boxes gradually.
What Should You Know Before Moving to a New Area?
If you're moving somewhere unfamiliar, research the area before moving day.
Learn about everyday necessities such as:
Grocery stores
Pharmacies
Healthcare
Schools
Childcare
Transportation
Gas stations
Restaurants
Parks
Emergency services
Also test your expected commute at the times you would normally travel.
A route that appears short on a map may take considerably longer during rush hour.
If you work remotely, confirm internet availability before moving.
Not every provider or service level is available at every address.
Pet owners may also want to identify nearby veterinarians, boarding facilities, groomers, and dog parks.
The more you understand about the area before moving, the faster it can begin to feel familiar.
What Should You Not Pack When Moving?
Some belongings should travel with you rather than in a moving truck.
Keep important items accessible, including:
Identification
Passports
Financial documents
House or apartment paperwork
Prescription medications
Valuable jewelry
Keys
Phones
Laptops
Chargers
Irreplaceable photographs or keepsakes
Professional movers may also have restrictions on transporting certain hazardous, flammable, or perishable materials.
Examples could include fuel, propane, certain chemicals, paint products, and some household cleaners.
Ask your moving company for its specific prohibited-items list before packing.
How Far in Advance Should You Prepare for a Move?
The appropriate timeline depends on the complexity of your move.
For many households, beginning the planning process several weeks in advance provides enough time to organize belongings, obtain moving estimates, schedule services, and pack gradually.
Long-distance moves may require considerably more preparation.
If you know your moving date well in advance, use the additional time.
Popular moving companies and rental trucks can become harder to reserve during busy periods, including weekends and certain times of year.
Starting early also gives you time to compare options rather than making expensive last-minute decisions.
What Should You Do the Week Before Moving?
The final week before moving is a good time to confirm that all major arrangements are in place.
Review your moving checklist and verify:
Moving company or truck reservation
Arrival times
New address
Utility activation
Closing or lease details
Travel arrangements
Childcare
Pet arrangements
Finish packing everything except immediate necessities.
Clean out your refrigerator and freezer and avoid buying more groceries than you can reasonably use before the move.
Confirm that boxes are clearly labeled.
Keep important paperwork and valuables in a separate bag that stays with you.
If you're moving from a rental, review your lease requirements for cleaning, keys, and the final inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving
What is the first thing you should do when preparing to move?
Start by determining your moving date and creating a moving checklist. From there, establish a budget, decide whether you will hire movers, and begin decluttering.
How early should you start packing before moving?
Many people benefit from beginning several weeks before moving day. Start with belongings you rarely use and gradually move toward everyday items as the date approaches.
What is the hardest part of moving?
The most difficult part varies by household, but packing, coordinating schedules, managing costs, and adjusting to a new environment are common challenges. Planning early can make each of these more manageable.
Is it cheaper to move yourself?
It can be, particularly for smaller local moves. However, consider truck rental, fuel, packing materials, equipment, time, and physical effort when comparing the true cost with professional movers.
Should you clean a house before moving in?
When possible, yes. Deep cleaning an empty home is generally much easier than cleaning after furniture, boxes, and belongings have been moved inside.
What should I unpack first after moving?
Start with bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen essentials, medications, children's necessities, and pet supplies. Decorative items and less frequently used belongings can wait.
Should I change the locks after buying a house?
Many homeowners choose to change or rekey exterior locks after taking possession because they cannot be certain who may have copies of the previous keys.
Bonus: A Simple Moving Checklist
Before moving day, make sure you have handled the most important tasks:
Set your moving date
Establish a moving budget
Hire movers or reserve a truck
Declutter your belongings
Purchase packing supplies
Begin packing early
Label every box
Prepare an essentials box
Transfer utilities
Forward your mail
Update your address
Arrange childcare or pet care if necessary
Confirm moving-day details
Clean your old home
Clean your new home
Keep documents and valuables with you
Learn where important home systems are located
Change or rekey exterior locks if appropriate
A written checklist can significantly reduce the likelihood of forgetting something important during a busy move.
Final Thoughts
Moving does not have to be overwhelming.
The key is giving yourself enough time to plan and breaking the process into manageable steps.
Start early, create a realistic budget, get rid of belongings you no longer need, and use a clear system when packing. Arrange utilities and address changes before moving day, and keep important documents and everyday necessities somewhere easily accessible.
Once you arrive, resist the urge to unpack everything immediately.
Get the essentials organized first, familiarize yourself with the home, address important safety and maintenance tasks, and then settle in at a comfortable pace.
Whether you're moving into your first home or your fifth, good preparation can make the transition easier and help you spend less time dealing with moving-day problems and more time enjoying your new home.
King & Edge Real Estate Agents in Boise, Idaho
As experienced Boise real estate agents, we are honored to have the opportunity to serve you and be a part of your real estate journey. Let us guide you towards a successful and rewarding experience, where your goals become our goals, and your vision becomes a reality. Contact us today and discover the unparalleled service and expertise that sets King & Edge Real Estate apart as we help you sell your home in Boise or find your place to call home.
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Jordyn Majors Boise Real Estate Agent
Jordyn, a second-generation Realtor with over 10 years of residence in various Idaho locales, possesses extensive knowledge of all that Boise and its surrounding areas have to offer. Her love for Boise and passion for helping others have made her a go-to expert for diverse living experiences, from urban vibes to mountain retreats. Before transitioning to real estate, she gained experience as an administrative coordinator for a leading brokerage in Treasure Valley.
