There is nothing like the feeling of moving into a new home; it is exciting, yet can feel uncomfortable at the same time. Moving can provide you with a sense of accomplishment in that you managed to get all of your belongings into your new place, yet feel as though your world has been turned upside down as you maneuver through an endless sea of boxes.

Whether you are 22 or 72, the first day in your new home is often marked by the joy of embarking on a new journey, but can feel overwhelming when you consider all that needs to be done before settling in. Even the best thought out packing plans can have unintended consequences, such as needing to locate a box you need NOW and realizing it is buried further in a room than the eye can see. Prepare like a super-hero for your next move with this expert mover’s guide!

Color Code Boxes:

When unpacking after a move, have you ever noticed that there are boxes you unpack immediately and ones that seem to get shuffled around the house and finally end up in a corner for months before you finally get around to tackling them? While packing your possessions for your next move, take some time to color code the boxes so you know instantly which boxes should be unpacked first and which boxes can be unpacked at a later time. Mark your boxes clearly with colored Duct Tape, colored paper, or by whatever other method works best for you. The idea is to make sure you can identify boxes in each category quickly

Pack an Overnight Bag

Think like you would if you were going on vacation or a business trip and pack overnight bags for everyone who is moving to your new home. Your overnight bag should contain all of the essentials that you will need to carry you over for the first couple days at your new home. A well thought out overnight bag can alleviate a lot of stress and prevent you from having to stop by the pharmacy for medications or other essentials that you need right away. Here are some essentials to include in your overnight bag:

  • Clothing for at least 3 days
  • Makeup or shave kit
  • Prescription medications
  • Vitamins • Pain reliever
  • First aid kit
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Deodorant
  • Shoes • Jacket or coat
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Hairbrush and hair care items
  • Vitamins
  • Electronic device chargers
  • Pajamas and exercise clothing
  • Pet necessities
  • Other comfort items you can’t live without

Prepare a Food Kit

Depending on your particular moving situation – whether you are moving across town or across the country, it is a good idea to pack a food kit that can travel directly with you to your new home. Creating a food kit ahead of the move will save you time and money because you won’t have to make an emergency trip to the grocery store or spend a lot of money eating out. There is enough going on during moving day that you should not have to worry about last minute meal prep at the same time.

Plan out a few simple meals ahead of time (think cereal, hot dogs, salads, sandwiches, etc.) and pack all needed ingredients into a box that can be unloaded and put away the moment you pull into the driveway of your new home. Along with the food items, include disposable eating ware, napkins, garbage bags, pots and pans, pet food containers, and anything else you need to prepare the meals and eat with. Camping gear works great for moving day!

Determine Your Sleeping Situation

Sleeping on the floor can be difficult, if not impossible for some people. Before moving day arrives, determine if your bed and furnishings will arrive to the new home the same day you do, or if you will need to come up with temporary sleeping arrangements. If your furniture is not scheduled to arrive on the same day, make sure to pack an air mattress so you can sleep soundly.

Clean Your New Home

Make your new home comfortable by starting the cleaning process on your first day there if you have not had the opportunity to do some pre-move cleaning beforehand. The sooner you can start cleaning, the faster the home will begin to feel like yours. While cleaning, you can explore every inch of your new home and get to know it better. Begin by cleaning the bathrooms and the kitchen as these rooms are used for hygienic and cooking purposes. If you do not have the time or energy to clean your new home, consider hiring in a maid service to do a deep cleaning before you start moving in and unpacking. There is nothing more welcoming than the sight and smell of a freshly cleaned home!

Set Up Utilities

Make sure your new home is good to go and set up for any utilities you may need turned on during your first day. Power, water, gas, and sewer are essential to have running as soon as you step through the front door. Depending on where you live, some utilities will remain on during the transition period and you will simply be billed for the first month based on your move in date. Services like garbage and recycling may need to be set up before you start hauling your cans out to the curb for weekly pick-up. TV and internet services usually take a week or two to get set up. It is best to call your utility service providers ahead of your move to find out what to expect the first few days you are in your home.

Make the move into your new home as stress-free as possible by planning ahead and making sure you pack your belongings in such a way that will ensure you will have what you need when you need it until you get settled in. Whether you are moving into your first apartment, your dream home, or your retirement home, we at Big Deahl’s Movers are here to make the whole process of moving go smoother. We offer services like furniture moving, whole home moving, packing, unpacking, and more. Contact us today so we can help get you to where you are going!