New House Checklist: 6 Things to Do Before You Move

Moving into a new home is a big decision that comes with significant life changes. Are you prepared for your relocation? This new house checklist will help you create a structured plan, simplify your transition and gear up for a stress-free moving day in six easy steps.

Find the Right Home

The first step to any successful move is finding a new home you love. Consider the neighborhood as a whole in terms of school districts, local amenities, community events, safety and friendliness. Perry Homes offers all these perks and more with beautiful, personalized homes in some of Texas’ most desirable areas. Once you have decided on a house, it’s time to start planning.

Set a Timeline and Budget

Moving can be time-consuming, so make sure you have a plan in place before you pack. First, determine whether you need assistance from a professional mover or if you can move yourself.

If your belongings are minimal, consider renting a truck or van. This could cost you anywhere from $500 to $1,500 depending on how far you are traveling. If you hire a company to assist you with a long distance move, costs can range up to $5,000. Your workplace may also help compensate you for your relocation, so be sure to check with your employer.

Of course, the price of moving varies with the size of your home or apartment, the date you leave, and many other factors. This moving cost calculator will help you get a more accurate idea of what you may spend.

Keep in mind that your timeline and budget should be set in stone around two months before you plan to relocate. Now is a good time to request off work for a long weekend and ask friends and family to help you move in advance. The last thing you want to be doing is hauling boxes alone.

Update Your Information

Change your address with the post office at least two weeks before the move and keep your friends and family members in the loop with your new location. In addition to your address, you will also want to update the following with your current information:

• Utilities
• Wi-Fi and cable
• Subscriptions
• Prescriptions
• Driver’s license and registration
• Insurance
• Delivery apps like Amazon™, GoPuff™ and DoorDash™
• Online rent or mortgage payment platforms

Pack Smart

Moving into a new home is the perfect opportunity to start fresh and clear out any unwanted clothes, toys, decorations and other household items. If you have not used something within the last year, it may be time to donate it to your local consignment store or host a garage sale.

Once you narrow down all your belongings, be strategic about where each of them will fit inside your new space. Group your items by room, then write a list and label your boxes accordingly. This will minimize confusion once you start to unpack. Also, be sure to very clearly mark boxes filled with valuables and protect them by using materials like packing paper, bubble wrap, Styrofoam or thick clothing.

Deep Clean and Final Walk-Through

Don’t forget to deep clean your old place and complete a final walk-through to ensure nothing gets left behind. This step will also make your home more appealing to potential buyers or, if you rent, help you get your security deposit back.

You’ll also want to ensure you clean the baseboards, ceiling fans, door frames, glass doors, carpets, tiles and walls. Take plenty of pictures and videos as proof that you left the place in good condition, should any issues arise.

Prepare for the Big Day

You should complete all your packing before moving day but reserve a few bags to fill with necessities for you and your family during the moving process. This could include comfortable clothing, toiletries, and pet food. Then, plan your final meals and clean out your refrigerator. You might opt for takeout if you have already packed up your kitchen.

Finally, make sure to get a good night’s sleep the night before you move. Whether you are facilitating the loading process for your movers or hauling the boxes yourself, you will need a lot of energy and an early start.

Once you arrive at your new house, grab some groceries, set up your bedroom and bathroom necessities and enjoy the first moments of the next chapter of your life.

Are you planning on moving into a new home but still looking for the right plan to fit your family's needs? Explore Perry Homes’ move-in ready properties in Texas’ best neighborhoods and find your dream home today.