Congratulations, you’ve found a new home! Your moving day can be stressful, but don’t worry, with the right plan in place, it doesn’t have to be chaotic. A well-organised moving day checklist ensures that you stay on track, avoid last-minute surprises, and settle into your new home smoothly. Whether you’re moving across town or relocating to a new city, this guide will walk you through every step of the moving process.

Why you need a moving day checklist

A moving day checklist keeps your move structured and stress-free. It helps you:

• Stay organised and on schedule.
• Ensure nothing important is forgotten.
• Reduce last-minute panic and unexpected costs.
• Make unpacking in your new home easier.

Now, let’s dive into everything you need to consider for a successful move.

1. Plan ahead: At least four weeks before your move

The key to a smooth move is preparation. Start at least a month in advance with these steps:

• Declutter your home: Sort through your belongings and donate, sell, or recycle what you don’t need.
• Gather packing supplies: Stock up on boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and markers.
• Book professional movers: If needed, secure a moving company early, especially during peak seasons.
• Arrange external self-storage: If you have excess belongings or need temporary storage, consider renting a secure self-storage unit.
• Notify utility providers: Schedule your utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet) for disconnection and reconnection at your new address.
• Change your address: Update your address with banks, insurance providers, and the postal service.

2. Pack efficiently: Two weeks before your moving day

Packing is often the most time-consuming part of moving. Here’s how to stay organised:

• Start with non-essentials: Pack seasonal clothing, books, and décor first.
• Label everything: Mark boxes clearly by room and include a brief list of contents and whether they are fragile.
• Use a colour-coding system: Assign different colours to each room for easier identification.
• Pack a first night box: Include essentials such as toiletries, a change of clothes, snacks, and important documents.
• Take inventory: Keep a checklist of packed items, especially valuables.

3. Confirm details: One week before the move

One week before your move, finalise all the key details:

• Confirm with movers: Recheck dates, times, and any specific instructions with your moving company.
• Defrost and clean appliances: If moving a fridge or freezer, unplug it 24 hours before and allow it to dry. Don’t forget to unplug and drain your washing machine too.
• Prepare a moving folder: Store important documents like contracts, receipts, and new home details in one place.
• Plan for kids and pets: Arrange childcare or pet care to reduce stress on moving day.

4. Moving day: Stay organised and efficient

On the big day, follow these essential steps:

• Do a final walkthrough: Check all rooms, closets, and storage spaces for forgotten items.
• Protect your floors: Use mats or blankets to prevent damage while moving heavy furniture.
• Supervise loading: If using movers, oversee the process and confirm everything is packed securely.
• Keep essentials handy: Ensure your essential box with snacks, phone chargers, toiletries, important keys etc. is easily accessible.
• Take meter readings: Before you leave, take final readings for your gas and electricity at your old property, and then take them at your new home too.
• Lock up securely: Ensure doors and windows are locked before leaving your old home.

5. Unpacking and settling in

Once you arrive at your new home:

• Unpack essentials first: Set up the kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms before tackling the rest.
• Check utilities: Make sure water, electricity, and Wi-Fi are functioning.
• Inspect for damages: If renting, take photos of the property for records.
• Recycle packing materials: Flatten boxes and properly dispose of packing materials.
• Introduce yourself to neighbours: Building good relationships early can make settling in easier.

Why external self-storage can help your move

Sometimes, a move requires temporary storage for extra furniture, seasonal items, or boxes you’re not ready to unpack. External self-storage units offer a secure and flexible solution by:

• Providing extra space if your new home isn’t ready yet.
• Helping with downsizing when moving into a smaller property.
• Allowing you to unpack at your own pace without cluttering your new space.

Are you moving near the Lincolnshire and Cambridge border? At MoreStore Self Storage, we offer clean, secure, and competitively priced storage units ranging from 16 to 250 sq ft. Our facilities include 24/7 access, CCTV security, and convenient features like trolleys and goods lifts. So, if you need extra space for your move near Market Deeping, Bourne, and Spalding, check out our units and book online here.

Good luck with the move!

Moving doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following this moving day checklist, you’ll have a clear, organised process to ensure everything runs smoothly. Planning ahead, packing efficiently, and utilising self-storage when needed will make your move much easier.