17 Realtor-Approved Moving Day Tasks to Keep You Organized Through the Chaos

There are so many requirements to make the most of a move that it can be difficult to stay organized. Small reminders, like serving the movers light refreshments, are just as important as bigger tasks, like doing a final walk-through before handing over the keys. If you’re working with a realtor, ask for advice or a tailored checklist to get it right. If not, don’t worry—we’ve put together a comprehensive, realtor-approved checklist to make moving day as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Here’s everything that realtors say needs to get done before, during, and after the big day. Remember, every move is different, whether it’s with kids and pets, of different sizes and distances, or involving extended closing dates—adjust the checklist accordingly.

Before Moving Day

Everything will be in motion on moving day, so being prepared and organized ahead of time will ease the process.

1. Get Organized

First, work backwards from the scheduled moving date. “Before packing, review your contract to understand when possession transfers so you can plan accordingly,” says Margaret Osborne, a realtor with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Central in Charleston, West Virginia. “If you have 30 days, break your move down week by week to avoid last-minute chaos."

2. Have a Family Check-In

Moving houses is a big change, and can be a challenge for everyone, especially kids who have to change schools and make new friends. Have an open conversation about the move. “Prepare children (of all ages) mentally for what is about to happen. Do not assume everyone is OK,” says Sandra Harvey, realtor for Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers in Georgia. When in doubt, answer questions as best you can and stay positive about a fresh start.

3. Start Packing

“Pack smart by securing breakables, avoiding overstuffed boxes, and labeling everything clearly for an easier unpacking process,” Osborne says. Label boxes with fragile items so they are transported carefully, and number the boxes to account for everything. If you have moving insurance, the movers may even ask that you step back and let them professionally handle all the packing. 

“Ensure all large items are wrapped and secure with your moving company—many allow you to keep your clothing in your drawers,” says Wendy Richardson, realtor for Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene in Houston. Packing can be a big task, so break it down one room at a time to make the process manageable.

4. Update Utilities and Mailing Addresses

“Update your address with the post office, banks, subscriptions, and other services,” says Susan Greer, broker associate and realtor for Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene in Texas. Change the address on any identification cards, driver’s licenses, and banking cards. Ask neighbors to collect and pass along any mail that gets delivered between address changes.

Also, don’t forget about the utilities. “Update utility companies for both the previous home and new home to ensure no interruptions in service,” says Harvey. This change includes Wi-Fi, electricity, gas, and TV streaming services. It’s best to give two days’ advance notice and call back if disruptions persist.

Moving Day

The big day has finally arrived, and it’s important to stay on top of everything, including coordinating with movers. Start early to ensure everything gets done before nightfall.

5. Divide Tasks

Teamwork makes the dream work. “Have one person at the old home to ensure movers are getting all items and being careful, and have one person at the new home guiding them to the right room with the right pieces of furniture and boxes,” says Richardson. The same strategy applies for moves without hired movers.

6. Supervise Loading and Unloading

Depending on whether you’ve hired movers (which is a good idea for big moves), now’s the time to do (or supervise) the loading, transporting, and unloading. Ensure fragile and important items are handled and transported properly.

7. Stay Fueled

Amidst the busyness, it’s easy to forget to take breaks, eat, and drink water. But staying fueled—especially for moves in the hot summer weather—is crucial. “Schedule lunch in advance for movers, purchase drinks (water and sodas in an ice chest ready to go, so no one needs to leave to pick up items). It’s a busy day, and you need all hands on deck,” says Harvey.

Working with Movers

8. Check in with Movers

When the movers first arrive, take a few minutes to confirm details with them—do you have a weight limit that they need to keep in mind or certain items you prefer to be packed last? “Double-check the arrival time, costs, and services included with the movers,” says Greer. Having this quick check-in hopefully avoids any surprises (like unexpected costs) on moving day and provides a better timeline.

9. Supervise Movers

If moving feels overwhelming, you might be inclined to walk away and leave the movers to their work. But it is best to have a team of people available to supervise. Have one person at the new home to guide and another at the original home to facilitate. Have the person at the new home unlock and open the doors for the movers. “Check to ensure you have all the number of boxes you started with and that the larger items are not damaged,” Richardson says.

Again, ensure all fragile and priority items are handled with care during loading and unloading. “Have two other people check behind to make sure nothing is left. There is almost always something left in the bottom oven drawer,” Harvey says.

Final Checks Before Leaving

Getting all the boxes into a truck heading to the new home is the one big task, but there are a few last checks to do before saying goodbye to the old home.

10. Do a Final Walk-Through

Double- and triple-check that everything has been moved and the home is empty. “Before leaving, do a final walk-through to check closets, cabinets, and storage spaces, ensuring nothing is left behind,” says Osborne. Get somebody else to retrace your steps and do a walk-through so nothing is missed.

11. Clean the Home

Most leases require that you leave your rented house or apartment in move-in ready condition for the next occupant. “Leave your home in good condition—broom-swept, fridge emptied, and surfaces clean—so the new owners don’t have to deal with leftover messes,” says Osborne. No matter how tired you are after a big move, cleaning up is the right thing to do.

12. Leave Behind Important Items

Don’t accidentally take your old keys with you to the new home. Leave the instruction manuals for appliances and home systems in a drawer for the new owners. And for those looking to go the extra mile, “a bottle of wine and a welcome note are a nice touch!” Richardson adds.

13. Lock Up

“Secure the home to make sure that doors and windows are locked,” Greer says. Closing up the home is especially important for new owners who aren’t moving in for a while. “When you’re ready to lock up, take photos for documentation and turn off any remaining lights and appliances,” adds Osborne. Leave the keys in a lock box or with your real estate agent to ensure a smooth transition.

Settling into the New Place

Now that the hard part is done, it’s time to unpack and prepare your new home for a restful night. There are a few steps to make the transition easier.

14. Test Out Appliances and Utilities

Do a quick walk-through of the new home to ensure everything is in good working order. “Confirm that water, electricity, and other utilities are working,” says Greer. Test out appliances, toilets, faucets, and light switches, too. Take photos if you see something amiss during your light inspection. Talk to your realtor if major issues arise. 

15. Make Adjustments

If you can get the keys to the new place before bringing in bulky furniture, then make adjustments before settling in. “Plan out your new closet and add the shelving that makes sense for you (extra shoe racks, more shelves rather than hanging space, etc.),” says Scott Cosby, realtor with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers in Atlanta, Georgia. “Before getting all the furniture in the way, hang your drapes and blinds,” he says, “Protect those beautiful hardwoods! Put pads on the table and chair legs.”

Clean ducts and dryer vents, run wiring and extension cords, and seal and caulk windows, doors, and bathroom fixtures before unpacking items that will get in your way later.

16. Unpack Essentials First

Don’t try to unpack everything the minute you walk in. “Unpack essentials like toiletries, bedding, and kitchenware first,” Greer says. This makes everything a little more functional while settling in on the first night. Ideally, boxes should be placed in the rooms that will house them permanently. Work your way through the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom first. Then, move on to living spaces.

“Get everything unpacked at the new home as soon as possible,” says Harvey. “It is very hard for children to focus on schoolwork when they cannot find the items that are needed. It is the same with adults; everyone needs to be able to focus, and that is hard if the home is in disarray,” she adds. Try unpacking one room to near completion first. At least that will ensure you have one space to retreat to relax.

17. Enjoy the New Neighborhood

Remember to relax long enough to enjoy your new home. Go for a walk to check out the new area and meet new neighbors. “Explore the neighborhood, locating nearby grocery stores, pharmacies, and emergency services,” says Greer.

At the end of the busy and long moving day, “order takeout, relax, and celebrate your fresh start!” says Osborne.


Source: Nafessah Allen, BHG.com