11 Overlooked Items to Include on Your Moving Day Checklist

We've read dozens of moving checklists across the internet and with a quick search, those results are at your finger tips too. This, however, is a round up of our favorite, not-obvious reminders:

1. Moving Day Playlist

Start getting excited for the big day now by creating a custom playlist that will keep you pumped on moving day. If you're moving with other people, consider making it a collaborative playlist.

2. Get Boxes

If your moving company isn't providing boxes, you'll need to get them yourself. U-haul is a good option, but there are plenty of others. At U-haul you can buy more boxes than you need and return any that are completely unused. Other items you'll need include tape, dish boxes, bubble wrap, and plastic mattress covers. If you prefer a reusable option, there are services that will rent you large plastic tubs you can return when you're done.

3. Donate

Please, please, please go through your things before you pack. If you're doing the packing yourself, you'll have to touch every item anyway, so you might as well consider if you want to take it with you to your next house. Taking unwanted items with you costs you time and money because movers are likely charging you by the hour or the box and more boxes = more time. Also, you'll have to unpack it on the other end, and then find a place to store items you didn't want anyway?? Do yourself a favor and do this step now.

4. Start Packing Early

It takes longer than you think. You may find you need more boxes and you do not want to wait until moving day to figure that out. Start with the things you rarely use and leave your most frequently used items for last. Doing it this way, you can spread it out over time instead of one exhausting day. It will also give you more time to be thoughtful about what you're taking with you (see Donate above). Leave the boxes unsealed until right before the move so you can still access things if you needed them. And be sure to label the boxes before you seal them. Mystery box, anyone?

5. Take Pictures

Know what you have and the condition it's in in case anything gets damaged or goes missing. Make sure you know how many boxes you have and take photos of furniture, especially if movers are handling the furniture.

6. Change Your Mailing Address

We already talked about USPS in the article on what to do after closing, but chances are a lot of places depend on having an accurate address for you. Work? Your bank? Subscription services?

7. Change Locks

For safety, you'll want to consider changing locks. We like to assume good intentions, but you never know who may have keys to your house. Maybe prior owner gave copies to their mother, brother, neighbor, and best friend? Always better safe than sorry. While you're add it, reset or change out the garage opener if applicable and update home security passwords. Remove the sellers profile from any devices that stayed with the house like Ring doorbells or cameras.

8. Paint and Deep Clean

Regardless if you're going to do this yourself or have a professional do it, it's easier, less risky (paint spills on furniture!), and could be cheaper to paint while the house is empty. You could also consider having a professional move-in cleaning service or do a deep cleaning yourself. Also consider deep cleaning the carpets, which is likely a separate service from the move-in clean for the rest of the house. Ask your realtor, neighbors, or friends for recommendations if you need them.

9. Set Up the Internet

You'll be happy to be online on moving day.

10. Check the Mail

Do this at your old place of residence one last time on moving today.

11. Keep the Essentials Handy

Have toilet paper, hand soap, and paper towel easily accessible on moving day for your bathroom at the new house. We mean unpacked and with you. Seriously. You may promise yourself you'll remember what box you packed it in, but when nature calls, you'll be happy it's not packed away. It's also helpful to have scissors or a box cutter to open boxes and few trash bags handy since you'll create trash from unpacking.