What Is the Best Way to Move a House? A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Moving to a new house can be very stressful for people. It is not limited to packing and hiring a truck. You should plan each step, from organizing your items to getting used to your new home. If you plan well, moving can be easy. This guide provides clear instructions on how to move a house. It is based on the Hemingway App’s rules—using short sentences, simple words and active voice.

Plan Your Move Early

The first thing you should do is plan ahead. Once you have your moving date, begin making a plan. Prepare a list of all the tasks you have to complete before, during and after the move. Remember to look for a moving company, get the supplies you need for packing, update your address and inform your service providers. Making a detailed moving plan helps you stay calm and remember everything. Plan your move at least 6 to 8 weeks ahead of your moving day.

Sort and tidy up your possessions.

Before packing, walk through every room in your house and choose what you want to bring with you. Moving is a good opportunity to get rid of things you don’t need. Dispose of things you do not need or use anymore. You can give away, sell or throw out things you no longer need. This way, you will use fewer boxes, spend less time packing and pay less for moving. It allows you to begin in your new home with less clutter.

Decide Between Professional Movers or DIY

After you have your list of items, decide if you want to hire movers or handle the move yourself. If you have many items to move, a large house or are moving far, it might be best to hire professional packers and movers. They will do the hard work of loading, unloading and sometimes packing your belongings. This is helpful when you need to save time and energy because you are busy.

If you have a small budget or not many things to move, you could try a DIY move. You may rent a truck, ask friends or family for help and manage the move by yourself. Consider how much time, money and effort will be needed for each option before deciding.

Get the Right Packing Supplies

Get all the packing supplies you require before you start packing. You should have boxes in different sizes, strong packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper and markers. You should also have labels to put on your boxes. Pack heavy items like books in small boxes and put lighter items like clothes and linens in larger boxes.

Cover dishes, glasses and electronics with bubble wrap or towels. Tape up each box and write on it what is inside and the room it should go to. This will allow movers to put boxes in the correct rooms and make unpacking less difficult.

Pack One Room at a Time

Pack each room separately. Start by cleaning the rooms you use the least such as guest rooms, storage areas or the garage. Leave the kitchen and bedroom until the end of your cleaning. It allows you to keep your life in order and feel less stressed.

When packing, put the heavier things at the bottom and the lighter ones on top. Make sure boxes are not too full or they might break. If you can, take apart large pieces of furniture like beds, tables and shelves to help with the move.

Prepare a Box of Importants

Before you move, prepare a box with things you will need as soon as you arrive at your new place. The box should hold some toiletries, a set of clothes, chargers, some snacks, important papers and any needed medications. Carry the box yourself instead of putting it in the moving truck. You won’t have to look through all your boxes on the first night because you’ll have everything you need.

Notify Important Contacts

Let the companies that provide important services know about your move. Inform your electricity, gas, water, internet and cable companies to stop your service at your current place and start it at your new home. Notify your bank, employer, doctor and insurance companies about your new address. Let the post office know your new address so that your mail is delivered to you there.

If your children are in school, let the school know and organize the transfer of their records. Remember to update your driver’s license and vehicle registration if you’re moving to another state.

Confirm All Arrangements

A few days ahead of moving, make sure everything is set. If you have a moving company, confirm the time, date and address with them. If you’re renting a truck, look at your reservation and confirm that you have all the necessary items such as hand trucks or furniture pads. Make a printed version of your moving checklist to help you keep track of what you have done.

As you finish packing, clean your current home. If you are moving out of a rented house, this step becomes very important to get your security deposit back. Go through every room to make sure you haven’t missed anything.

Moving Day Tips

On the day you move, keep your cool and follow your plan. Get up early, put on something comfortable and eat a good breakfast. Charge your phone and always have your essentials box with you. Be prepared when the movers or your helpers get to your place. Take them through the house and point out which things are fragile and should be handled carefully.

If you have kids or pets, make sure someone is available to look after them. Since moving can be hectic, making sure your pets are safe and comfortable will help everyone.

Unload and Unpack Wisely

After you get to your new home, start unloading and put the boxes in the right rooms. Start by taking out the things you need from the essentials box, then move on to the kitchen and bedroom. Work on one room at a time. It helps you keep your things in order and avoid mess. Take your time when you are learning. Remember to take breaks and drink water regularly.

Save the boxes and bubble wrap you use for packing. You could use them again for moving or storing things in the future. Dispose of things you don’t use by recycling them.

Settle Into Your New Home

After you have unpacked the main areas, spend some time getting to know your new home and the area around it. Say hello to your neighbors and find out where the closest shops, schools, hospitals and public transport are. Arrange for your utilities, internet and other services as required.

Set up new habits and make your new place feel comfortable. Put up pictures, decorate your room and get comfortable in your new place. You might not feel completely at home for a few days or even weeks and that’s normal.

Helpful Moving Tips to Remember

Take a photo of the back of your electronics before you unplug any wires. This will help you bring them together again in your new home. Put small screws or bolts into ziplock bags and attach them to the furniture they go with. Wrap your fragile items in towels, clothes and blankets instead of bubble wrap.

Create a digital spreadsheet showing what is in each box. This allows you to monitor your belongings during the move and report anything that goes missing. Being patient and positive is the most important thing to do during the process. When things are difficult, remember that it’s only a small part of your new beginning.

Conclusion

The most effective way to move a house is to plan ahead, keep everything organized and avoid complications. Get rid of things you don’t need, decide if you want to hire movers or do it yourself, collect the necessary supplies and pack everything properly. Update your address and set up utilities before you move. On the day you move, keep calm, unpack things with a plan and allow yourself to get used to your new home.

If you do these things, your move will be easier, faster and less stressful. A well-organized move helps you save time and money and lets you enjoy your new home right away.