The excitement of moving into a new place is real. You can’t wait to set your living room in a new home the way you want it to be or paint the wall in your favorite color. You probably even started packing weeks before the move-out date.

But, before you settle into your new home, there are some critical tasks to complete in your old one. Unfortunately, these things are often overlooked and forgotten in the moving chaos. To make sure you don’t forget them, we’ve rounded up the ten most important tasks for you to consider when moving out of a home:

Cleaning and De-cluttering:

Over time, we all collect things. Some are useful, while others are just for the sake of collecting. When moving, it’s essential to go through your belongings and decide what you should keep and what can be let go of. It’ll help you minimize the load and save money on moving.

The most practical way to start is to go room by room and decide what you want and don’t want. You can either donate, sell, or store in a self-storage unit.

One thing that’ll help you in the process is considering the size of your new home. Since Lake Charles has many homes of different sizes, it’s important to consider how much space you’ll need before bringing your items over. If moving to a relatively small home, search for some spacious Lake Charles self storage units to store your extra items.

Notifying Relevant People of Your Move:

Have you informed your post office, bank, and other relevant institutions of your move? If you’re moving out of state or even to a different town, you must let them know so you won’t have to worry about missing out on important mail and bills.

Similarly, if you have a newspaper or milk delivery service you’ve been using, make sure to cancel it before the move.

Also, please let your friends, family members, and others who care about you know that you are moving. It’s a nice gesture to keep them in the loop! Plus, you don’t want them to show up at your old address when you’re already gone.

Transferring School and Medical Records:

If you have school-going kids or elderly family members, transfer their medical and school records. You can contact the relevant schools and medical institutes to inquire about the process. Schools often have an online system that allows you to transfer records quickly and easily.

However, if you’re moving to a new state, you may be looking for new schools and doctors. You can research online to find the best fit for your family.

Checking with Utility Companies:

Have you contacted your utility company to have them shut off the services in your old home? You should also contact the gas and electricity companies to confirm they are aware of your moving date.

It’s important to give them plenty of notice (at least two weeks), so they can arrange for the services to be turned off.

You should also check if you need to pay any overdue charges before moving out.

Furthermore, inform the utility companies beforehand if you’re planning to leave any furniture or appliances behind. It’ll help them in their safety inspection process.

Defrosting Your Fridge:

Do you plan on taking your refrigerator with you when you move? If so, it’s crucial to defrost it before disconnecting it from the power source. It’s incredibly impractical and dangerous to move a fridge with ice inside. So, ensure you have plenty of time to let the ice melt before moving it out. If you forget about it now, you’ll probably have to spend precious last-minute hours doing it later.

The best way to defrost a fridge quickly and safely is to place a few hot towels inside it. The heat from the towels will help melt the ice. Alternatively, you can place a boiling pot inside the fridge.

Arrange Parking Space for Removal Van:

Most homeowners choose to work with professional movers. It helps to make the task of moving much more manageable and stress-free. However, before you arrange for the removal van, check with your neighborhood or building management to find out if you need to arrange for parking space in advance. Doing so is important, as it’ll save you time and money in the long run. Moreover, by being proactive, you can ensure you’re not causing any inconvenience to your neighbors.

Taking Care of Your Pet:

Amid all your packing and moving preparations, don’t forget to make arrangements for your beloved pets. It’s important to find a safe and comfortable place for them to stay while you are packing.

You can board your pet at a nearby kennel or ask a trusted family member or friend to take care of them for a few days. If you’re traveling by car, take all the necessary safety precautions, such as providing a comfortable carrier and ensuring that your pet has access to food and water during the journey. A stressed-out pet can be complicated to handle, so it’s important to plan and ensure it is comfortable during the move.

Scheduling a Thorough Cleaning for Your New Home:

You have high expectations for your new home, so make sure it’s in perfect condition when you move in. You can arrange for a deep cleaning service to come over and take care of the dirt and grime. It will ensure you don’t have to spend precious time cleaning your new home after a hectic move. Some areas of your home that need special attention are the carpets, upholstery, furniture, and kitchen appliances. You must also schedule a home safety inspection and check the gas, water, and electricity connections.

Pack a Box of Essentials:

Lastly, make sure you remember to pack a box of essentials. It will help you get settled into your new home quickly. You should include toiletries, bedding, snacks, and coffee in the box. It’s also a good idea to pack your chargers and other electrical items in the box, so you can easily find them later. If you have infants, keep a few diapers and extra clothes handy.

Conclusion:

Moving out can be a stressful process. There is so much to remember. That’s precisely why we wrote this post – to ensure you remember all of the essential tasks before moving out. So, take a deep breath and start ticking off items from the list. With careful planning and preparation, you can ensure your moving process is streamlined and stress-free! Good luck!