9 Pre- and Post-Move Tips for a Stress-Free Transition

Even if you’re just starting the moving process, it’s not too early to prepare for life in your new home. Actually, there are tasks we recommend tackling months in advance in order to ensure a smooth post-move transition.

We at Armstrong Relocation – Huntsville are committed to making your move as stress-free as possible. Here is a checklist of what you should complete before, during, and after the move to make sure you’re ready for your new home. 

Before the Move: 

• Set up your utilities, Internet, and cable.

The last thing you want is to start settling in on moving day, then realize you have no light or running water. Call your power, gas and water companies to make sure your utilities will be connected by the time you move. If the utilities are already connected, you will simply need to transfer them into your name and update your billing information. If you will be working from home, remember to call ahead to set up high-speed Internet in your home office. If you want cable in your new home, go ahead and schedule installation now so that you can slip right into your family’s regular schedule once you arrive to your new home.

• Change your address on everything.

And we do mean everything. A lot of valuable accounts are using your old address: your mail, bank accounts, credit cards, checks, loan providers, payrolls, taxes, voter’s registration, social security, and monthly subscriptions. Make a list of everything you will need to update with your new address, and work your way through the list one-by-one. You’ll thank yourself later.

• Research schools for your kids.

If you have children in school, you should start researching schools in your new area as soon as possible. Begin by looking up local schools online using resources such as in the National Center for Education Statistics database. Consider what you’re looking for in a school environment, and assess which schools meet your criteria. Call the prospective schools to ask if they are currently performing tours, and schedule a day to go visit if they are.

On Moving Day:

• Child-proof the house.

While your movers are transporting items into your new home, investigate each room to see how you can child-proof it. Do you have tight covers for your electrical outlets? Do your bathrooms have locks? Can you switch your blinds or curtains to cordless options? Set up your safety gates as soon as possible, and begin child-proofing sharp corners and other dangerous areas.

• Locate the fuse box and water supply shut-off.

In case of an emergency, you should know the locations of your fuse box and water supply shut-off. Find these areas of your home, and make sure you have a basic understanding of how they work.

• Re-install your appliances.

At Armstrong Relocation – Huntsville, we can perform this step for you by disconnecting, moving and reinstalling your appliances on moving day. Our professionals will make sure everything is ready for you and working properly.

After the Move:

• Ensure the security of your new home.

First, change all the exterior locks to make sure that you and your family are the only ones with access to entry. Set up a new home security system, and test it to see if it is working as it should. Double-check your smoke detectors, and replace any old batteries.

• Find a new doctor, dentist and vet.

If you’re moving to a new state or even a new part of town, you need to find new health providers, including a new doctor, dentist and vet. Take your time researching options online, and ask your friends, family, or neighbors for their recommendations. Once you’ve decided, call your old provider and ask them to transfer your medical records over to your new location. Remember to also transfer any prescriptions to a pharmacy near your new home.

• Clean your home.

Once you’re all moved in, you may want to do a deep clean of the house. Recycle your packing material, wipe down all your surfaces, sweep the floor clean of any debris, and check your air filter to see if it needs changing.

• Send out change-of-address announcements.

You don’t want to miss those precious holiday cards and special invitations once you move to your new home. Sending a “change of address” postcard to your friends and family will ensure everyone has your updated information.

For a smooth transition into your new home, you need movers you can trust. Call Armstrong Relocation – Huntsville today at 256.772.6664 or request your free quote online.