While moving day is often viewed as the finish line of the homebuying process, a successful move starts months in advance. From preparing belongings and coordinating logistics to settling into a new home, having a solid plan can make the transition easier for homeowners.
With more than 75 years of experience helping individuals and families relocate, Atlas Van Lines understands the details that can make a move feel seamless. Some of those details are easy to overlook, which is why Atlas recently shared its expertise in Redfin’s Moving Day Checklist for Austin, TX: What to Do Before, During, and After.
The guide offers practical advice for every stage of the moving process, including several ways homeowners can prepare for moving day
- Start planning eight to 12 weeks in advance: Giving yourself plenty of time to organize, pack, and prepare can help prevent a last-minute rush.
- Keep a First-Day Essentials Box close by: Pack the items you’ll need right away, like medication, chargers, and toiletries, so you don't have to search through boxes after arriving at your new home.
- Prioritize the most important rooms when unpacking: Focus first on the spaces you'll need immediately, then work through the rest of your home at your own pace.
- Keep an inventory of your belongings: Labeling boxes and tracking what you're moving can make it easier to stay organized throughout the process.
- Confirm which items can be transported: Check with your moving company ahead of time to make sure you understand what can and can’t be moved.
- Complete a final walkthrough: Before leaving your old home, take one last look through each room, closet and storage area to ensure nothing is left behind.
- Get familiar with your new home: Find out where important features like the circuit breaker and water shutoff are located. Knowing where these are before you need them can save a lot of frustration later.
These may seem like small steps, but they can have a large impact on how smoothly a move comes together. With the right preparation, homeowners can spend less time worrying about the logistics and more time settling into their new home.
For more moving resources, visit Atlas Van Lines’ Moving Tips & Tools.