Did You Just Buy a New House? Here's Your Moving Checklist

Did You Just Buy a New House? Here's Your 30-Day Moving Checklist

Pinch yourself; it’s happening! Whether it’s your first home or your fifth, it’s exciting to know that moving day is getting closer and soon you’ll have the keys in your hands.

Of course, there’s plenty to organize between now and possession day. From packing and arranging movers to setting up utilities and insurance, a little planning can make the whole experience a lot less stressful. Here’s a practical moving checklist to help you get ready for your new home.

Are you planning to buy a house in Edmonton or in the surrounding areas? Downloading my detailed Buyer’s Guide will get you off to a great start.

Day One: Celebrate!

You’ve worked hard to find and negotiate for the right house. There’s still plenty to do now that the offer is signed and accepted, but first, take a moment to enjoy it! Go out for dinner, pop some bubbly or just start imagining how you’ll make your new place your own.

If your new home is in Edmonton, you really do have a lot to look forward to! Check out the posts below:

Day Two: Get Organized

Moving comes with a million little things to remember, so start a running checklist on your phone. I suggest keeping two lists: one for everything you need to do before leaving your current home and another for everything you need to arrange for your new one.

Whenever something pops into your head, add it to the list. It’s amazing how many little details come up between buying a home and actually moving in! (Plus it’s fun to cross things off).

Day Three: Start Planning Your Move

You might feel overjoyed at the thought of your new home. All the same, the process to get there can seem overwhelming, and everyone’s journey looks a little different. Moving out of a four-bedroom house you’ve lived in for 10 years is a lot different from leaving an apartment you’ve rented for six months. Everyone’s situation is different, but there are a few things everyone needs to take care of before possession day.

Here’s what to get started on.

Before Your Move: From Now to Possession Day

Call the movers to schedule an appointment. Companies can book up quickly, especially during peak season or during weekend slots.
Book the day off work for your move and give yourself a little breathing room if possible.
Get in touch with your insurance company to switch your policy to your new house. Your real estate lawyer will require proof of insurance before finalizing your transaction.
Start collecting boxes and organizing your items. Important tip: Label what is in each box and what should go in what room. This will save a lot of confusion on moving day! (Otherwise, you might spend hours unpacking everything before finally finding your shampoo. Which will naturally be in the very last unlabelled box!)
Log in to all of your utility accounts to either cancel their services or change your address. Book any installations for the day, if possible.
If you’re selling your current home, get it ready for the new owners. Make sure everything is moved out by the agreed possession time, complete any repairs or other obligations required by your contract, and leave the property clean and in good condition. Take a few photos once it’s empty, and don’t forget to leave behind all the keys, garage remotes, mailbox keys and mailbox number, and anything else included in the sale.

Ask about access for measurements. If you’d like to measure rooms or plan furniture placement before possession, your REALTOR® can ask whether the seller will accommodate a visit. Don’t assume access is automatically included.
Update your address. Remember your bank, employer, insurance, subscriptions, Alberta driver’s licence, vehicle registration and other important accounts.
Forward your mailing address at Canada post.
Pack a first-night essentials box. Toilet paper, soap, towels, bedding, medications, chargers, coffee supplies and a change of clothes. Keep it with you rather than sending it on the moving truck.
Confirm your lawyer’s appointment. Make sure you know when you’re signing your closing documents, how much money you’ll need to provide and when those funds are due.
Stay in touch with your real estate agent and ask lots of questions throughout the process. That’s why we are here!

Make sure your belongings are removed by the agreed possession time, leave the property in the condition required by your contract, and take care of any agreed repairs or other obligations before handing over possession. It’s also a good idea to photograph the property once it’s empty and remember to leave behind the keys, garage remotes, mail keys (and number) and any other items included in the sale.

Is it time to consider a new home in Edmonton? The posts below might convince you:

Immediately After Possession (Before You Move In)

Inspect the property right away. Run the taps, flush the toilets, test the appliances, check the heating and cooling, and make sure the garage door opener works.
Check for anything unexpected. Look for damage, leaks, missing appliances or fixtures, or items the seller was supposed to leave behind. If something isn’t right, contact your REALTOR® promptly.
Check the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, install new batteries or replace if needed.
Do the deep, deep clean of the kitchen, bathroom, and appliances, preferably while the house is still empty. Better yet, hire a cleaner and carpet cleaner for closing day, and do your move the following day.
Contact a locksmith and change the locks in your new house. Don’t forget the garage codes.
Change the filter in the furnace.
Check your keys and remotes. Make sure you have access to the garage, mailbox, storage locker and any other areas included with the property.
Locate your mailbox and arrange for new keys with Canada Post. The lock change and new keys are completely free for all community mail boxes. .
Say “hello” to the neighbour and ask where all the best restaurants are nearby. Better yet, invite them to help you move (just kidding) but do introduce yourself!

If all of this feels overwhelming, remember to ask for help. When working with a well-connected, full-service real estate agent, support is available at every stage in the process.

It’s your first day in your new house, so do something fun! Starting out with a positive memory is the best way to begin this new adventure.

Make Your New Home Feel Brand New (Even If It Isn’t!)

Moving is the perfect excuse for a little refresh! Your house doesn’t have to be brand new for everything in it to feel fresh and new. And after all the work of buying a home and moving, why not treat yourself to a few things?

Here are some of my favourite ways to make a new place feel like yours:

Fresh bedding and fluffy white towels. There’s something so nice about crawling into a freshly made bed or having beautiful new towels in your bathroom.
New kitchen towels and dishcloths. Such a small thing, but it makes the kitchen feel fresh right away.
Rugs, cushions and throw blankets. You don’t necessarily need new furniture. A few different textures and colours can completely change how a room feels.
Dishes and glasses. Maybe your new home has a different style than your last one. Why not find a few pieces that suit your new vibe?
Lightbulbs and lighting. Replace burnt-out bulbs, make sure the colour temperature is consistent, and consider updating any light fixtures you don’t love. Lighting makes such a difference!
Those little projects you’ve been planning. Painting, replacing hardware, changing light fixtures or updating a room? Make a plan and schedule them as soon as possible, ideally before you move all your furniture in. The longer you live with something, the less likely you are to get around to changing it!

You don’t have to spend a fortune or replace everything you own. Sometimes it’s the smallest changes that make a house feel like home. And if there’s something you really want to change, don’t put it off. You’ll be surprised how quickly you get used to it and then it never gets done. You deserve to enjoy every inch of your home while you live there, and not only when it’s time to sell and then you remember these little things you meant to take care of. Budget and do it now!

Ready to explore the exciting world of Edmonton real estate? Send me an email to jolene@jolenelangelle.com or give me a call at 780.910.1317 today to chat about the possibilities.