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Moving into a new home is one of the biggest events in a person's life, and in 2026, Americans are planning it better than ever before. In 2024, about 25.87 million Americans will move, and the average move will cost more than $2,000. This makes planning more important than ever. If you know what to expect and how to get ready, this potentially stressful experience can turn into an exciting new chapter, whether you're buying your first home or moving for the fifth time.
Moving has changed a lot over the years. Movers today have to deal with a lot of new problems, like higher costs—78% of them have to deal with unexpected costs, according to Anytime Estimate—supply chain issues, and the need to find a balance between speed and thoroughness. But here's the good news: if you plan ahead and take a methodical approach, you can make this move go smoothly and get ready for success in your new home.
Moving is like a project with many steps. To be successful, you need to plan, carry out, and follow through. This guide breaks the whole process down into 15 important steps that will help you keep costs down, lower your stress, and make sure nothing gets missed.
The foundation of a successful move starts with understanding and planning for the true costs involved. Here's what this means for you: moving expenses extend far beyond hiring movers or renting a truck. According to recent industry data, the average American spent $2,050 on their move in 2024, but this figure masks significant variation based on distance and approach.
The cost of moving can change a lot depending on a number of things. According to research from Anytime Estimate, distance is very important. In 2024, the average cost of a move over 100 miles was $3,291, which is almost twice as much as the cost of a move under 100 miles, which was $1,666. Homeowners spent an average of $2,915 to move, while renters, who usually have fewer things, spent an average of $1,792.
ConsumerAffairs 2025 says that professional moving companies charge between $560 and $1,000 for local moves and about $5,500 for long-distance moves. The cost of a DIY move can be anywhere from $100 to $2,500, depending on how long you need to rent a truck, how far you have to go, and how much fuel you need.
The shocking reality: 78% of Americans experienced unexpected costs during their move, and 38% found their total moving expenses higher than anticipated. This explains why 40% of movers went over budget. Common hidden expenses include packing materials costing $200-$400 for a typical household, professional packing services adding $500-$1,500, storage rental for interim periods running $50-$300 monthly depending on unit size and location, and utility deposits and connection fees at your new home totaling $200-$600 across electric, gas, water, internet, and cable services.
Cleaning services for your old residence typically cost $150-$400 for a thorough move-out clean. Travel expenses during the moving period including hotels, meals, and transportation for your family can easily reach $500-$1,500 for long-distance moves. Pet boarding or transport services add $100-$500 depending on distance and number of pets.
Make a detailed budget spreadsheet that includes the following categories: the cost of hiring a moving company or renting a truck, the cost of packing supplies and materials, insurance and valuation coverage, travel and accommodation costs, utility deposits and setup fees, cleaning services at both locations, storage rental if needed, miscellaneous supplies and tools, and a contingency fund of 15–20% above your total estimate.
Take a deep breath. This may seem like a lot, but knowing the costs ahead of time will help you avoid money problems later. Keep track of all your expenses in your spreadsheet as you move so you can see where your budget estimates were right and where you need to make changes.
One of your first major decisions is whether to hire professional movers or handle the move yourself. This choice significantly impacts your budget, timeline, and stress levels throughout the process.
There are many different types of professional moving services. According to data from 2024, full-service movers charge an average of $2,907 to do everything from packing to unpacking. Labor-only movers will load and unload your truck for $25 to $50 per hour per mover. Specialty movers only move certain things, like pianos, antiques, or fine art.
According to ConsumerAffairs, there are about 16,851 moving companies in the United States, which employ about 114,240 people and operate 50,000 moving trucks. But because of this broken landscape, the quality is very different. If you're moving between states, check the company's USDOT number with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. You can look up their complaints on the Better Business Bureau's website. Get at least three written estimates that break down the services and costs in detail. Check to see what kind of insurance they have and what kinds of valuations they offer.
DIY movers spent an average of $1,334 in 2024, roughly half the cost of professional services. More importantly, 89% of DIY movers reported no regrets about their decision. These movers rated their moving experience at 6.7 out of 10, slightly higher than the 6.5 rating from those who used professional companies.
The DIY approach requires careful planning around truck rental budgeting $50-$200 per day plus mileage, fuel costs typically $200-$800 for long-distance moves, equipment rental including dollies and furniture pads at $50-$150, helper recruitment considering offering $20-$30 per hour plus meals, packing materials totaling $150-$300, and liability insurance for the rental truck.
Many successful movers combine approaches: hiring professionals for heavy furniture and appliances while handling smaller items themselves, or packing everything independently but hiring labor-only movers for loading and unloading. This hybrid strategy can reduce costs by 30-40% while minimizing physical strain and time investment.
Strategic timing can significantly impact your moving experience and costs. Understanding seasonal patterns and creating a detailed timeline prevents last-minute chaos and helps you secure better rates for services.
According to MovingPlace.com's 2025 statistics, the busiest time for moving is from May to August, when 45% of all moves happen. June is the month with the most moves, with 12.1% of all moves happening in that month. December has the fewest moves, only 5.2%, probably because of the cold weather and holiday plans.
This change in season causes big differences in prices. Moving during off-peak times from September to April can save you 20–30% on professional moving services. Moving in the middle of the month is better for availability and price than moving at the end of the month. When demand is high, moving during the week usually costs less than moving on the weekend.
Start getting moving quotes from at least three companies eight weeks before the big day. Sort your things into groups of things you want to keep, donate, sell, or throw away to get rid of clutter. Make or buy a complete moving binder to keep track of all the papers, receipts, and checklists related to your move. If you rent, let your landlord know and confirm the move-out requirements and how to get your deposit back.
Book your moving company or truck rental six weeks in advance. Start gathering packing materials like boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and markers. Take time off work on moving day and at least one day after that. To cut down on what needs to be moved, start using up frozen foods and pantry items.
Four weeks before you move, send the USPS a change of address form that lets them forward your mail for three months. Let banks, credit card companies, insurance companies, subscription services, and government agencies know that your address has changed. Start putting away things you don't need right now, like seasonal decorations, books, and special occasion dishes.
Make sure everything is in order with your moving company or truck rental two weeks before. Pack everything but the things you need every day. Get someone to watch your kids or pets on the day you move. Get rid of dangerous things like paint, chemicals, and propane in the right way. Clean and defrost the fridge and freezer.
Pack your essentials box with things you'll need for the first 24 to 48 hours a week before. Confirm the details of moving day, such as when you will arrive and where you will park. You can either clean your own home or hire a professional to do it. If you can, do a final walk-through of your new home. Give the movers cash, usually 15-20% of the total cost divided among the workers.
Effective packing makes the difference between an organized move and complete chaos. The key is developing a systematic approach that protects your belongings while making unpacking efficient at your destination.
Pack one room at a time rather than similar items from different rooms. This approach keeps related items together and makes unpacking more intuitive. Label each box with its destination room, a brief contents description, and a number. Create a master inventory list or spreadsheet tracking box numbers and contents.
Use a color-coding system with colored markers or stickers for each room: blue for bedrooms, green for kitchen, red for living room, yellow for bathrooms. This visual system helps movers place boxes in correct locations without reading detailed labels.
For an average 2-3 bedroom home, budget for 50-60 medium boxes, 20-30 small boxes, 15-20 large boxes, 10-15 wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes, 50-100 pounds of packing paper or newsprint, 5-10 rolls of bubble wrap, 6-10 rolls of packing tape, and multiple permanent markers in different colors.
Free or low-cost packing material sources include grocery stores where banana boxes are particularly sturdy, liquor stores with boxes containing dividers perfect for glassware, furniture stores with used boxes often available, Freecycle or Buy Nothing groups, and your current supply of towels, linens, and clothing as cushioning material.
Most of the time, kitchens need the most boxes and careful attention. Wrap each plate separately and stack them vertically, like records, instead of horizontally. Put paper between each thing. Put paper between each pot and pan in a nest. Wrap paper around and stuff paper inside of glasses and mugs. Wrap silverware in groups or put them in plastic bags with labels on them.
If the movers allow it, leave clothes in dresser drawers in the bedroom. Use wardrobe boxes to hang things up so they don't get wrinkled. To save space, vacuum-seal clothes that are out of season. Put jewelry in small boxes with tissue paper to protect them. Before unplugging, take pictures of the electronic setups to make it easier to put them back together.
To keep the weight down and avoid spills, you should throw away or donate partially used toiletries in the bathroom. Put tape or plastic wrap under the caps of the other bottles to keep them closed. Put liquids in plastic bags that are sealed. Wrap towels around bottles to protect them.
Coordinating utility transfers and address updates prevents service gaps and ensures important mail reaches you at your new location. This administrative task requires attention to detail and systematic execution.
Contact each utility provider at least 3-4 weeks before your move. For your current residence, schedule disconnection for one day after your move-out date to ensure service through your final day. Request final meter readings and billing statements.
For your new residence, schedule connections for one day before your arrival if possible. This ensures working utilities when you arrive. Be prepared to pay deposits typically $100-$200 per utility if you're new to the area or lack established credit history with local providers. Essential utilities to coordinate include electric service, natural gas, water and sewer, trash and recycling collection, internet and cable, home security systems, and phone service.
Submit your change of address with USPS at least two weeks before moving. This service costs $1.10 online and forwards mail for three months, giving you time to update individual accounts. Consider extending to 12 months for $22 if needed.
Financial institutions require immediate notification: banks, credit unions, credit card companies, investment and brokerage accounts, student loan servicers, mortgage lenders, and payment apps like PayPal or Venmo. Update your address on checks and reorder if necessary.
Government agencies need updated addresses within specific timeframes: Department of Motor Vehicles typically 10-30 days depending on state, Social Security Administration, IRS by filing Form 8822 or updating through tax software, voter registration, and professional licensing boards.
Insurance providers including health, auto, home or renter's, life, and disability insurance all require address updates. Your auto insurance rates may change based on new location. Homeowners insurance must be updated before your moving day for continuous coverage.
Moving impacts every family member, including pets and children who thrive on routine and familiar surroundings. Planning for their specific needs reduces stress for everyone and helps maintain stability during transition.
Kids deal with change in a different way than adults. Talk about the move early on, and do so in a positive way while also recognizing how they feel. Use picture books about moving to help younger kids understand. Let older kids look up information about their new school and neighborhood online.
Involve kids in ways that are right for their age. For example, let them pack their own rooms with help, give them disposable cameras to take pictures of their old home, make goodbye rituals like handprint art or photos with friends, and try to keep routines as much as possible during the move.
Ask for records 3–4 weeks before you move if you are going to a new school. If you can, set up orientation visits to the new school. Before you get there, get in touch with parent groups or families in your neighborhood who have kids the same age as yours. To keep things stable, stick to your school and bedtime routines.
Pets experience significant stress during moves. Schedule a veterinary check-up 2-3 weeks before moving. Obtain updated vaccination records and request medication refills. Ask about anti-anxiety medications if your pet is particularly stressed by changes.
Update microchip registration and identification tags with new contact information before the move. Secure travel carriers that comply with airline regulations if flying. Keep pets away from moving day chaos by arranging boarding or keeping them with friends or family.
During transport, never leave pets in moving trucks. They should travel in your personal vehicle with climate control, water access, and familiar items like toys or blankets. Plan rest stops every 2-3 hours for exercise and bathroom breaks.
At your new home, set up a safe room immediately with their bed, toys, food, water, and litter box. Keep pets confined to this space initially to prevent escape attempts while doors are opening frequently. Gradually introduce them to other areas once moving activity settles.
Moving day requires coordination, clear communication, and realistic expectations. Having a structured plan prevents chaos and ensures smooth execution from first box to final inspection.
Start early even if movers aren't scheduled until afternoon. Complete final packing of last-minute items. Strip beds and pack bedding. Clear refrigerator of perishables. Confirm arrival time with moving company or helpers. Prepare cash for tipping with denominations ready for individual crew members.
Designate one person as point of contact with movers. This prevents confusion from multiple instruction sources. Keep important documents, valuables, and essentials in your personal vehicle. Set aside cleaning supplies for final walk-through. Have snacks and drinks available for everyone helping.
Heavy furniture and appliances load first against the truck walls. Mattresses and box springs stand vertically along sides. Boxes stack in middle with heaviest on bottom. Fragile items pack last for easy access and careful handling. Fill gaps with soft items like pillows and blankets to prevent shifting.
Walk through your empty home doing final checks: open all cabinets and closets ensuring nothing remains, check garage, attic, and basement thoroughly, verify windows close and lock properly, check light switches confirm all bulbs work, photograph the property's condition for your records.
Your first priority upon arrival is securing your new property. Security measures protect your family and belongings while establishing peace of mind in your new environment.
Change all exterior locks immediately, even if the previous owner provided keys. You cannot know how many copies exist or who has access. Locksmith services cost $50-$200 for rekeying existing locks or $100-$300 for complete lock replacement. Many hardware stores offer rekeying services at lower costs if you remove locks yourself.
Test all doors and windows to ensure they close, lock, and seal properly. Check garage door openers and gate codes, reprogramming if necessary. Locate and test your circuit breaker panel. Identify main water shut-off valve and gas shut-off if applicable. Know locations of these utilities before emergencies occur.
Check all of the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. Change the batteries even if they seem to be working. Make sure there are fire extinguishers and that they are fully charged. Check that there are emergency exits from every room.
Check for any safety issues right away, such as loose handrails, things that could trip you, exposed wiring, water leaks, or gas smells. Fix important problems right away and write down the ones that need to be fixed later.
Unpacking efficiently requires the same systematic approach as packing. Focus on essentials first, then expand to less critical items as you settle in.
First day priorities: set up beds so everyone has a place to sleep, establish bathrooms with toiletries and towels, create a functional kitchen space for basic meals, set up your essentials area with medications and important documents.
First week priorities: arrange major furniture in living areas, organize kitchen completely for normal cooking, set up home office if you work remotely, establish laundry area, create functional closet and storage systems.
Second week priorities: arrange remaining furniture, hang artwork and decorations, organize garage and outdoor spaces, address remaining boxes methodically.
Before making any aesthetic changes, make sure each room is useful. You can still cook in a functional kitchen even if there are no decorations up. You can sleep well in a functional bedroom even if there aren't any pictures on the walls.
Before you buy furniture, take some time to think about where it will go. For a few days, live with temporary arrangements so you can see how traffic moves and how natural light comes in. Moving furniture around a lot wastes energy that could be used for other things.
Administrative tasks during your first week establish your presence in the new community and ensure continuity of essential services.
Most states require you to update your driver's license and vehicle registration within 30 days of moving. Schedule DMV appointments early as wait times can extend several weeks in busy locations. Bring proof of residency such as utility bills or lease agreements, your current license, vehicle title and registration, proof of insurance, and required fees.
Update vehicle insurance immediately as rates vary by location. Your current policy may already cover the grace period, but formally updating your address ensures proper coverage and potentially better rates based on your new area's statistics.
If you have kids, look for new healthcare providers like primary care doctors, dentists, pediatricians, and specialists for ongoing conditions. Ask your old doctors to send your medical records to your new ones. A lot of offices can send records electronically, but some need signed release forms.
Get your prescriptions filled at your new pharmacy. If you stay with the same pharmacy chain, you can transfer your prescription records. If you go to a new pharmacy, you can bring your prescription bottles with you. Make sure you have enough medicine on hand during the transition period.
Building connections in your new community helps transform a house into a home. Strategic community engagement accelerates your sense of belonging.
Introduce yourself to immediate neighbors within the first week. A simple knock on the door or friendly wave while outside works well. Share your contact information for emergencies. Ask about neighborhood norms like trash pickup schedules, HOA requirements, or community events.
Join neighborhood social media groups or apps like Nextdoor. These platforms provide valuable local information about services, events, and community concerns. Participate constructively in discussions to establish positive presence.
Look for important places like grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, banks, the post office, libraries, and hospitals. Check the hours and services of your favorite places.
Find places to have fun, like parks, trails, community centers, gyms, and restaurants. A lot of towns and cities give new residents welcome packets that have maps and lists of businesses. Your local city hall or chamber of commerce can help you find what you need.
If you have kids, look into social groups, sports leagues, music lessons, and youth programs. Kids can make friends and get used to their new surroundings by enrolling early.
Creating new routines in your home helps family members adjust while maximizing the functionality of your new space.
Establish cleaning schedules adapted to your new home's layout and size. Assign tasks among family members. Set up maintenance reminders for HVAC filters, pest control, lawn care, and seasonal tasks.
Create organizational systems for mail, paperwork, keys, and frequently used items. Designated spaces for these items prevent lost items and daily frustration. Label storage areas clearly so all family members know where items belong.
Map out new commute times to work or school. Factor in traffic patterns at different times of day. Identify alternate routes for emergencies or road construction.
Coordinate family calendars accounting for new distances to activities and appointments. Build in buffer time as you learn your new area. Establish new meal times that work with updated schedules.
Your first months in a new home reveal its quirks and improvement opportunities. Prioritize projects systematically to avoid overwhelming yourself.
Make three lists: one for immediate repairs (safety issues, major malfunctions), one for short-term improvements (cosmetic updates, convenience enhancements), and one for long-term projects (major renovations, landscaping overhauls).
Fix the things that need to be fixed right away, like broken appliances, leaky faucets, HVAC problems, electrical problems, and plumbing problems. These problems make life harder and could get worse if you don't deal with them.
Plan short-term improvements based on how much they will cost and how much they will help. You can make a big difference in how happy you are without spending a lot of money by painting rooms, updating light fixtures, putting up shelves, or doing some minor landscaping.
Research local contractors through neighborhood recommendations, online reviews, and professional associations. Get multiple quotes for significant work. Verify licensing and insurance before hiring.
Start with smaller projects to test contractor reliability before committing to major renovations. Pay attention to communication, timeliness, and workmanship quality.
Your first months in a new home reveal actual costs for utilities, maintenance, and lifestyle in your new area. Adjust your budget based on real data.
Monitor utility bills for the first few months to understand seasonal patterns and average costs. Electric, gas, water, and internet bills may differ significantly from your previous home based on size, age, efficiency, and local rates.
Track home maintenance costs including lawn care, repairs, HOA fees, and unexpected issues. These expenses help you budget accurately for future months and years.
Assess changes in commuting costs: fuel, tolls, public transportation, vehicle wear. Calculate the financial impact of your new location on transportation budget.
Review and adjust budget categories based on actual spending patterns. Allocate more to categories exceeding estimates and reduce funding for overestimated areas.
Build an emergency fund specifically for home repairs if you don't already have one. Experts recommend 1-3% of home value annually for maintenance and repairs. A $300,000 home requires $3,000-$9,000 annual reserve.
Taking time to reflect on your moving experience helps you identify what worked well and what you'll improve for your next move. Remember, the average American moves 11.7 times in their lifetime.
Document successful strategies: which packing methods saved time, which service providers exceeded expectations, which preparations prevented problems. Keep this information in a moving folder for future reference.
Identify cost-saving measures that worked: Did DIY packing save significant money? Did off-peak moving reduce costs? Did specific vendors provide excellent value? Note these for future moves or to share with friends.
Honestly assess what didn't work: Did you underestimate time requirements? Did you pack items you should have donated? Did you miss important administrative tasks? Learning from mistakes prevents repeating them.
Consider emotional and stress management: What would have reduced anxiety? Would hiring more help have been worth the cost? Did you allow enough time for adjustment? These insights improve future transitions.
Create a master moving checklist combining lessons learned with this guide's framework. Customize it to your specific needs and circumstances. Update it after each move to refine your process continuously.
Take time to acknowledge your accomplishment. Moving is consistently rated as one of life's most stressful events, alongside divorce and job loss. You've successfully navigated a major transition.
Plan a housewarming celebration once you're settled. Invite new neighbors and friends to see your home and begin building community connections. This milestone marks the official transition from "moving in" to "living here."
Moving into a new home represents one of life's significant transitions, combining practical logistics with emotional adjustment. As we've explored through these 15 essential steps, success depends on systematic planning, realistic budgeting, and attention to both obvious and hidden details that smooth your transition. The statistics paint a clear picture: with 25.87 million Americans moving annually according to MovingPlace.com, average costs exceeding $2,000, and 78% experiencing unexpected expenses, preparation is not optional. But these same statistics also reveal opportunities. DIY movers save significant money without sacrificing satisfaction. Off-peak moves reduce costs by 20-30%. Strategic planning prevents the stress that affects 92% of unprepared movers. Your new home represents more than a physical location. It's where you'll build memories, establish routines, and create the life you envision. By following these essential steps, you've set a foundation for that success. The first few weeks require patience as you navigate unfamiliar surroundings and adjust to new patterns. Give yourself grace during this transition period.
The distance, size of the home, and method of moving all have a big effect on the cost.
Anytime Estimate's 2024 data shows that the average American spent $2,050 on their move. Long-distance moves that were more than 100 miles away cost an average of $3,291, while local moves that were less than 100 miles away cost about $1,666. Homeowners spent an average of $2,915, while renters with fewer things spent an average of $1,792.
ConsumerAffairs says that professional moving services cost between $560 and $1,000 for local moves and about $5,500 for long-distance moves. DIY moves can cost anywhere from $100 to $2,500, depending on how long you need to rent a truck, how much gas you need, and what tools you need.
It's important to note that 78% of movers have to pay for things they didn't expect, and 40% go over their budget. So, add 15% to 20% to your estimate to make up for hidden costs like packing supplies, storage rental, utility deposits, cleaning services, and travel costs during the move.
The best times to move are when it's not busy, which is from September to April.
MovingPlace.com says that May through August is the busiest time of year for moving, with 45% of all moves happening during this time. The most moves happen in June, with 12.1% of all moves happening then. The least moves happen in December, with only 5.2% of all moves happening then.
Moving during off-peak times can save you 20–30% on professional moving services because there is less demand.
Also, mid-month dates are better for prices and availability than moves at the end of the month, when leases usually end and demand goes up. Moving during the week is cheaper than moving on the weekend.
If you can be flexible with your schedule, the best time to move is in the middle of the week in late fall or winter.
When planning winter moves, though, think about the weather in your area, especially if there is a lot of snow or ice that could make loading and transporting more difficult.
Your budget, physical ability, available help, distance, and timeline all play a role in this choice.
In 2024, DIY movers spent an average of $1,334, while professional movers charged an average of $2,907. This is a big difference in price. Also, 89% of DIY movers said they didn't regret their choice, and they rated their moving experience a little higher (6.7 out of 10) than those who hired professionals (6.5 out of 10).
If you're moving less than 100 miles, have a small home with few things, have reliable help from friends or family, or have a flexible schedule, doing it yourself is best.
For long-distance moves, homes with heavy furniture or specialty items like pianos, moves with tight deadlines, situations where you can't get help, or when you can't lift heavy things because of a physical problem, it makes more sense to hire professional movers.
Think about a hybrid approach: you pack your own things and hire movers who only do the loading and unloading. This can save you 30–40% on costs and make the move easier on your body.
At least three to four weeks before you move, get in touch with each utility company.
Set up your disconnection for one day after you move out so that you can still use the service until the last day. If you can, set up connections for your new home one day before you move in.
Electricity, natural gas, water and sewer, trash and recycling, internet and cable, and phone service are all basic utilities.
Get ready to pay deposits. If you are new to the area or don't have a good credit history with local providers, you will usually have to pay $100 to $200 per utility.
Put your confirmation numbers and scheduled appointment dates in your moving binder.
Ask for final meter readings and bills from your old address. Some utilities may need you to set up appointments in person at your new home, so make these appointments early to make sure you can get them around the time you move.
Your top priority should be safety.
Even if the previous owner gave you keys, you should change all of the locks on the outside doors right away. Make sure that all of your windows and doors close and lock properly. If you need to, check the codes on your garage door openers and reprogram them.
Find your circuit breaker panel, main water shut-off valve, and gas shut-off valve, and test them so you know where they are in case of an emergency.
Check all of your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. Even if they seem to be working, change the batteries.
Make sure there are working fire extinguishers in the garage and kitchen.
Next, set up the most important living areas, starting with the bathrooms and bedrooms, so that everyone has usable spaces right away. Then set up a basic kitchen so you can make simple meals.
Take pictures or videos of the property's condition before you unpack, just in case problems come up later.
Last but not least, get to know your neighbors and get their emergency contact information.
Talk to them about the move early on, and make sure to frame it in a positive way while also acknowledging how they feel.
For younger kids, picture books about moving can help them understand what is going on. Let older kids look up information about their new school and neighborhood online.
Let kids help with moving tasks that are appropriate for their age. For example, let them pack their own rooms with your help, give them cameras to take pictures of memories of your current home, and make goodbye rituals like handprint art or pictures with friends.
Try to keep your routines as much as you can during the change.
Ask for records 3–4 weeks before you move for school transfers, and if you can, set up orientation visits.
Before you get there, get in touch with parent groups or families in your neighborhood who have kids the same age as yours.
Once you're settled in, sign your kids up for sports, activities, or clubs to help them meet new people.
During the move, make sure that your favorite toys, books, and comfort items are easy to get to.
Keep your bedtime and school schedules the same to help you stay stable during changes.
Things that are out of sight or that people forget about are the most common things that people forget.
Look carefully in the attic, basement, garage rafters, outdoor sheds, and crawl spaces. Even if you think they are empty, open every drawer, closet, and cabinet.
Take down mirrors, shelves, hooks, and pictures that are on the walls. Look behind doors for hooks or organizers that go over the door.
If you have a safe deposit box where you are now, get the things you need from it.
Gather things from outside, like garden hoses, tools, decorations, the contents of your mailbox, and things in your car's trunk.
If you have a desk or locker at work, you can collect things there.
Keep track of things you borrowed from friends or family, like books, tools, or other things.
Look for things in the laundry room or utility room right now.
Most importantly, before you leave, walk through your whole property one last time, opening every door and storage space. Bring someone else with you for this last check, because new eyes often see things you missed.
The timeline is very different for each person, but research shows that most people feel settled within three to six months.
Most households can finish unpacking their boxes in two to four weeks, but some boxes may stay packed for much longer if they hold things that aren't necessary.
It takes longer for some people to adjust emotionally. It might take kids a whole school year to feel at ease. Adults who work outside the home often adapt more quickly because the routines at work give them structure.
There are several stages to the transition: meeting immediate survival needs in the first week, getting basic functionality up and running in weeks two through four, making living spaces comfortable in months two and three, and finally feeling at home emotionally in months three through six.
The amount of time it takes to adjust depends on things like whether the move was voluntary, how far away the new home is from the old one, whether there are already social networks in the new area, and the ages and life stages of family members.
During this time, be kind to yourself and know that it's normal to feel a little off.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which is in effect until 2025, will stop most taxpayers from being able to deduct moving costs.
This deduction is only available to active duty members of the Armed Forces who have to move because of military orders that require them to change stations permanently.
Members of the military who meet certain requirements can deduct the costs of moving themselves and their household goods, as well as the costs of traveling, including lodging but not meals.
Costs that can't be deducted include meals, trips to look for a new home before moving, costs of buying or selling a home, breaking a lease, and living expenses while you wait to move.
Use IRS Form 3903 to claim the deduction if you are an active duty military member and your move meets the requirements.
Keep track of all your moving costs with detailed records and receipts.
Some employers offer relocation assistance as part of their pay packages for non-military taxpayers, but this help is usually taxed as income.
Tax laws are complicated and can change, so talk to a tax professional about your own situation.
Take things that can't be replaced with you instead of putting them in the moving truck.
This group has things like family heirlooms, important papers like birth certificates and passports, jewelry, collections of great value, electronic devices with private information, medicines, and things that mean a lot to you.
Carefully pack these things in your own car, where you can see and control everything while you move.
Before the move, take pictures of all the big or valuable furniture that needs to go in the moving truck to show how it is.
Get more insurance than what is included in the standard valuation that comes with moving services. This usually only covers 60 cents for each pound of each item. This basic coverage isn't enough for valuable things.
You might want to think about getting full value protection. This means that the moving company will pay for the cost of replacing or fixing things that are lost or broken.
Look at your renters or homeowners insurance policy to see if it covers your belongings while they are being moved.
Make a list of all your things, write down their serial numbers, and get an appraisal for any items that are worth a lot of money before you move.
You might want to hire specialty movers who know how to handle fine art and antiques and have insurance for them if you have very valuable things like that.
The extra cost isn't worth it for the peace of mind that comes with good protection.
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