Closing on a new home is a major milestone! While the transition can feel overwhelming, a proactive plan ensures your moving day is a celebration rather than a chore. But with the right plan in place you can make you move a smooth and easy experience. Follow this 30-day guide for a stress-free moving experience.
30 Days Out: Declutter and Strategize
With one month to go, your goal is to lighten the load. Moving items you no longer need costs time and money, so it’s better to start with a clean slate.
- Go through closest, drawers, and the garage (if you have one). Categorize items into keep, donate, or sell.
- When you visit your soon to be home measure your new floor plan to ensure your current furniture will fit the space.
- If you aren’t planning a DIY move, book your moving company now. Professional movers fill their schedules weeks in advance, especially for weekend slots.
Pro Tip: Start gathering supplies early. Beyond tape and bubble wrap, check local community groups for free recycled boxes to save on moving costs.
20 Days Out: Deep Packing and Logistics
Now is the time to get serious about packing. Start with non-essentials like seasonal clothing, books, and home décor.
- Label boxes by room and priority. Place heavier items at the bottom and fragile items on top.
- If you’re embarking on a long-distance move, take your car in for a tune-up. The last thing you want is a breakdown on moving day.
- Contact your service providers to schedule the transfer of electricity, gas, and water. Set these to activate on your closing date so you aren’t moving into a dark house.
- Visit the USPS website to set up official mail forwarding and update your billing address for credit cards and subscriptions.
Beyond the Post Office: Who Else Needs Your New Address?
Forwarding your mail the USPS is a great first step, but it’s a temporary fix. Take an hour this week to update your address directly with these institutions:
Employer & Payroll: Ensure your next W-2 or paycheck goes to the right place
Insurance Providers: Your auto, health, and life insurance policies need your new location to ensure coverage remains valid.
Bank and Investment Accounts: While your credit cards are critical don’t forget retirements accounts or 401k providers.
The DMV: Most states require you to update your driver’s license address within 30 days of a move.
10 Days Out: The Final Countdown
You’re in the home stretch! Focus on the “live-in” essentials and preparing the home for its next occupants.
- Pack a suitcase or clear bin with everything you’ll need for the first 24 hours: toiletries, chargers, basic tools, bed linens, and a few snacks.
- As rooms empty out, wipe down baseboards and vacuum floors. It’s a courtesy to the new owners and ensures you don’t leave anything behind in a dark corner.
- Empty the refrigerator of perishables and ensure all trash is scheduled for final pickup.
The Final 7 Days
As the countdown hits the one-week mark, the focus shifts from packing to logistics and living in the transition.
Confirm with the Pros: Call your moving company or truck rental one last time. Confirm the arrival window, the address of your new home, and any specific parking instructions for the truck.
The Essentials Grocery Run: Buy easy-to-eat, non-perishable snacks and paper plates for the first 48 hours. You won’t want to dig through boxes for a dinner plate or spend your first night grocery shopping.
Final Utility Check: Triple-check that your internet and cable are scheduled for installation. In a world of remote work, having wi-fi on day one is often just as important as having water!
Prepare Your Pets and Kids: Moving is a major disruption for the littlest members of your family. Pack a separate bag for them with familiar toys, favorite snacks, and any necessary medications to keep them comfortable during the chaos.
Moving Day
Perform one final walkthrough, lock the doors, and hand over the keys. Congratulations! You’re officially ready to start your next chapter.
The Closing Countdown: Red Flags to Avoid During Closing
While you are busy packing boxes, your mortgage lender is busy finalizing your loan. To make sure your loan stays on track for closing, avoid these four common pitfalls leading up to your move.
Don’t Make Large Purchases: It’s tempting to buy a new sofa or appliances on credit before the move. However, new debt changes your debt-to-income ratio, which could jeopardize your loan approval.
Don’t Open or Close Credit Accounts: Even if you’re just trying to consolidate debt, avoid opening new credit cards or closing old ones. These actions can cause sudden fluctuations in your credit score.
Don’t Change Jobs: Lenders look for stability. If you change careers or switch from a salaried position to a 1099/contract role during closing, it may require a brand-new manual underwriting process, delaying your move.
Don’t Make Large, Undocumented Deposits: If you receive a cash gift or move large sums of money between accounts, keep a paper trail. Lenders must source all funds used for your down payment and closing costs to comply with federal regulations.
At Southern Trust Mortgage, we’re here for more than just the loan, we’re here for the journey home. If you have questions about your upcoming closing or are ready to start your next application, reach out to our team today!
