moving out of home checklist

Moving Out of Home Checklist: Everything You Need for a Smooth Transition

Published: 16 Jul 2024

Shifting to a new place can be an equally thrilling and overwhelming experience. The transition requires careful planning, whether you’re moving to a new city for a career opportunity, academic pursuits, or a desire for autonomy. 

Be prepared with a handy moving out of home checklist to ensure a smooth and stress-free move. From essential documents and clothes to bedding supplies and kitchen accessories, there are countless things you need when moving out. Maintaining a checklist ensures you remember and leave all important stuff behind. 

In this blog, we have compiled a comprehensive list for moving out to ensure a smooth and stress-free transition.

Here’s the Moving Out of Home Checklist & Essential Shifting Guide

1. Preparing for the Move

  • Set a Moving Date 

The first thing to tick off in your moving out of home checklist is to set a moving date. This allows you to create a timeline for the other tasks. Plan backward from your move-in day and schedule tasks like notifying your landlord, packing, and arranging for movers. Give yourself ample time to avoid last-minute chaos.

  • Budgeting for the Move

Moving can be expensive, so it is crucial to create a budget. When counting expenses, consider moving out essentials such as hiring a moving truck or purchasing packing supplies. These things cannot be avoided, so remember to include them in your moving budget. 

  • Hiring Professional Movers vs. DIY Move

One key point to tick off from your moving out of home checklist is determining whether you will do it DIY or hire professional movers. Hiring experienced removalists in Coffs Harbour can make the process smoother and more efficient. 

Alternatively, DIY moving saves money but requires time and effort. Choose between the two options based on the amount of stuff you need when you move out

  • Packing Supplies and Materials

Stocking up on packing supplies should be high on your list of moving-out essentials. You will need sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and markers. Label your boxes clearly to make unpacking easier. Consider purchasing specialty boxes for items like dishes and clothing.

2. Essential Documents

  • Lease or Purchase Agreements

If moving to a new home, make sure you have the necessary paperwork. Whether you’re moving to a new home or a rented one, keep your purchase contracts and lease agreements handy. 

  • Personal Identification 

Your identification documents are among the most important things you need when moving out. Gather your passport, driver’s license, birth certificate, and other important documents in one place and keep them in a separate folder or bag. 

  • Financial Documents 

Organise your financial documents, including bank statements, tax records, and income proof. Keep them safe and accessible, as they may be required for various applications and verifications at your new place.

  • Emergency Contacts and Medical Records

Compile a list of emergency contacts and have your medical records handy. This ensures you can quickly access necessary information in case of an emergency.

3. Kitchen Essentials

  • Basic Cookware 

Efficiently packing your kitchen utensils should be a high priority in your moving out of home checklist. Basic cookware like pots, pans, and other utensils are essential as they are needed for any kind of meal preparation. 

  • Dishes and Glassware

Your kitchen-specific list for moving out must include a set of dishes and glassware. This includes plates, bowls, and cups used to serve the food. 

  • Small Appliances 

To experience a seamless transition into your new kitchen, remember to pack your kitchen appliances like a toaster, microwave, and coffee maker. These make your daily life more convenient. 

  • Food Storage Containers

Food storage containers are essential kitchen items that help to keep your various ingredients organised. Take this opportunity to declutter and throw out some of the old containers to make more space. 

  • Cleaning Supplies 

Don’t forget to pack cleaning supplies for your kitchen. Dish soap, sponges, and towels are essential for maintaining a tidy space.

4. Bedroom Essentials

  • Bed and Bedding 

Your bedding, mattress, and pillows are among the important stuff you need when you move out. During interstate removals, ensure the bed and bedding items are packed, labelled properly, and kept together. This makes unpacking easier in the new home. 

  • Personal Items 

Personal items like clothes, hangers, laundry baskets, wall clocks, and more are essential for daily routines. Pack these functional items with care. 

  • Lighting 

The bedroom needs optimum lighting. Pack your lamps and night bulbs using bubble wrap to prevent any damage and ensure a well-lit bedroom in the new home. 

5. Bathroom Essentials

  • Toiletries 

Pack all your toiletries, like shampoo, soap, and toothpaste, in a separate bag for easy access. You’ll want to keep these moving-out essentials readily available during the hustle and bustle of moving day and those first few nights in your new place.

  • Towels and Washcloths

Your moving out of home checklist should have two sets of towels and washcloths. Pack one set for immediate access, while the other set can be packed with your other belongings in the moving truck.

  • First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is one of those essential things you need when moving out. Ensure it includes basic medical supplies like bandages, antiseptic, and pain relievers.

6. Living Room Essentials

  • Furniture 

Safely packing your existing furniture is a crucial step on the moving out of home checklist. This typically includes your sofa set, lounge chairs, coffee table, and other furniture pieces.

  • Entertainment 

Before moving out, ensure your entertainment devices, including your TV, speakers, gaming consoles, etc., are packed properly and carefully. 

  • Decor 

The living room moving out of home checklist also includes home decor items like rugs, curtains, various lamps, and artwork. 

7. Home Office Essentials

  • Desk and Chair

For those with a home office, their checklist includes a desk and chair to provide a comfortable working environment. 

  • Computer and Accessories (Printer, Scanner)

Other home office stuff you need when you move out include a computer, Wi-Fi router, and necessary accessories like a printer and scanner. Ensure they are packed with the right precautions. 

8. Cleaning and Maintenance Supplies

  • Cleaning Tools

Remember to pack your cleaning appliances and tools, such as vacuum cleaners, brooms, and mops. You must also invest in multiple cleaning solutions for different surfaces. These will help you maintain hygiene and cleanliness in your new home. 

  • Basic Tools 

A basic tool kit should be part of your essential list for moving out. Items like hammers, screwdrivers, and wrenches help with minor repairs and are useful in household maintenance. 

  • Miscellaneous Items 

Stock up on useful items like batteries and light bulbs. They can often get overlooked but are needed in critical times.

  • Trash Bags and Recycling Bins

To ensure proper waste management at your new home, add trash bags and recycling bins to your moving-out checklist. 

Conclusion

Moving can be exciting, but being prepared and organised is key to a smooth transition. Use this comprehensive moving out essentials checklist to ensure you have covered all the important elements. 

At Vault Moving and Storage, we ensure you have a stress-free and seamless moving experience – from office removals and residential relocations to storage solutions. For any moving assistance in Coffs Harbour, call us at 02 6650 0123