The Keys to a Successful, Effortless Move this Summer

Congratulations, you bought a home! A huge weight feels like it's been lifted, but still the entire to move to begin working on. Lennar is here to lighten the load. We've compiled some tips to help make the move this summer as smooth as possible. Let's get going!

2 MONTHS OUT

The first thing to do is select a moving date. The day of your move can be affected by several things: when you get your keys, if you want to customize paint colors, even what day of the week works best. It can take a long time to pack/unpack, so the weekend may provide the best window. Once that's taken care of, it's time to arrange for a moving truck. Whether you've enlisted the help of friends and family or hired professionals, you'll need a vehicle. Then find a date that works for everyone.

In addition to preparing for moving, you should also prepare for living. This means researching new schools, doctors, dentists, and other professionals. Whether moving to a new area or just down the road, it's important to check which school district the new home is in and what medical professionals you may need are nearby. This is also a good time to gather important documents to have ready.

1 MONTH OUT

The big day is approaching, it's time to start collecting boxes and packing material. Getting this started ahead of time is a massive time saver and can help alleviate stress and anxiety before the move. Some companies even offer specialized packing items, like kits for packing glassware and dishes. Start packing items that aren't used on the day-to-day, such as closets and décor, before moving to the daily items the closer you get to the big day.

Pro tip: When packing a box, try to keep all the items in it from the same room and label it. This makes moving boxes to the right room and unpacking a lot easier. We also recommend bubble wrapping any breakables and loading the heavier items at the bottom of the box. For the eco-conscious, try using blankets/towels/clothes instead of single use wrapping material.

This is also the time to order new furniture. This is a great time to replace those large, cumbersome items. Sell or donate them while their replacements are shipped to your new place. Just make sure they're scheduled to arrive when you're there.

Before you fill the new home up, now is the time to customize the new home. Since the new home is already empty, now is the perfect time to change up the paint, install new light fixtures and anything else to fit your style. No covering or moving necessary. Just head over to the new place a little early and take care of it. You should also schedule technological installations. Getting the cable, internet and home security set ahead of time can help make you feel safe and secure in your new home from the first day. It's easier to run cables through the home without anything in the way. Then, when all the moving is done, you're wifi is already up and running.

Finally, before you leave, you will want to update your current services. You will want to contact your providers and cancel or transfer any services - water, gas, electric, garbage, cable, and internet. You will want to also reach out to your future providers and get those all set up to start the day you arrive.

1 WEEK OUT

As you continue to pack for the big move, now is a good time to start purging the things you don't want or need anymore. Scrutinize everything and really ask yourself if you want it in your new home. There's no need to carry things you don't have to, so gather the unwanted items and donate them.

Since you're leaving soon, you will need to reach out to several different professional and personal contacts and notify them of your updated address. Better to have mail and bills sent to the new address now then having to chase them down if they're sent to an old address.

Pro tip: Are you driving to your new home? Make sure your car is ready for the trip. Take it to a garage and ask the mechanic to consider what services you might need if you're moving to a new climate.

MOVING DAY!

It's here! There's a lot of moving pieces, pun intended, so the first thing you'll want to have is a day-of bag. These are the basics you will need the day you move so you don't have to dig for them later - toiletries, wallet, change of clothes, phone charger, etc. If you're exhausted at the end of the day, knowing where the necessities will be a lifesaver.

What about the children? The answer: childcare. This goes for kids and pets if needed. Planning ahead allows you to focus on the move while it's happening. Any family or friends that aren't helping with the move can perhaps watch the little ones.

Then, once everything is packed and in the truck, do a final sweep of the old home for anything you may have missed or overlooked. The last thing you want to do is leave your old home and realize you forgot something. This is also a good chance to clean the place up as a courtesy to the landlord if you were renting or the next lucky homeowners.

AFTER THE MOVE

Even though the move is done, there is still more to do. Like returning the truck. If you rented a vehicle for the move, make sure to take it back on time. Double check that you've removed all your belongings then find the nearest location that will take the truck.

You also just moved everything in and probably a lot of dirt and debris with it. It's time to clean up the boxes and tracked-in dirt. Once everything is unpacked and the furniture is mostly in place, give the place a nice clean. It feels incredible to see your new home spic and span.

Finally, and we cannot stress this enough, it's time to CELEBRATE! You moved into your new home - throw a housewarming party. Invite friends and family to welcome in the new stage of your life.

Once again, congrats on the new home! There is a lot of helpful information here to aid in your big moving day. Need a checklist? We have you covered. Download our Moving Checklist PDF below or print it out and mark each item off as you complete it to make sure you have the smoothest move ever.