Plan Your Move-In Day

We know moving can be a busy and stressful time — but it’s also an exciting new chapter. At Mayflower, we want to help make your move as smooth as possible. That’s why we’ve put together some expert moving tips and a handy moving-in day checklist to help you get settled quickly.

Following, we’ll show you how to pack efficiently, label your boxes clearly and avoid common moving mistakes. Plus, our moving-in day checklist will help you stay on track and ensure that nothing gets forgotten in the hustle and bustle.

If you have any questions or need any assistance with your move, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always happy to help.

What to Do Before Your Moving Date

Do a Final Walkthrough of Your Home  

Before you say your last goodbye, go through every single room. Open every door and check every cabinet, drawer and closet. This is also a good opportunity to check for any damage done to your home during the packing and moving process. And before you hit the road? Turn out all of the lights and lock all doors and windows. 
By giving yourself some extra time in the morning, you can avoid the moving day jitters and ensure a stress-free transition to your new home.  That way, you can focus on the excitement of a fresh start and leave the heavy lifting to us.  

Set Up Utilities

One thing that can easily slip through the cracks during the move is setting up utilities at your new place. These are essentials for a smooth transition, from electricity for heat and air conditioning to water and internet service. For example, when it comes to running water, it’s necessary when you install a washing machine or a refrigerator that dispenses water.

Remember that if any of your current providers aren’t available at your new address, you need to find providers available in your area. Call your new utility companies a few days in advance to schedule a start date. That way, you won’t be caught fumbling with flickering lights or a faucet that runs dry.  

Make a Plan

Before the movers even arrive, take some time to sketch out a floor plan of your new home. This doesn’t have to be anything fancy — a simple drawing with measurements will do. Then, grab some paper cut-outs of your furniture (to scale if you’re feeling ambitious) and play around with different layouts. 

This will help you visualize the flow of each room; tell your movers with confidence where they should place your things; and fit everything comfortably — before you start wrestling that couch around corners. Trust us, your back will thank you later. 

What to Do During Move-In Day

Get an Early Start to Your Day 

Rise and shine! Even if your Mayflower crew isn’t scheduled to arrive until later, we recommend starting your moving day bright and early since there’s always a flurry of last-minute tasks, like corralling any rogue boxes. 

If you can, have at least two people in the new home on move-in day. One person can ensure everything from your inventory list is unloaded and the other can tell the movers where you would like the items placed. Also, consider hiring a babysitter if you have small children in the house and put pets somewhere where they will be safe and out of the way. 

Inspect Your New Home

Once you’ve navigated the moving day whirlwind and arrived at your new place, it’s time to take a deep breath and settle in. While unpacking can wait a bit, there are a few key things to check to ensure a smooth transition.

Think of it as a quick home inspection for peace of mind. Grab a flashlight and head around your new space, checking these essentials: 

Lights and Power: Flip on some switches. Make sure all the lights in your home are functioning properly. Test appliances and the outlets in each room to ensure everything’s powered up. It’s also a good idea to check out the fuse box — you need to know where it’s located, especially in a pinch. 

Water Works: Run the faucets in the kitchen and bathrooms to check for leaks and proper water pressure. While you’re at it, flush the toilets to ensure they’re working smoothly. Not sure where the main water valve is? Be sure to look for it. 

Climate Control: Test your thermostat and ensure the heating and cooling systems are functioning properly. 

Appliances: Take a quick tour of your major appliances. Make sure the fridge hums to life, the oven heats up and the dishwasher runs a cycle (without dishes, of course). 

If you find any issues during your check-up, don’t hesitate to reach out to your realtor or property manager. The sooner you address any concerns, the sooner you can truly relax and enjoy your new home. 

Clean and Prepare

Because it’s best to start with a clean slate, do a full, deep cleaning of your new address. Think of it as a cleansing ritual for your space. In a perfect world, it’s one best done before the movers arrive.  

Here’s a quick checklist to get you started: 

Top-Down Dusting: Start from the highest point and work your way down. Cobwebs, dust bunnies and ceiling fans often get neglected during transitions. A quick wipe with a microfiber cloth can make a big difference. 

Wipe Down the Walls: Walls can pick up dust and smudges during the moving process. Most walls can be cleaned with a damp cloth (avoiding excessive moisture). If you’re unsure about the paint type, check with your realtor or property manager. 

Focus on the Floors: Sweep or vacuum floors to remove any lingering debris from the previous occupants or construction. For hard floors, a quick mop will make them sparkle. 

Don’t Forget the Appliances: Give your appliances a quick wipe down inside and out. This is especially important for the fridge and oven, which might need a more thorough cleaning depending on their condition. 

Pro Tip: For a quick and natural cleaning solution, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. This works wonders on most surfaces and avoids harsh chemicals. 

Only Unpack the Essentials

We know unpacking everything on moving day can be tempting, but we recommend taking a strategic approach. Instead, focus on unpacking the essentials first. This will help you create a comfortable space to relax and regroup after a long day.  

Think about unpacking things like toiletries, medications, pajamas and a change of clothes — ideally the items you packed in a first-night box. You might also want to unpack a few plates, cups and utensils to make grabbing a quick bite or drink easy.  

The rest of the unpacking can wait until tomorrow. This will help you avoid the feeling of being overwhelmed and make settling into your new home a more enjoyable experience. 

Other Important Things to Consider

Check items off your inventory and moving checklist as they are unloaded from the moving truck. If you discover that anything is missing, contact a customer service representative at your moving company right away. 

We hope your move went smoothly — we wish you the best of luck settling into your new home.  One last thing to take care of is payment for your expert moving crew. 

As a friendly reminder, be sure to check your payment method with the team leader before they leave.  Most movers accept cash, checks or credit cards.  If you’re planning to tip the movers for a job well done, you can do so in cash directly. 

Sit Back and Relax

Once the boxes are unloaded from the truck, take some time to relax and refuel before you begin unpacking your moving boxes and setting up your new home in the days to come.

Start Your Move With Mayflower

Get the help you need with Mayflower’s trustworthy packing and moving services. Our experienced movers and packers will take care of everything you need, including unpacking, debris removal, electronic installations and more. That way, you can relax. 

We also recommend using this move-in day checklist to help you prepare. Want more moving tips and tricks to streamline your move? Our blog is full of helpful, professional advice. 

Ready to get started? Get a quote  today and see how Mayflower can help you make your move.