The most exciting part of buying a new home has arrived—you’re moving in! Congratulations! Now, sadly, is the daunting task of packing, arranging movers, deliveries, and cleaning of the old home.

Where do you begin? We’re here to help you with a handy moving checklist.

1. Purge, Purge, Purge

The less stuff you have to move, the easier your move will be. Give yourself plenty of time to go through your things with a fine-toothed comb, room by room, and discard anything that isn’t an absolute “keep”.

Decide if things can be donated, sold, or recycled. Eliminating all of the extra clutter will make for a refreshing start in your new home.

2. Research Moving Companies

The best way to begin your search for the ideal moving company is to ask family and friends for referrals. The care of your belongings and heirlooms is of the utmost importance, and the last thing you’ll want to do is trust your things with a company you know nothing about.

Establish your budget and obtain several quotes. Keep in mind that the lowest price isn’t always the best choice. Book your movers and retain the paperwork for reference before and after the move (moving expenses can be deducted for income tax purposes!).

3. Before You Pack, Locate Your Important Documents

Things that can often go missing in a move are important documents such as passports, birth certificates, and anything related to the move itself such as contact information for moving and deliveries. A good idea may be to make a photocopy of all of your identification, bank cards, and credit cards—front and back—in the rare case they may go missing during the move. This will make it easier for you to cancel cards if needed in an emergency.

Collect these important documents, your photocopies, and all of the legal documents you’ll need to close on your new home, and consider storing them offsite in a safety deposit box. This way they’ll always be handy in the process of moving.

4. Transfer Cable, Utilities, And Other Items

Be sure to contact your utility companies, cable and internet provider, and other related services well in advance to book your transfer. Cable and internet companies can sometimes book many weeks in advance, and you don’t want to move into your new home only to have no internet for another couple of weeks.

Transfer prescriptions, school records, and veterinarian records if applicable. Set up insurance on your new home early; you’ll need proof of insurance in order to take possession of your new home (if you work with a home builder.) Order a change of address with the post office to ensure your mail is forwarded after you’ve moved.

5. Begin Packing

Be sure to purchase more supplies than you’ll need to avoid the stress of running out for more at the last minute. Some moving suppliers will allow you to return unused materials for a refund.

Organize as best you can when packing. Keep like items together, and pack neatly to ensure your things remain in the best condition possible when in transfer. And be sure to label every box clearly with the room in which the contents belong. Don’t overfill a box and make it too heavy to move.

6. Pack A Care Kit For Moving Day

Don't forget about the essentials when you're still unloading into your new place. Pack yourself a substantial care kit of toiletries, wet wipes, plenty of bottled water, snacks, and paper plates/cups. And that’s not all.

You may want to keep a few folding chairs handy that get unpacked first, or are taken in the car with you rather than in the moving van. You’ll thank yourself later when you want to just sit down and rest for a few minutes, but there's nowhere to sit. Camping chairs are great for this purpose.

7. Purchase Floor Protectors For Your Move

You’ll want to avoid scratching your new floor, or getting it so dirty that the first thing you do in your new home is wash the floors. Select floor protectors based on the season in which you’re moving: they can be basic running mats in the summer.

In the winter, you may want something more robust, perhaps larger to catch all of the snow and dirt being tracked in.

8. Once You’ve Moved

After you get all settled in, be sure to change your driver’s license and insurance pink card to reflect your new address. Collect all of the receipts for moving expenses and keep them in one handy place for future reference.

The final and most important step, after moving in, is to take a big sigh of relief. The work is over, it's time to enjoy your new home!

If you've started unpacking, but feel a lack of confidence about your room layouts, it may help to work with some experts! Check out these 3 great reasons to use an interior designer!

Photo credits: happy boxes, movers, checklist