1. Set Your Moving Dates

Moving dates can make or break your budget. When using moving companies, peak moving days like September 1st often come with premium prices, while mid-month moves can save you up to 30% on moving costs.

2. Talk to Landlord/Property Manager

If renting, the first step in any successful move is proper communication with your current landlord. Giving adequate notice, typically 30-90 days, prevents double rent payments.

3. Consider the New Floor Plan

Considering the new floor plans saves both time and money by preventing furniture mishaps. Just like trying on clothes before buying, measuring your furniture against the new space prevents costly moving mistakes.

4. Start Decluttering

Think of decluttering like preparing for a long journey - the lighter you travel, the easier the trip. Selling things on Facebook or in a yard sale is a great way to get rid of it and earn some extra cash. Donating to local charities will help others in need and give you less to pack, move, and unpack.

5. Who Will Handle the Move?Professional movers typically cost $100-200 per hour, while DIY moves average $50-100 per hour when factoring in truck rental and supplies. Choose based on your budget, timeline, and physical capabilities. Contact movers as early as possible to get quotes and to reserve your movers or line up friends and family if needed.

6. Research Parking Regulations

Understanding and following parking rules at both locations prevents unexpected fines and delays. Be sure not to block streets and driveways, other than your own, during loading and unloading.

7. Coordinate Utilities Changeover

Schedule transfers at least two weeks ahead to avoid service gaps and activation fees. Electricity, Gas, Water, Internet, Phone, etc.

8. Change Your Address

Address changes affect everything from credit cards to Amazon deliveries. The $1 USPS fee for online changes saves hours of paperwork and prevents missed important mail. Note: As bills come in with the forwarded address sticker from the USPS, contact the sender to change your address directly with them.

USPS Change of address

9. Pets

BSB Properties, LLC, Legacy Leasing, LLC, Maison Rentals LLC, and Sanron Properties, LLC have a “No Pets” Policy in place.

10. Consider Purchasing Renter’s Insurance

Think of renters insurance as a safety net that protects thousands in personal property. Renter’s Insurance is highly recommended. Renters can get quotes online and through their auto insurance agency.

11. Do a Walk-Through

Upon move-out, document your former space with good photos and/or videos. Before moving anything into your new space, document it with good photos and/or videos.

12. Keys Return and Acquisition

If vacating a rental, make a plan in advance to meet up with your landlord/property manager to return the keys upon move-out. Contact your new landlord/property manager to set up a time to sign your new lease and receive keys to your new home.

13. Start Packing

Pack strategically, like playing Tetris with your belongings. Start with seasonal items and work toward daily essentials, labeling everything clearly.Tip: Label boxes with the room they will go into in your new home. When unloading, you and the movers/friends and family will know which room to put the boxes into, saving time and energy later when unpacking.

14. Hire a Cleaning Service

Professional cleaning services cost $200-400 but often pay for themselves by ensuring full security deposit returns.

15. Settle Outstanding Bills

Start fresh in your new place without old obligations following you.

16. Items to Leave Behind

Be ruthless. A good rule of thumb is this: If it hasn't been used in six months, it probably should not make the move.

17. Returns

If you're moving only a few miles, this one isn't as important. However, if you're changing towns, take stock of the things you don't want to accidentally take with you like library books or things borrowed from neighbors.

18. Moving Day

Things will undoubtedly get hectic the day of the move, so it might be helpful to pack a survival kit with items such as snacks, water, markers, packing tape, etc.

19. Update State Driver’s License / State ID

Don’t forget to update your driver’s license / state issued ID through the DMV with your new address.

20. Stay in the Know!

Download the Houma Rental Office app for easy communication, to submit maintenance requests, and to check your balance or pay your rent/note online! Download it as an app or use it in your favorite internet browser!

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Download our free printable Moving Checklist.

Note: This is not legal advice and should not be considered as legal advice. Contact a licensed attorney for any questions regarding legal matters.