Create a moving binder or folder
Whether it’s digital or the real deal, you need a go-to hub where you can keep everything in one place. This folder should contain all your moving-related documents, receipts and notes. If you go the digital route, make sure your folder is easily accessible on-the-go, as well as shareable with your spouse, family, roommate or anyone else the move will impact.
Find a good moving company
- Only consider licensed and insured companies.
- Check their reviews online, whether it’s through the Better Business Bureau, neighborhood hubs or social media sites.
- Get quotes from multiple companies.
- Choose a company and schedule a date for the move.
Arrange for utility services
Once you have a date confirmed for the move, let your utilities know ahead of time. If you’re staying in the same city, it’s usually pretty easy to just transfer your public water/sewer service to a new address. It’s often the same for gas and electric, providing you’re staying with the same company. If you’re moving out of state or across the globe, be sure to let your new utilities know as far in advance as possible. Here are some other tips:
- If an install is required, plan ahead. For utility services that require an installation appointment, like security system companies or traditional cable/internet companies, it’s a good idea to call several weeks in advance.
Note: If you’re a T-Mobile 5G Home Internet customer, make sure our service is also available at your new home. Contact us ahead of time about transferring service so we can verify that information. Not a T-Mobile customer yet? Keep reading!
- Leave a cushion. When scheduling disconnect/reconnect dates for gas and electric, put a cushion in there (e.g., schedule the disconnect a full day or two after moving in case you need to return or if the move takes longer.) That way, you’ll still have lights/water/HVAC if needed. Same for your move-in date—schedule utilities a day or two ahead of time so you’ll have heat or A/C up and ready to go.
Have a budget in mind
After you know what your movers charge, estimate what you’ll spend on packing materials, travel expenses, etc., so there won’t be any unexpected surprises.
Declutter
Moving is great excuse to do some spring cleaning, no matter what time of year it is. It’ll also help you save time and money. Here’s what to do:
- Go through each room and decide what goes and what stays.
- Invite family and friends to help (they may even take some items off your hands.)
- Have a garage sale or donate the rest of the items to your favorite charity.
- Check bulk-trash pickup dates if your neighborhood has them. That way, you can leave unwanted items on your curb, saving a lot of time and hassle.
- Properly dispose of items like paint, chemicals, and propane tanks.
Create a moving timeline
Outline weekly tasks leading up to the move and check them off as you go.
Keep everybody in-the-know
Everyone will need your new address, including:
- The post office
- Bank
- Online retailers (for delivery)
- Friends and family
- Employers
- Schools
- Medical providers
- State (driver's license, vehicle registration, voter registration), and so on.
Gather packing supplies
Unless you’re having the movers do it all, you’ll definitely need boxes, tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, markers, labels, etc.
Start packing
- Begin with items you use the least.
- Label boxes (clearly) with contents and destination room.
- Have a separate “essentials box” that doesn’t go in the moving truck. Think of it like a carry-on bag that includes important items you’ll need right away and can’t risk losing, like prescriptions, a child’s favorite toy, baby formula/milk, phone chargers, toiletries, snacks, water bottles, a change of clothes.
Begin the final countdown
- Confirm the details with your moving company.
- Schedule cleaning service ahead of time (or send invites to friends and family for a “cleaning party”) to spruce up your old place after it’s empty.
- Oversee the movers when they arrive.
- Lock all the windows and doors before leaving.
- Return door/mailbox keys (if your renting).
Get seamless connectivity in your new place
Like we mentioned earlier, if you’re a T-Mobile 5G Home Internet customer, there’s no complicated installation or setup when you move. Just let us know ahead of time and we’ll check your new address to ensure your Wi-Fi Gateway will work. After you get to your new home, just plug in your 5G Gateway and you’ll be connected in minutes. You can even use the handy T-Mobile Internet app to help find the ideal location for your device.
Not a customer yet? Try us out! T-Mobile Home Internet is budget friendly and requires no annual contract or complicated installation. Check here to see if it's available at your new address, then find a plan and try it out for 15 days. Be sure to see our latest home internet deals, as well.
Before you know it—it’ll be time to relax and celebrate your successful move.