Schedule Move-In and Delivery
After months away from home, it is time to return. Coordinate furniture deliveries, move belongings from storage, and set up utilities. Careful planning protects your new finishes and makes the transition smooth and exciting.
Quick Summary
Typical Cost
$1,500 - $8,000
Movers, deliveries, setup
Time Frame
3-7 days
From first delivery to settled
Difficulty
Moderate
Requires coordination
Why Careful Move-In Planning Matters
You have just invested a significant sum in your whole home remodel. Every surface is pristine - new hardwood floors without a scratch, fresh paint without a nick, pristine tile and grout. The move-in process is the highest-risk moment for damaging these finishes before you even get to enjoy them.
Poor move-in planning leads to gouged floors from furniture dragging, dented walls from tight corners, and stress that ruins what should be an exciting day. Professional movers who are properly briefed and appropriate floor protection can prevent hundreds or thousands of dollars in repairs.
Beyond protecting finishes, good coordination ensures you have functional utilities when you arrive, furniture arrives in the right sequence for practical placement, and you are not living out of boxes longer than necessary. The investment in planning pays off in a smooth, celebratory transition to your new home.
Recommended Move-In Timeline
| When | Task | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2-4 weeks before | Book movers | Get quotes, verify insurance, book dates |
| 2 weeks before | Schedule deliveries | Coordinate new furniture arrival dates |
| 1-2 weeks before | Schedule internet/cable | Installation appointment for move-in day or before |
| 1 week before | Transfer utilities | Electric, gas, water to be active on move-in day |
| 3-5 days before | Update address | USPS, banks, subscriptions, important accounts |
| Day before | Lay floor protection | Cardboard, runners on all paths and staging areas |
| Move-in day | New furniture delivery | Large items first, direct placement |
| Day 1-2 | Storage move-in | Bring belongings from storage unit |
| First week | Unpack and settle | Prioritize essentials, then organize room by room |
Complete Move-In Checklist
Utility Transfers
- Electricity - transfer service date
- Natural gas - transfer service date
- Water/sewer - verify account active
- Trash and recycling pickup
- Internet service installation
- Cable/satellite TV (if applicable)
- Security system monitoring
- Home phone (if applicable)
Address Updates
- USPS mail forwarding
- Bank and credit card accounts
- Employer payroll
- Insurance policies (auto, health, life)
- Doctor and dentist offices
- Subscription services
- Online shopping accounts
- Vehicle registration and license
Surface Protection for Moving
- Cardboard or Ram Board on hardwood floors
- Plastic runners on carpeted areas
- Doorframe protectors on high-traffic doors
- Corner guards on walls
- Furniture pads and blankets required of movers
- Remove doors for tight passages if needed
Step-by-Step Move-In Process
Confirm Your Home is Ready
Before scheduling any move-in activities, verify that the home is truly ready for occupancy.
- Post-construction cleaning is complete
- Final inspections passed, permits closed
- All systems tested and working
- Punch list items completed
- Contractor has fully demobilized
- Keys, codes, and access ready
Create Your Move-In Master Plan
Map out the sequence of events. Order matters - you need utilities before movers, and new furniture before cramming in storage items.
- List all deliveries with estimated arrival dates
- Determine optimal moving dates for storage
- Identify which items go in which rooms
- Plan staging areas for unpacking
- Assign tasks to family members
- Build in buffer time for delays
Transfer All Utilities
Contact each utility company to transfer service from your temporary address. Schedule transfers to be active the day before move-in.
- Electricity - schedule 3-5 days ahead
- Gas - may require in-person meter read
- Water - verify no service interruption
- Cancel temporary location services as appropriate
- Verify each utility is working before moving day
- Keep confirmation numbers for all transfers
Schedule New Furniture Deliveries
Coordinate delivery of any new furniture purchased during the remodel. Schedule these before moving storage items.
- Contact each retailer to confirm delivery dates
- Request specific time windows if possible
- Large items (sofas, beds) should come first
- Verify delivery includes assembly if ordered
- Have someone home during delivery windows
- Inspect items upon delivery, note any damage
Book Professional Movers for Storage
Hire professional movers to transport belongings from storage. This protects your new home and your items.
- Get 2-3 quotes from reputable moving companies
- Verify insurance coverage and licensing
- Book 2-4 weeks in advance
- Provide accurate inventory for quoting
- Specify floor protection requirements
- Confirm they use furniture pads on all items
Schedule Internet and Security Setup
Coordinate installation of internet, cable, and security system activation before or on move-in day.
- Contact internet provider 1-2 weeks ahead
- Request installation on or before move-in
- Verify equipment locations with smart home wiring
- Activate security monitoring
- Test all connected devices
- Update WiFi passwords and network names
Install Floor and Surface Protection
The day before movers arrive, lay protective covering on all floors and high-risk areas.
- Cover all hardwood and tile with cardboard or Ram Board
- Tape seams to prevent shifting
- Install doorframe protectors
- Place corner guards on vulnerable wall corners
- Cover stairs with carpet protection
- Clear paths and staging areas
Supervise Moving Day
Be present on moving day to direct traffic, answer questions, and protect your investment.
- Brief movers on protection requirements
- Direct furniture placement to final locations
- Station someone at tight corners and doorways
- Do not allow furniture dragging - must be carried or dollied
- Provide water/snacks to movers (good for morale)
- Inspect for damage before movers leave
Complete Utility and Account Setup
Verify all services are working and accounts are properly transferred.
- Test all utilities (run water, check AC/heat)
- Verify internet speed and coverage
- Test security system
- Check mail delivery at new address
- Set up recurring payments for utilities
- Cancel services at temporary location
Settle In and Adjust
Take time to unpack, arrange, and learn your new space. Don't rush - you have earned this.
- Unpack essentials first (kitchen, bathrooms, bedding)
- Remove floor protection after heavy traffic subsides
- Fine-tune furniture placement
- Hang artwork and window treatments
- Stock kitchen and pantry
- Celebrate your accomplishment
Pro Tips
Stage Deliveries Strategically
Have large, permanent items (sofas, dining tables, beds) delivered before moving storage items. This lets you place anchor pieces without maneuvering around boxes. Everything else organizes around these key pieces.
Color-Code Boxes by Room
When packing for storage, use colored tape or labels for each room. On moving day, movers can quickly direct boxes to the right location without you pointing every time. Green for kitchen, blue for primary bedroom, etc.
Create a First-Night Box
Pack a clearly labeled box with first-night essentials: sheets, towels, toiletries, phone chargers, coffee maker, basic tools, medications. Carry this in your car so you can function even if other boxes are not unpacked.
Document Any Moving Damage Immediately
If movers damage walls, floors, or belongings, photograph it before they leave and note it on the bill of lading. Claims become much harder after the crew has departed. Reputable movers will acknowledge damage on the spot.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping floor protection
Your new hardwood floors will show every scratch from furniture legs and heavy traffic. Professional floor refinishing costs thousands. Spending $50-$200 on protective covering is essential insurance.
Moving items yourself to save money
After investing in a whole home remodel, trying to save a few hundred dollars by moving yourself risks thousands in damage. Professional movers have equipment, padding, and insurance. The cost is worth the protection.
Not verifying utilities before moving day
Arriving on moving day to find no electricity or water is a nightmare. Visit the day before to verify all utilities are active and functioning. Test lights, water, HVAC, and appliances.
Trying to do everything in one day
Moving is exhausting. Trying to accept deliveries, unload storage, and unpack everything in one marathon day leads to rushed decisions, accidents, and stress. Spread it over several days.
Forgetting to update addresses
Important mail going to your old or temporary address can cause missed bills, delayed packages, and account problems. Update your address with all critical accounts before move-in day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I schedule movers and deliveries?
Schedule movers 2-4 weeks in advance, especially during busy seasons (summer, end of month). For furniture deliveries, coordinate with retailers at time of purchase - many require 2-3 weeks lead time for delivery scheduling. Internet and cable installation should be scheduled 1-2 weeks ahead. The more advance notice, the more flexibility you have in scheduling.
Should I hire professional movers or do it myself for moving from storage?
Professional movers are strongly recommended for moving from storage after a remodel. You are moving into a brand-new space with pristine floors, walls, and finishes. Professional movers have equipment to protect surfaces, insurance if something gets damaged, and experience maneuvering large items. The cost ($500-$2,000) is minimal compared to repairing scratched floors or damaged walls.
What order should I schedule move-in activities?
Recommended order: 1) Transfer utilities and verify they are working, 2) Install internet/security, 3) Receive new furniture deliveries, 4) Move belongings from storage. This order ensures you have power, water, and connectivity before items arrive, and new furniture is in place before existing belongings complicate placement decisions.
How do I protect my new floors and finishes during move-in?
Use floor protection: Ram Board, cardboard, or plastic runners on all traffic paths and where furniture will be placed. Apply doorframe protectors on high-traffic doors. Require movers to use furniture pads on all items. Consider removing doors that furniture must pass through. Have someone stationed to watch corners and doorways during large item moves.
What utilities need to be transferred for move-in?
Transfer all utilities: electricity, gas, water/sewer, trash/recycling, internet, cable/streaming, security monitoring, and any other services. Most can be transferred 1-2 business days in advance. Some require in-person meter reading. Do not forget to update your mailing address with USPS, banks, credit cards, and subscriptions.