Moving Checklist for New Hampshire Residents

Whether you’re relocating to a cozy town like Keene or heading into the vibrant seacoast area of Portsmouth, a moving checklist is essential. Moving can be stressful, and with so many tasks to juggle packing, changing your address, setting up utilities a checklist keeps you organized.

New Hampshire’s varied seasons also play a role. If you’re moving in winter, icy roads can delay movers or packing. Planning well ahead using a checklist helps you avoid seasonal hiccups and streamline your move.

Start your preparation about two months before the big day. Here are the essentials:

• Research and compare moving companies.

• Create a moving binder or use digital tools like Google Sheets to track quotes and tasks.

• Notify your landlord if you’re renting.

• Begin decluttering—donate, sell, or toss items you don’t need.

This is the best time to reach out to a reliable New Hampshire moving company and schedule your preferred date. Good companies get booked fast, especially in spring and summer.

At this point, gather your moving supplies: boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and markers. Consider specialized boxes for TVs, mirrors, and dishware.

Start notifying important parties of your upcoming move:

• Post office (change of address)

• Insurance companies

• Banks and credit card providers

• Schools and medical offices

Having this on your moving checklist helps prevent missed mail or important service lapses.

Now’s the time to start packing what you don’t use daily. Begin with seasonal gear, books, and decorations. Label everything clearly by room and contents.Tackle garages, sheds, and attics. These areas often have items you forgot about and may need special packing or disposal.

Tip: Check New Hampshire’s local guidelines on disposing of hazardous materials like paint, motor oil, and propane tanks. Municipal websites often have specific recycling and disposal instructions.

You don’t want to move into a cold, dark house. Call your utility providers to set start and stop dates. Services to arrange include:

• Electricity (Eversource, Unitil, or Liberty Utilities depending on location)

• Water

• Internet and cable

• Gas and oil (especially for heating during the colder months)

Also, schedule services for your old home, like a cleaning crew or final lawn maintenance. Add this to your moving checklist to avoid last-minute rushes.

Double-check all your arrangements. Confirm with the movers, utility companies, and anyone else involved in your move.

Also:

• Refill prescriptions.

• Arrange for child or pet care on moving day.

• Set up mail forwarding with USPS.

• Back up important documents digitally.

This is when the stress typically kicks in, but staying organized will help. A thorough moving checklist makes this stage far easier to manage.

With one week to go, your home should look half-empty. Focus now on packing essentials and final details.

Pack a “first-night” box with:

• Toiletries

• Towels and bedsheets

• A few kitchen items

• Chargers

• Medications

Also, clean your fridge and pantry. Use up perishables and defrost the freezer if needed. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re not digging for toothpaste in a sea of boxes

As the big day nears, gather all necessary documents:

• Moving contracts

• Inventory lists

• New lease or closing papers

• Driver’s license and registration updates

Create printed and digital versions in case one goes missing.

Check the weather forecast. If you’re dealing with snow or rain (not unusual in New Hampshire!), lay down plastic sheets or tarps to protect floors.

You’ve made it! With your moving checklist in hand, the process will feel less chaotic. On the day of the move:

• Be present to guide the movers.

• Double-check rooms, closets, and the attic.

• Take photos of utility meters.

• Lock all doors and windows.

Be sure to greet your movers with a quick overview of fragile items and important boxes. A little communication goes a long way.

Once you’ve arrived at your new New Hampshire home, start by unpacking your essentials box. Next, tackle the kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms.

You’ll also want to:

• Register your car in New Hampshire (you have 60 days after moving).

• Update your voter registration.

• Get to know your neighborhood—find your local grocery store, gas station, and library.

And if you're moving to a rural area, check on waste disposal pickup schedules, as services can vary.

If your move happens in the snowy season, you’ll need to plan a few extras:

• Keep walkways clear of snow and ice.

• Protect carpets and floors with plastic sheeting.

• Have extra gloves, salt, and warm beverages on hand.

Hiring a reliable New Hampshire moving company becomes even more important in winter. They’re trained to handle challenging weather and will have the right equipment.

Many residents moving within New Hampshire are downsizing to smaller homes or condos. If that’s your case, don’t take everything with you.

Consider:

• Donating to Goodwill or local charities.

• Selling furniture on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.

• Renting a storage unit temporarily.

Add a “declutter and donate” line to your moving checklist to keep things manageable. Less stuff means less stress—and a lighter moving bill.

If you're moving to or from another state, there's even more to plan:

• Get multiple moving quotes.

• Understand interstate moving insurance.

• Ask about delivery time windows.

Long-distance moves also require coordination with schools and medical providers. Transfer records in advance to avoid service gaps.

Many long-haul relocations go smoother when guided by a reliable New Hampshire moving company that knows the region well. They can help with logistics, storage, and route planning.

New Hampshire residents often wonder if they should rent a U-Haul and call a few friends or hire professionals. Here are a few factors to weigh:
 DIY Pros:

• Cheaper upfront

• Flexible timing

DIY Cons:

• Heavy lifting risks

• Higher stress

• Lack of insurance coverage

Hiring Pros:

• Professional packing and transport

• Insured for damage

• Faster and less physical work

Moving is one of life’s biggest transitions. With the right plan—and the right partners—it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Print out your moving checklist, mark your dates, and keep track of every step. The clearer your plan, the smoother the journey will be. Whether you're moving into a downtown condo in Concord or a mountain cabin in the White Mountains, staying organized is key.

• USPS Address Change

• NH Department of Motor Vehicles

• NH Electric Utilities Map

• New Hampshire Voter Registration

By following this thorough moving checklist, your transition to or within New Hampshire can be smooth, efficient, and maybe even enjoyable.