New Year, New Home: How to Start Your Move the Right Way
Are you preparing to move to a new home in 2026? The new year is a great time for a fresh start, often offering fresh opportunities and life changes. Whether you are relocating for work, upgrading your living space, or starting fresh after the holidays, a new year move is an opportunity to reset and get organized.
While moving in January can be challenging with winter weather, it can also be one of the most efficient times to relocate if you plan. The key is starting your move the right way with a clear timeline, a realistic checklist, and professional support you can rely on.
In this guide, we will walk you through practical steps to plan a January move with confidence, reduce stress, and start your new year in the right home and the right mindset.
Create a timeline and a master checklist.
While January is considered an off-season for moving, it still requires some planning. However, if you're booking a moving company, you'll want to lock in your preferred moving date as early as possible.
Begin by identifying your key moving dates. These include:
Move-out and move-in dates
Lease end dates or closing timelines
Work and school schedules (Keep an eye out for Martin Luther King Jr. Day in late January!)
After you've created your timeline, it's a good idea to start your master moving checklist to ensure you don't forget important tasks. You'll need to begin some items on your to-do list in advance, like setting up mail forwarding or canceling your gym membership, so make sure your checklist includes a general timeframe for each task.
Grab our complete moving checklist here!
Look out for these red flags before hiring a moving company.
Planning to hire a moving company to help you relocate? The moving industry is largely unregulated, which makes it especially important to do your research before hiring a mover. Here are some red flags to check for when getting your quote:
No proof of licensing or insurance
Estimates that seem unusually low or unclear
Large cash-only deposits are required upfront
No written contract or vague terms
Unmarked trucks or no physical business location
If any of these ring true, you're better off looking somewhere else! Here's how to choose a licensed and insured mover that you can trust with your belongings.
Declutter first, pack second.
There are few things more overwhelming than packing up an entire house that you've lived in for years. In the spirit of the new year, set aside some time to sort through your things and decide what to part ways with. Trust us, it's a game-changer!
We suggest tackling one room at a time, starting with your least-used storage areas. Determine what to sell, donate, or throw away, and what's going with you to your new space. You'll have a much better time adjusting to your new space with a fresh start!
Prepare in case of winter weather.
Whether it's rain or snow, the winter months often increase the risk of mud and water getting tracked into your house.
There are a few ways to ensure that your floors stay clean:
Pack doormats last, so you can place them at the doors before the unloading process starts
In the months leading up to the move, start collecting large boxes and cardboard to lay on your floors.
Alternatively, you can purchase plastic floor protection film that sticks to your floors with a special adhesive. This product is available online and at many hardware stores.
Don't forget to turn off your utilities in your new space ahead of time so you arrive at a warm home!
A January move doesn't have to feel overwhelming. With a proper checklist and a moving company you can trust, it can be a smooth and efficient transition that sets the tone for the year ahead. If you are planning a move in the new year and have questions about timing, storage, or professional moving services, working with an experienced, licensed, and insured team can make all the difference.
Here's to a fresh start and a confident move in the year ahead!
