A comprehensive guide to moving checklist guide from NMHL mortgage experts.
NMHL Editorial Team2026-02-188 min read
<h3>Set the Timeline</h3>
<p>Start by marking your <strong>closing date</strong> on a calendar. NMHL typically funds loans 2–3 business days after closing, so you have a narrow window to move in before utilities are turned on and insurance takes effect.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Week 12‑10:</strong> Confirm your NMHL pre‑approval is still valid (most pre‑approvals expire after 120 days).</li>
<li><strong>Week 10‑8:</strong> Obtain a written estimate from at least three moving companies. For a 2,000‑sq‑ft home, the national average cost is $4,500–$6,200; NMHL members often qualify for a <em>moving‑partner discount</em> of up to 10%.</li>
<li><strong>Week 8‑6:</strong> Begin decluttering. The <a href="https://www.nmhloans.com/blog/declutter-tips" target="_blank">NMHL Declutter Checklist</a> recommends donating items worth less than $200 to keep moving costs low.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Financial Checklist</h3>
<p>Review your loan estimate for any upcoming fees (e.g., escrow hold‑backs, HOA transfer fees). Set aside a <strong>moving buffer</strong> of $1,000–$2,000 to cover unexpected expenses such as stair fees or long‑carry charges.</p>
<p>Action step: Create a spreadsheet with columns for "Task," "Due Date," "Responsible Party," and "Cost Estimate." Share it with your real‑estate agent and NMHL loan officer so everyone stays aligned.</p>
<h3>Room‑by‑Room Packing</h3>
<p>Label each box with a <strong>color‑coded system</strong>: blue for bedrooms, green for kitchen, yellow for bathroom, and red for fragile items. Include a brief inventory (e.g., "Box 12 – Blue – 2 Twin Sheets, 1 Pillow"). This reduces unpack time by up to 30% according to a 2023 Moving.com study.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Week 6‑5:</strong> Pack non‑essential items (seasonal décor, out‑of‑season clothing). Use medium‑weight boxes (max 40 lb) to avoid injuries.</li>
<li><strong>Week 5‑4:</strong> Disassemble large furniture (bed frames, dining tables). Keep hardware in zip‑top bags labeled with the furniture name.</li>
<li><strong>Week 4‑3:</strong> Pack kitchen essentials in a "First‑Night" box: plates, utensils, a small pot, coffee maker, and a few pantry staples.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Protecting Valuables</h3>
<p>Keep high‑value items (jewelry, passports, loan documents) with you, not in the moving truck. For electronics, photograph wiring setups before disconnecting; this speeds up reconnection and reduces the risk of missing cables.</p>
<p>Action step: Download the free <a href="https://www.nmhloans.com/tools/moving-checklist" target="_blank">NMHL Moving Checklist PDF</a> and print a copy for each family member.</p>
<h3>Finalize Mortgage Details</h3>
<p>Two weeks before closing, NMHL will request the following documents:</p>
<ol>
<li>Proof of homeowner’s insurance (binder with coverage of at least 100% of the loan amount).</li>
<li>Updated asset statements if you’ve sold any assets to fund the move.</li>
<li>Utility transfer confirmations (electric, gas, water) to verify the property will be occupied.</li>
</ol>
<p>Missing any of these can delay funding by 1–3 business days, which may push your move date.</p>
<h3>Closing Day Logistics</h3>
<p>Schedule the moving truck to arrive <strong>after</strong> the closing is recorded (usually 10:00 am–12:00 pm). This ensures the deed is officially transferred and the lender’s title insurance is in place.</p>
<p>Action step: Add a calendar reminder titled "Closing – Bring ID, Cashier’s Check, and Moving Confirmation" with a 30‑minute buffer before the scheduled time.</p>
<h3>Essential Items to Keep Handy</h3>
<p>Pack a "Day‑Of‑Move" backpack with:</p>
<ul>
<li>Phone charger and portable power bank.</li>
<li>Important documents (mortgage note, deed, insurance binder).</li>
<li>First‑night kit: pajamas, toiletries, a change of clothes, and basic medications.</li>
<li>Cash or a credit card for unexpected tolls or parking fees.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Supervising the Load</h3>
<p>Walk the movers through the color‑coded boxes. Verify that fragile items are marked "FRAGILE" and that any stair‑carry fees have been pre‑approved (average $150 per flight). If you’re using a rental truck, double‑check the mileage allowance; NMHL’s partnership with U‑Haul offers a 15% discount on mileage up to 1,000 miles.</p>
<h3>Final Walk‑Through</h3>
<p>Before the movers leave, do a quick walkthrough of the old home to ensure nothing is left behind. Turn off all lights, lock doors, and leave a note for the new occupants if you’re renting.</p>
<p>Action step: Use the NMHL mobile app to upload a photo of the signed closing documents for your records.</p>
<h3>Address Updates & Legal Obligations</h3>
<p>Within 10 days of moving, update your address with the United States Postal Service (USPS) online to avoid missed mail. Also notify:</p>
<ul>
<li>Bank and credit‑card issuers (most allow online address changes).</li>
<li>Employer payroll department.</li>
<li>State DMV for driver’s license and vehicle registration (most states require update within 30 days).</li>
</ul>
<h3>Homeowner’s Insurance Review</h3>
<p>After you’ve settled, schedule a home‑insurance audit. Ensure coverage includes:</p>
<ul>
<li>Replacement cost for the dwelling (minimum 100% of loan amount).</li>
<li>Personal property coverage of at least $50,000 for high‑value items.</li>
<li>Liability protection of $300,000 – $500,000.</li>
</ul>
<p>If you qualify for NMHL’s <em>Secure Home Bundle</em>, you can bundle mortgage and insurance for a 5% discount on the annual premium.</p>
<h3>Utility & Service Transfer</h3>
<p>Confirm that electricity, gas, water, internet, and trash services are active. Many providers offer a "move‑in" credit of $25–$50 when you transfer before the 15th of the month.</p>
<p>Action step: Complete the NMHL "New Home Welcome Survey" to receive a personalized checklist and a $100 gift card for local home‑goods stores.</p>
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Frequently Asked Questions
First‑time buyers should include mortgage milestones (rate‑lock expiration, insurance binder), a 12‑week packing timeline, utility transfer dates, and a budget buffer of $1,500 for unexpected fees. Adding a "First‑Night" box with toiletries, medication, and basic kitchenware ensures a comfortable start.
Most NMHL rate locks are valid for 30 days. If your move pushes the closing beyond that window, you may need to pay a lock‑extension fee of 0.25%–0.5% of the loan amount. To avoid this, schedule the moving truck to arrive after the recorded closing and confirm the exact closing time with your loan officer.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 suspended the moving‑expense deduction for most taxpayers through 2025, except for active‑duty military members. However, NMHL’s partnership with select moving companies can provide a tax‑documented discount that may be deductible as a business expense for self‑employed borrowers.
Common pitfalls include forgetting to provide proof of homeowner’s insurance, missing the 30‑day rate‑lock deadline, and not updating the property address for tax assessments. Each of these can add 1–3 business days to funding, which may push your occupancy date beyond program requirements.
NMHL offers a free Moving Cost Estimator that compares local movers, provides average price ranges, and applies a 10% member discount. Additionally, our loan officers can advise on using a portion of your cash‑out refinance (if applicable) to cover moving expenses without affecting your debt‑to‑income ratio.
Yes. Even with full‑service movers, a checklist ensures you verify insurance coverage, confirm the inventory list, and schedule the delivery window to align with your closing. It also helps you track any additional services (e.g., packing, storage) and avoid surprise fees.
Contact your moving company immediately to request a date change; most offer a 48‑hour notice window with no penalty. If the new date falls outside your rate‑lock period, ask your NMHL loan officer about a lock extension or a new rate quote. Keeping a flexible buffer in your moving budget (typically $200–$400) can absorb any rescheduling costs.
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