1. Get Wi-Fi

“All the utilities, including internet, should be preordered and set up before moving day. No one wants to move in to a new home without internet access!”

2. Make sure everything is in working order

“Test all equipment—heating, air-conditioning, plumbing, etcetera—and existing appliances, if there are any. It is less complicated to service or replace equipment before the furniture has been moved in.”

3. Hire a chimney sweep

“If there are any fireplaces, they should be checked, serviced, and cleaned. This can be a messy exercise, so it makes sense to take care of it before you have settled in on a Saturday evening and want to make a fire.”

4. Inspect all the windows

“Make sure they function properly. Broken glass panes should be replaced, broken mechanisms should be repaired.”

5. Tidy up

“Clean the apartment thoroughly. If you are not so inclined, hire a professional cleaning service.”

6. Roughly plan your furniture arrangements

“Make a floor plan—it can be rudimentary—laying out where your existing furniture will go. This will help you visualize the space and organize your move. After that, make a list of missing pieces you will need to buy.”

7. Paint the big stuff

“Any painting that needs to be done should happen at this point. Walls, trim, and ceilings are easier to paint without having to move and cover furniture.”

8. Refinish the floors

Betsy recommends doing this right after the painting is finished.

9. Hang the hardware for your window treatments

10. Measure!

“Check that the furniture you are moving in will fit through the doors or windows. In some cases, furniture may need to be taken apart to be installed inside, and it is helpful to know this before the move.”