Moving to a new home can be a frustrating experience even for the experienced mover. Therefore, we have created this checklist to make your move go as smooth as possible.
One Month Prior to Moving
- If your company is helping you move, then you should look over your relocation package. See what expenses your company has agreed to pay.
- Create a table of all your moving expense receipts. Some of these items may be tax deductible. Make sure you add every expense you incur.
- Obtain estimates from some moving companies. Get a written commitment of your pickup and delivery dates. It is a good idea to check references from them so you know they are reliable. See what limits of insurance they offer. Make sure they cover replacement cost if anything is damaged or lost.
- Purchase additional moving insurance if your moving company does not provide adequate insurance.
- If you need to store any household items before you move into your new home, arrange for a storage facility. Make sure the storage facility has insurance for your stored items.
- If you have a pet(s) going with you and you are not taking them in your vehicle, arrange for your pet(s) to get there. Check to see if they need a health certificate from your veterinarian. If you have an additional car or you are not traveling by car, you will need transport for it also.
- Contact your bank(s) and arrange the transfer of your accounts unless they have a branch where you are relocating to. Order checks with your new address so they arrive on time. Remove any contents you may have in a safety deposit box.
- Go to the local post office and submit your change-of-address forms. You can also mail postcards to your friends & any creditors you may have.
- If you have any children in day care, give them notice of your child’s withdrawal.
- Contact your children’s schools and arrange for them to transfer their student records.
- Make an appointment with your doctors and get your medical records. You may also want to ask for referrals to some physicians in your new area.
- Contact your insurance agent(s) to make the necessary changes to your policies on your property, auto and any medical insurance.
- Place any school records, home purchase/sale documents, wills, marriage/divorce papers, pet documents, financial records, stock certificates, social security cards, birth certificates, and passports in a fire-safe box.
- Resign from any local clubs, organizations or volunteer activities that you are part of.
- Cancel your newspaper subscriptions. Submit address changes to any magazines you receive.
- Make arrangements for any hotels, rental cars or temporary housing that you may need.
Two Weeks Prior to Moving
- Go through your house and decide what you really need/want to take.
- Decide what you are going to do with the rest of the stuff. You could hold a garage sale, give some things to friends/family, or donate it to a charity.
- Remove everything from lockers you may have been assigned to.
- Pick up any dry cleaning or laundry you may have placed.
- Call your phone and other utility companies to let them know of the change.
- Begin packing your least used items. If you number and label each box it will be much easier when you need something and/or go to unpack.
- Contact your neighbors & friends to get back or return any items that have been lent out.
- Return all borrowed library books.
- Clean out your kitchen cupboards & plan any remaining meals. This way you can pack the items you do not need. Avoid buying perishable items.
One Week Prior to Moving
- Make an list of any items, such as valuable and irreplaceable items, that are going with you personally. Do not leave this type of thing to the movers.
- Designate one box for sheets and towels. This way you will have these essentials handy the first night in your new home.
- Confirm all arrangements you have made. These should include the moving & storage company, auto and pet transport, hotel/temporary housing, and rental cars.
- Clean out and defrost your freezer and refrigerator.
- Take apart any furniture or others items that you can.
- Place all items from your yard and sheds in one area to be packed.
- If you have to wait for phone service, you could arrange for a temporary voice mailbox.
- It is a good idea to take pictures of any furniture or get fabric samples so you will have a reference for color and decorating before your household items are delivered.
- Prepare some cleaning supplies and set aside your vaccuum.
- Make an emergency box. Include things like a small notepad, a pen, stamps, tape, scissors, a tape measure, paper or plastic cups, baggies, paper plates & towels, plastic utensils, toilet paper, instant coffee or tea, cream/sugar, soap, aspirin, bandaids, a can opener, water, a clock, flashlight, small tool kit, trash bags, children’s games, your address book, and spare car keys.
One to Two Days Prior to Moving
- Clean and defrost your refrigerator and freezer. Put a small amount of baking soda into it to remove any odors.
- Purchase your traveler’s checks.
- Reconcile and close your bank accounts, if necessary.
- Final packing of all household goods. Make sure all boxes are clearly marked. Make sure you put heavy things in the same box; light things in another box. Never pack together. Put a blanket or other similar item between photos or other breakable items.
The Day You Move
- Verify your delivery address, the directions and the delivery date with your movers.
- Supervise the movers.
- Clean and check the your house and grounds.
- Check the thermostat and set the temperature appropriately. Lock all windows and doors. Turn off all appliances. If there are new owners or renters, leave your forwarding address, garage door openers and any keys.
- If your home will be vacant, give a relative, neighbor or real estate agent the keys and tell them how to contact you. You may want to notify your insurance agent and the local police department that the home will be empty.
When You Get to Your New Home
- Check that all utilities are on and working.
- Supervise the moving crew and begin unpacking the necessary basics first.
- Check the Bill of Lading from the moving company before you sign. Check for damaged items first.
