Moving Checklist:
1-2 Months Before Move
[ ] Create binder/folder for moving records (estimates, receipts, inventory lists, etc.)
[ ] Plan your moving method (truck rental, hiring movers, etc) and get cost estimates
[ ] See if your employer will provide moving expense benefits
[ ] Research storage facilities if needed
[ ] Schedule disconnection/connection of utilities at old and new place
[ ] Phone [ ] Internet [ ] Cable [ ] Water [ ] Garbage [ ] Gas [ ] Electric
[ ] Plan how you will move vehicles, plants, pets and valuables
[ ] Plan how you will arrange furniture in the new place - use a floor plan or sketch
[ ] Hold a garage sale, donate, sell, or trash unnecessary items
[ ] Schedule transfer of records (medical, children in school, etc.)
[ ] Get copies of any records needed (medical, dental, etc.)
[ ] Acquire packing materials (boxes, tape, stuffing/padding, markers, etc.)
[ ] Make any home repairs that you have committed to making
[ ] Return borrowed, checked-out and rented items
[ ] Get things back that you have lent out
[ ] Start using up food you have stored so there is less to move
3-4 Weeks Before Move
[ ] Finalize moving method and make necessary arrangements
[ ] Begin packing non-essential items
[ ] Label boxes by room and contents
[ ] Separate valuable items to transport yourself - label as DO NOT MOVE
[. ] Keep a box out for storing pieces, parts and essential tools that you will want to keep
with you on move day - label as PARTS / DO NOT MOVE
[ ] Create an inventory list of items and box contents, including serial numbers of
major items - use this as an opportunity to update your home inventory
[ ] Fill out a-Change of Address form at a post office or online
[ ] Provide important contacts with your new address:
[ ] Employers [ ] Family & Friends [ ] Attorney [ ] Accountant [ ] Others
[ ] Notify your insurance and credit card companies about change of address
[ ] Cancel automated payment plans and local accounts/memberships if necessary
[ ] Take your vehicle(s) in for a tune-up, especially if you are traveling very far
1-2 Weeks Before Move
[ ] Continue packing and clean as you go
[ ] Pack items separately that you will need right away at your new place
[ ] Plan to take the day off for moving day
[ ] Find useful things for your children to do - involve them as much as possible
[ ] Find someone to help watch small children on move day
[ ] Begin to pack your suitcases with clothes and personal items for the trip
[ ] Reconfirm your method of moving with those involved
[ ] Make sure your prescriptions are filled
[ ] Empty out your safe deposit box, secure those items for safe travel
[ ] Schedule cancellation of services for your old place
[ ] Newspaper [ ] Housecleaning [ ] Lawn [ ] Pool [ ] Water Delivery
[ ] Check your furniture for damages - note damages on your inventory
[ ] Take furniture apart if necessary (desks, shelves, etc.)
[ ] Make sure all paperwork for the old and new place is complete
[ ] If traveling far, notify credit card company to prevent automated deactivation
[ ] Get rid of flammables such as paint, propane, and gasoline
[ ] Try and use up perishable food
2-4 Days Before Move
[ ] Confirm all moving details and that you have necessary paperwork
[ ] Make a schedule or action plan for the day of the move
[ ] Plan when/how to pick up the truck (if rented)
[ ] Prepare for the moving expenses (moving, food, lodging)
[ ] Continue cleaning the house as you are packing
[ ] Defrost your freezer and clean the fridge
[ ] Make sure essential tools are handy (screwdrivers, wrench, pliers, tape, etc)
[ ] Pack a bag for water bottles, pen/paper, snacks, documents, and essentials
[ ] Set aside boxes/items that you are moving yourself (make sure you’ll have room)
Moving Day
[ ] Remove bedding and take apart beds
[ ] Go early to pick up the truck if you rented one
[ ] Take movers/helpers through the house to inform them of what to do
[ ] Walk through the empty place to check for things left behind - look behind doors
[ ] Leave your contact info for new residents to forward mail
[ ] Take inventory before movers leave, sign bill of lading
[ ] Make sure your movers have the correct new address
[ ] Lock the windows and doors, turn off the lights
[ ] Use a padlock to lock up a rented truck at your new place
[ ] Verify utilities are working - especially power, water, heating, and cooling
[ ] Perform an initial inspection, note all damages, take photographs if needed
[ ] Clean the kitchen and vacuum as needed (especially where furniture will be going)
[ ] Direct movers/helpers where to put things
[ ] Offer drinks and snacks, especially if the helpers are volunteers
[ ] Assemble beds with bedding
[ ] Begin unpacking, starting with kitchen, bathroom and other essentials
Moving In - Weeks 1-2
[ ] Check for damages while unpacking - be aware of deadline for insurance claims
[ ] Replace locks if necessary and make at least 2 copies of your new keys
[ ] Confirm that mail is now arriving at your new address
[ ] Make sure your previous utilities have been paid for and canceled
[ ] Complete your change of address checklist
[ ] Bank(s) [ ] Credit Cards [ ] IRS [ ] Loans [ ] Insurance [ ] Pension plans
[ ] Attorney [ ] Accountant [ ] Physicians [ ] Family support
[ ] Newspapers [ ] Magazines [ ] Licenses [ ] Memberships
[ ] Schedule a time to get a local driving license and update vehicle registration
[ ] Get local phonebooks and maps
[ ] Find new doctors, dentists, etc, depending on your needs & insurance
[ ] After you are moved in, update your home inventory, including photos of rooms
[ ] Update your renters insurance or homeowners insurance if needed