MOVING CHECKLIST

  TWO MONTHS BEFORE MOVING
  • "Keep, sale, give or trash" items- Go through your home and decide what is not worth moving and what you will do with those items.
  • Create a binder to keep important information/documents on your move- estimates, purchase or rental agreements, and documents that might get lost in the move.
  • Make a moving plan of where each piece of furniture will go.  This will give you time to sell anything you don't have room for.
  • Throw away or donate items that you don't want to move.  There may be a limit of items that you can put out in the garbage on moving day.  

  ONE MONTH BEFORE MOVING
  • Arrange time off at work.
  • Fill out the following change forms-
    • Post Office
    • IRS Change of Address FormDriver's License
    • Social Security
    • Voter registration
    • Banks
    • Loans (Home, Car, Student, Home Equity)
    • Investments
    • insurance (Home, Car, Medical, Dental, Life) 
    • Credit Cards
    • Paypal
    • Automatic payments
    • Church
    • Associations
    • Civic clubs
    • Gyms
    • Country Clubs
    • Alma Maters
    • Doctors/Dentists (Transfer or pick up records, ask for referrals, transfer prescriptions)
    • Schools
    • Subscriptions
    • Purchase moving supplies- boxes, tape, markers.
    • Business License Office
    • Department of Revenue
    • Cell Phone
    • Cable, Internet
  • Make arrangements with moving company or reserve moving truck.
  • Make travel arrangements, if necessary, with airlines, buses, car rental agencies and hotels.
  • Set up bank account in new city.
  • Check into laws & requirements of your new city regarding home-based business, professional tests, business licenses & any special laws that might pertain to you
  • Take inventory of your belongings before they are packed, in the event you need to file an insurance claim later.  If possible, take pictures or video tape your belongings. Record serial numbers of electronic equipment.  Assign a value to each item.
  • Make arrangements for transporting pets.
  • Start using-up food items, so that there is less to pack and possibly spoil.

  ONE TO TWO WEEKS BEFORE MOVING
  • Start packing.
  • Set aside a box of items you will need at your new home and mark it "PACK LAST"- Closing documents from old home, contact information for important persons, personal hygiene products, toiletries, bedding, pillows, toilet paper, paper towels, paper plates & cups, shower curtain & hooks, towels, soap, cleaning supplies, vacuum cleaner, trash bags, cleaning supplies, rubber gloves, tools- screwdrivers, hammer, pliers, scissors, flash light, pens, markers, paper, phone chargers, first aid kit, medicines, pajamas, baby supplies- formula, snacks, diapers, clothing, entertainment/books, favorite "lovey"
  • Keep all cleaning products from being packed or hire a cleaning crew to clean your home after everything is packed.
  • Mark boxes according to their future rooms. 
  • Switch utility services to new address.  Inform electric, gas, disposal, water, newspaper, magazine subscription, telephone and cable companies of your move.
  • Discontinue services like lawn service, cleaning services, dog groomers, etc.
  • Make a list of important names and phone numbers.
  • Arrange for help on moving day.
  • Plan ahead for special needs of infants.
  • Make arrangements for moving pets and plants.
  • Confirm travel reservations.
  • Reserve elevator if moving from condo.
  • Have appliances serviced for moving.
  • Clean rugs and clothing and have them wrapped for moving.
  • Close bank accounts and have your funds wired to your new bank.  Before closing, be sure there are no outstanding checks or automatic payments that haven't been processed.
  • Collect valuables from safe-deposit box.  Make copies of any important documents before mailing or hand-carry them to your new address.
  • Check with your insurance agent to ensure you'll be covered through your homeowner's or renter's policy during the move.
  • Make sure your  home insurance or renter's insurance is in place on your new home.
  • Defrost freezer and refrigerator.  Place deodorizer inside to control odors.
  • Give a close friend or relative your travel route and schedule so you may be reached if needed.
  • If shipping a vehicle, clean it out and have fluids topped off.
  • Empty lawn mower and weed eater of gas and oil.
  • Dispose of hazardous/flammable items like gasoline, propane, bleach, aerosol cans.
  • Arrange for childcare on moving day if necessary.
  • Say your goodbyes or have a goodbye party to avoid interruptions on moving day!

  THREE DAYS BEFORE MOVING
  • Confirm all times with movers, childcare, truck rental, etc.
  • Back up all computers

   DAY BEFORE MOVING
  • Pack a bag for each child for travel to keep them busy.
  • Make sure everything is packed.
  • Have a place for important documents.
  • Make sure to have a box for all the small items/information that can be easily accessed at your new home.  Screws, nuts, bolts for furniture, appliances, etc. as well as appliance brochures for set-up in new home.

   ON MOVING DAY
  • Double Check closets, drawers, shelves, attic, and garage to be sure they are empty.
  • Carry important documents, currency and jewelry yourself, or use registered mail.  Make sure to have paperwork for new home available as well as phone numbers of contacts you might need
  • Sign the Bill of Lading, electing your valuation of protection insurance and double check that the new address and phone numbers are correct.  Have the phone numbers for the movers.
  • Make a final walk through to make sure nothing has been overlooked.
  • Lock door and windows, and turn off all switches.
  • Set thermostat to lower/higher setting.
  • Close blinds or shades.
  • Leave garage door openers, keys, appliance brochures, home warranties, termite bond paperwork, security information/codes.

   ARRIVING AT YOUR NEW HOME
  • Try to arrive at the new house to make sure the utilities are connected.
  • Be ready to provide payment to the movers.
  • Renew your driver's license, auto registration and tags.
  • Shop around for new insurance policies, especially auto coverage.
  • Revise you will and other legal papers to avoid onger probate and higher legal fees.
  • Locate the hospitals, police stations, veterinarian and fire stations near your home.
  • Report any damage to the moving company.
  • Check to make sure you are getting all mail, subscriptions, bills, etc.