Moving Checklist
Click the link below for your print-friendly Moving Checklist!
2 Months Prior:
1. Create a moving folder for receipts, inventory, estimates, phone #’s and any documentation related to the move.
2. Create a budget. Try to be as specific as possible to avoid unexpected expenses.
3. Organize and collect important records. Include medical, dental veterinary, prescriptions, etc…
4. Have children’s school records forwarded from current school to new school.
5. Talk to tax professional and/or IRS to determine possible tax deductions or potential tax liability.
6. Contact your insurance agent to make sure of coverage during move and make any changes if needed.
7. Research moving companies. Consider all the services they offer. Don’t make decision based strictly on price.
8. Order moving boxes and supplies. This allows you adequate time to pack your things properly.
9. Start using up frozen items and other perishable items you won’t be taking with you.
10. Inventory your belongings. Separate list into items you will be taking with you and things you won’t.
11. Measure rooms in new house (if possible) to determine what furniture will fit and what won’t.
12. Begin making plans to dispose of the items you are not taking with you. ( garage/yard sales, charities, etc…)
13. Make a list of personal and business contacts that you need to give your new address to.
1 Month Prior:
1. Secure moving company. Verify details like moving date, costs (binding or estimated), insurance, extra charges etc…
2. Dispose of items you don’t want to take with you. (garage / moving / lawn sales, donate to charities, etc…)
3. Arrange for storage if needed. If you are using a containerized moving company you can pack at your own pace.
4. Begin packing. Start with the items that are used the least. This is a good time to pack garage, attic, & basement.
5. Inventory items as you pack. This documentation can be helpful for insurance purposes in the future.
6. Have valuables photographed and appraised value documented for insurance purposes in case of loss or damage.
7. Make sure to properly label each box. This will save you time and reduce your stress when it is time to unpack.
8. Fill out change of address form with U.S. Postal Service.
9. Notify financial institutions (banks, credit card companies, stock brokers, insurance companies) of your new address.
10. Give your new address to friends, relatives and business contacts.
11. Contact public utility companies to terminate your existing services and have services turned on at your new home.
12. Order TV, Internet, Phone, Home Security and other services.
13. Cancel or transfer any subscriptions (newspaper, magazine, etc…) or memberships you may currently have.
14. Return library books and anything else you have borrowed and collect anything others have borrowed from you.
15. Dispose of any toxic or flammable materials as these materials should not be packed and transported.
16. Check with your veterinarian to make sure that any special needs your pet may have are addressed.
17. Make travel arrangements for pets. Include immunizations, medications, licenses, veterinary records.
18. Check with your physician to make sure you will have an adequate supply of any medications that you need
2 Weeks Prior to Moving:
1. Make personal travel and lodging arrangement if needed.
2. Reconfirm all details with the moving company.
3. Order new checks with your new address.
4. Refill any prescriptions to insure that you don’t run out of needed medications.
5. Back up your computer files and store in safe location.
6. Arrange for child care for young children on moving day.
7. Have automobile serviced and tuned up.
8. Transplant plants into lighter and non -breakable pots and check with USDA if crossing state lines.
9. Donate or dispose of any remaining items that you are not planning on taking with you.
1 Week Prior to Moving:
1. Set aside a box of things you may need at your new residence but have not had the time to unpack yet.
2. Pack an emergency box. Include items like a flash light, extra batteries, small tools kit, first aid kit, etc…
3. Set aside anything you will be taking with you in the car.
4. Drain gas and oil from mowers, snow blowers, power tools, weed trimmers, etc…
5. Pack suitcases with personal and clothing items you may need during the move.
6. Empty and defrost refrigerator and freezer at least 24 hours before moving day.
7. Settle any bills or accounts that you may have with local businesses.
8. Obtain travelers checks, cash, and/or certified check to pay movers invoice when move is complete.
Moving Day:
1. Pack valuables, personal papers, financial records, personal suitcases. and emergency box into car.
2. Make sure you are present to supervise move and make sure any special instructions are carried out.
3. Monitor inventory and sign off on packing paperwork when movers are finished.
4. Make sure movers have correct address of your new residence and your phone number.
5. Make sure all utilities are shut off (if appropriate), secure property, and make sure you don’t keep the keys.
6. If property is left vacant, be sure to notify the local police and your insurance agent.
Upon Arrival of Your New Home:
1. Make sure all your utilities are turned on and there are no issues.
2. Personally supervise the unloading. Carefully check inventory and inspect for damage before signing off.
3. Install new locks at the property.
4. Locate emergency and essential services like police, fire department, hospital, veterinarian, school, etc…
5. Change auto registration, auto insurance, and driver’s license if needed.
6. Breathe! You did it! Congratulations!