Moving Checklist

As items are checked off, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment. As the weeks pass, your checklist will ensure that nothing has been overlooked or omitted from your planning, and that alone will help relieve you of some of that anxiety.

Eight Weeks Before

• Remove anything unnecessary from your attic, basement, shed, etc.
• Use things that you can’t move, such as frozen foods and cleaning supplies.
• Learn about the new community in which you will be living.
• Create a floor plan for your new home and determine what you want to keep.
• Make a list of the possessions you own.
• Get quotes from at least three moving companies.
• Find out whether your move is covered by your homeowner’s insurance.
• Gather all moving papers and receipts and place them in a file.
• Transfer your children’s records to the new school.

Six Weeks Before

• Tax-deductible information can be obtained from your CPA and the IRS.
• Review your inventory of possessions. Would you be able to donate anything? How much of it will you need?
• Don’t forget to notify friends, relatives, professionals, creditors, and subscriptions.
• Get familiar with local news, community, and social events by subscribing to a local paper in your new area.
• Prepare for off-site storage (if applicable).
• Find high-quality medical professionals and hospitals for your new location.
• Complete a change of address via post-office cards or online service for the following: Banks; Credit cards; Religious organizations; Doctors / Dentists; Relatives and friends; Income tax bureau/Social Security Administration, Union, Insurance broker/lawyer/CPA/ stockbroker; Magazines; Post office; Schools, etc.
• Organize your closets.
• Donate items to charities or hold a moving/garage sale.
• Choose a moving company.
• Make arrangements with your mover and inquire about insurance coverage.
• If you are relocating for a job, ask your employer what expenses they will cover, if any.

Four Weeks Before

• Start packing now! Buy / find packing materials and schedule movers / moving truck.
• Give 30 days notice if you are currently renting.
• As needed, send furniture, drapes, and carpets for repair or cleaning.
• Obtain your auto/truck licensing and registration documents, your medical, dental, and school records, your birth certificates, your will, deeds, stock certificates, and other financial documents.
• Make sure you inform your utility companies about service disconnections and connections at your old and new addresses. Ask for final readings as well.
• Request a refund for unused homeowner’s insurance, security deposit, and prepaid cable service.
• Make sure you let your gardener / landscaper know, as well as your snow removal and pool service (if necessary).
• Arrange coverage in your new home by contacting insurance companies (auto, homeowner/renters, medical, and life).

Three Weeks Before

• Make your travel arrangements.
• Open bank accounts in your new location and, if necessary, close any accounts you have in your current location. 
• Inform the Motor Vehicle Bureau of your new address.
• Plan childcare for moving day.
• Apartment dwellers should reserve the elevator for pickup and/or delivery dates.

Two Weeks Before

• Secure your home warranty.
• Make arrangements for the transportation of your pets and plants.
• In preparation for your trip, service your vehicle.
• Review the arrangements for your move with your moving company.

One Week Before

• Prepare detailed directions and an itinerary with emergency phone numbers for your moving company.
• Resolve any outstanding bills with local retailers.
• Pick up dry cleaning, and return library books and anything rented.
• Take pets to the veterinarian and get copies of their records.
• Make sure all power equipment has been drained of gas and oil.
• Give away plants that cannot be moved.
• Cancel delivery of the newspaper.
• Make sure your prescriptions are forwarded to your new pharmacy and buy two weeks’ worth of medication.
• Traveler’s checks can be purchased.
• Make arrangements for the payment of your move.

Two-to-Three Days Before

• Make sure that your mover packs your things if you aren’t moving.
• Refrigerators and freezers should be defrosted.
• You may want to give family and friends your valuables to hold until the move is complete.
• All major appliances should be disconnected.
• Clean your former home thoroughly.
• Contact your moving company for any updates.
• Pack a survival kit and items for the first few nights in your new home. You should keep them in separate boxes in your car. You should bring the following items, including sheets, towels, toiletries, your phone, an alarm clock, and a flashlight on your first night
• Moving Survival Kit: Paper plates, plastic utensils, paper towels, toilet paper, soap, pencils and paper, local phone book, duct tape, masking tape, trash bags, shelf liner, and aspirin or ibuprofen.

Moving Day

• You should be home to answer any questions your mover may have.
• Take a reading of all utility meters (gas, electrical, and water).
• Be sure to stay until the movers have finished.
• Ensure that the bill of lading contains all relevant information and that the inventory sheet is carefully read before signing.
• Ensure that you keep your copies of the bill of lading and inventory until your possessions are delivered, the charges are paid, and any claims are resolved.
• Take one final look around to see if there is anything you have forgotten.
• Provide the movers with directions to your new home and a phone number where they can contact you in case of an emergency.

At Destination

• Set up your first-night and mover’s survival kits.
• Welcome the movers to the destination and be available to answer questions.
• Upon completion of the job, pay what is due. The driver is obligated by law (a federal requirement for interstate moves) to collect payment upon delivery.
• Ensure that each item is listed on your inventory sheet after it is unloaded.
• Check for damaged or missing items promptly and carefully.
• Keep moving and other important documents in a safe place.
• Collect your held mail at the post office.