Moving Checklist

This is an excellent outline of a moving checklist to help you organize, schedule and complete your next move. Having a moving list will help you stay on track and task. Hopefully, the checklist will help you not overlook something crucial about your move.

Two-Month Moving Checklist:

• If you plan on utilizing a moving company, be sure to call and get some estimates from different companies. 
• If you plan on moving yourself, get estimates from several rental truck companies. Truck Size, Power, and cost are all significant. 
• Make an inventory of your household goods and begin to remove clutter and items you no longer need to or want to move. (Begin in your garage, attic, and other storage areas) There is no need to move things you genuinely don’t want. Prepare for a garage sale, be generous to your neighbors, or contribute to a favorite charity. 
• You will want to start a file of all your moving paperwork, including receipts, estimates, travel, and the like; this will be beneficial at tax time. 
• Make arrangements with your children’s school to transfer all school records. 
• If possible, make arrangements with any trades concerning your new home. It will help the moving process if you can make any repairs, painting, carpets, plumbing, etc., before moving into your new home.

Six-Week Moving Checklist:

• Contact your local Post Office to obtain your change of address. Plan on mailing all your family, friends, and acquaintances a warm card announcing your move and your new address. 
• Consider subscribing to your new city’s local newspaper or adding the town newspaper to your browser favorites. This step may help you learn about events and community issues. 
• Make any arrangements for storage if necessary. 
• Talk to your doctor or health care provider for referrals and obtain all medical records and prescriptions. 
• Consider having antiques, artwork, and other valuables appraised in the event of loss or damage. 
• Start cleaning out closets and drawers, and catch all areas. 
• Think about using up foods and cleaning supplies that are difficult to move. 

Four-Week Moving Checklist:

• Begin scheduling the disconnection of all utility services at your old home and their connection at your new one. Be sure to disconnect the day after you leave and connect the day before you arrive. Often a transfer of service with gas and electric and sometimes water is the better option. Make those arrangements with your buyer or seller first. If you have any “last month” type deposits with your services, be sure to get your refund. 
• If you have decided to make this move on your own, call and reserve your truck. 
• If you are packing yourself, obtain packing materials and start packing items you won’t need until you arrive in your new home. 
• Make arrangements for general cleaning or carpet cleaning. 
• Do your pets or plants need special care or transportation? 
• Call your insurance company to verify coverage of your possessions during the move. 
• Make any travel plans that may be necessary during the move. Hotel accommodations etc. 
• Again this is a great time to have that garage or moving sale. 
• Collect your relevant records — Gather personal and family papers, including medical and dental, veterinary, and school records; legal and financial documents; birth certificates, passports, and insurance documents. 

Three-Week Moving Checklist:

• Properly dispose of items that cannot and should not be moved, such as flammable liquids, old paints, etc. 
• If moving to another state, remembers to prepare your auto registration and contact your insurance provider. 
• If you have small children, consider arrangements for them during moving day. Less stress for you both! 

Two-Week Moving Checklist:

• Dispose of or donate anything you didn’t sell or give away. Remember, many organizations will provide you with a receipt, and your donations will be utilized at tax time. 
• Check your vehicles for the need for services like Oil Changes, Tires, Belts, Hoses, etc.
• Cancel your newspaper subscription and delivery. 
• Notify any creditors of your move. 
• Return any borrowed items. Retrieve any items you have loaned out. 
• Make sure you have an adequate supply of medications and transfer any prescriptions. 
• As a much-appreciated courtesy, assemble a folder to leave for the new homeowner of pertinent manuals—dishwasher, Garage Openers, Range, Alarm Systems, etc. 
• It’s time to send out the change of address cards if you haven’t already. 

One Week Moving Checklist:

• Pack a travel kit:
• Put aside critical items like a checkbook, credit cards, cell phone, ID, flashlight, keys, toiletries, tools, paper plates, cups, towels, travel alarm clock, aspirin, bandages, and games. Also, pack a suitcase with clothing and other personal items.
• One Day Before Moving Check List:
• Transfer your bank accounts, close and empty the safe deposit box. 
• Settle any unpaid bills with local businesses. 
• Find new homes for any plants that won’t make a move.
• Confirm any travel reservations. 
• Defrost your refrigerator and freezer. 
• Disconnect and prepare major appliances for the move. 
• Set aside those things you want to travel with you to avoid having them mistakenly packed on the truck. 
• Pack separate boxes of items you will need FIRST at your new home. Mark this box LOAD LAST 
• Get cash or travelers’ checks for the trip and pay or tip movers. 
• If you have hired a moving company, confirm their arrival time. 
• If moving yourself, start to dismantle large furniture and beds if possible. 

Moving Day:

• If utilizing a moving company, be sure that someone is available to answer any questions. 
• Read your bill of lading and inventory carefully before signing. Keep this paperwork in a safe place. 
• If you are moving by yourself, Be Safe! Don’t overextend yourself, and use smart lifting techniques. 

Delivery Day:

• Check your belongings carefully and note the inventory paperwork and any damages. 
• Be prepared to pay the delivery driver before the truck gets unloaded.
• Supervise the unloading and unpacking. 
• Be prepared to pay the movers with cash or a certified check unless you have made prior arrangements.

After Arriving At Your New Home:

• Renew your driver’s license, auto registration, and tags. Most states allow a 30-day grace period. 
• Shop around for new insurance policies, especially auto coverage. 
• Revise your will and other legal papers to avoid longer probate and higher legal fees. 
• Locate the schools, hospitals, doctors, pharmacies, police stations, veterinarians, and fire stations near your home. 

We hope this moving checklist provides guidance and insight into your move. Even a local move can be stressful and time-consuming. By planning and staging your move, you can eliminate a lot of headaches.

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