Moving Checklist

Here is a moving checklist to help ensure a stress-free move.  Some of these items may not apply to your situation, and you may want to add more if it helps you.

 

8 Weeks Before You Move

  • Inventory Sheets: Create an inventory sheet of all which is to be moved.
  • Research Moving Options: You’ll need to decide if yours is a do-it-yourself move or if you’ll be using a moving company.
  • Request Moving Quote: Solicit moving quotes from as many moving companies and movers as possible.  There can be a large difference between rates and services within moving companies.
  • Discard Unnecessary Items: Moving is a great time for riding yourself of unnecessary items.  Have a yard sale or donate unnecessary items to charity.
  • Packing Material: Gather moving boxes and packing material for your move.
  • Contact Insurance Companies: You’ll need to contact your insurance agent to cancel/transfer your insurance policy.

4 Weeks Before You Move

  • Start Packing: Begin packing all things destined for your new location.
  • Obtain Your Medical Record: Contact your doctor, physicians, dentist, and other medical specialists who may currently be retaining any of your family’s medical records.  Obtain these records or make plans for them to be delivered to your new medical facilities if changing.
  • Note Food Inventory Levels: Check your cupboards, refrigerator, and freezer to use up as much of your perishable food as possible.
  • Small Engines: Service small engines for your move by extracting gas and oil from the machines.  This will reduce the chance to catch fire during your move.
  • Protect Jewelry and Valuables: Transfer jewelry and valuables to a safety deposit box so they can not be lost or stolen during your move.
  • Borrowed and Rented Items: Return items which you may have borrowed or rented.  Collect items borrowed by others.

1 Week Before You Move

  • Your Change of Address: Change your address with the USPS, DMV, Financial Institutions, Utilities, Government Offices, Health Care Service Providers, Memberships, and Subscriptions.
  • Bank Accounts: Transfer or close bank and financial accounts if changing banks.  Make sure to have a money order for paying the moving company.
  • Service Automobiles: If automobiles are to be driven long distance, you’ll want to have them serviced so you have a trouble-free drive.
  • Cancel Services: Notify any remaining service providers (newspapers, lawn services, etc.) of your move.
  • Travel Items: Set aside all items you’ll need while traveling.  Make sure these are not packed on the moving truck.
  • Contact Utility Companies: Set utility turnoff date, seek refunds and deposits and notify them of your new address.

Moving Day

  • Plan Your Itinerary: Make plans to spend the entire day at the house or at least until the movers are on their way.  Someone will need to be around to make decisions.  Make plans for kids and pets to be at a sitters for the day.
  • Review the House: Once the house is empty, check the entire house (closets, attic, basement, etc.) to ensure no items are left or no home issues exist.
  • Double Check With Your Mover: Ensure the mover has the new property address and all of your most recent contact information should they have any questions during your move.
  • Vacate Your Home: Make sure utilities are off, doors and windows are locked, and notify your real estate agent you’ve left the property.
  • Questions To Ask: Where is the garage door opener?  Where are the keys to the house, mailbox, and other lockable area?  Did you retrieve all keys from neighbors and friends?