Moving Checklist

Moving Checklists
Insurance
Moving Announcements
Address Change Tool
Utility Transfer Service
Moving check Review your relocation package if you have one, and determine what expenses will be paid by your company.
Moving check Start a log of moving expense receipts (some may be tax deductible).
Moving check Get written estimates from moving companies, including their written commitment of pickup and delivery dates. Get references. Check the limits of insurance they offer, and if it covers replacement cost. Purchase additional insurance if necessary.
Moving check Arrange for storage facility, if you plan to store any contents. Again, check insurance.
Moving check Arrange transport service for pets or automobiles if needed.
Moving check Contact your bank and arrange transfer of your accounts; order checks with new address; clean out your safety deposit box.
Moving check Submit change-of-address forms to the post office; mail postcards to friends & creditors.
Moving check Give day care center proper notice of withdrawal.
Moving check Contact schools and arrange for transfer of student records.
Moving check Contact your doctors for medical records and possible referrals to new physicians.
Moving check Change your insurance policies on property, auto and medical.
Moving check Organize all important documents in a fire-safe box. Some things you want to include are school records, home purchase/sale papers, will, marriage/divorce papers, pet documents, financial records, stock certificates, social security cards, birth certificates, and passports.
Moving check Give notice of resignation to any clubs, organizations or volunteer activities you belong to.
Moving check Cancel newspaper subscriptions.
Moving check Arrange for hotels, rental cars or temporary housing as needed.

2 Weeks Before the Move

Moving check Take a ruthless walk-through to determine what you really want to take.
Moving check Tag the rest of it and hold a garage sale; or call a charity for pick-up.
Moving check Clean out club, gym and school lockers; pick up all dry cleaning.
Moving check Arrange for the disconnection or changeover of utilities.
Moving check Have measurements taken of the rooms in your new residence and use floorplans to determine where everything will go.
Moving check Begin packing less-used items. Number and label each box, and keep an inventory. For more valuable information, see our packing tips.
Moving check Retrieve and return all borrowed items from neighbors & friends; return library books.
Moving check Clean out the cupboards & plan remaining meals so you can pack what you don't need, and don't buy any more perishables than you have to.

1 Week Before the Move

Moving check Make an inventory list of all items going with you personally. Keep valuable and irreplaceable items such as jewelry and heirlooms with you, not movers.
Moving check Confirm arrangements and dates with moving & storage companies.
Moving check Confirm arrangements with auto & pet transportation companies.
Moving check Confirm hotel, rental car or temporary housing accommodations.
Moving check Clean out and defrost the deep freezer.
Moving check Disassemble furniture or others items.
Moving check Be sure to check yard and sheds for all items to pack.
Moving check Inform all friends & relatives of your forwarding address. If your phone service won't be instantaneous, arrange for a temporary voice mailbox; some long distance providers such as Sprint and MCI offer 1-800 voice mail numbers.
Moving check Take pictures of furniture or get fabric samples for anything you will want to reference for color or decorating before your goods are delivered to your new home.
Moving check Set aside a box of cleaning supplies and the vaccuum cleaner.
Moving check Begin making a "Survival Box" for the move. This should include paper, pens, stamps, envelopes, cellophane & heavy duty tape, scissors, tape measure, paper cups, ziplock bags, paper plates & towels, plastic utensils, facial & toilet tissue, instant coffee or tea, cream/sugar, soap, moist towelettes, aspirin, bandaids, can opener, bottled water, travel alarm, flashlight, small tools kit, trash bags, snacks or drinks, children's games, address book, spare car keys, phone books for the city you are leaving and your destination.

1-2 Days Before the Move

Moving check Clean and defrost refrigerator and freezer.
Moving check Purchase traveler's checks for trip expenses.
Moving check Reconcile and close bank accounts, unless you will be using another branch of the same bank.
Moving check Conclude financial matters relating to the sale or lease of your home.
Moving check Movers or your family should complete packing of all household goods for the move. Make sure are boxes are clearly marked.

Moving Day

Moving check Confirm delivery address, directions and delivery date with the movers.
Moving check Carefully supervise the move. Make sure boxes are clearly marked and your instructions are understood.
Moving check Clean the home and check entire grounds before leaving.
Moving check Check thermostat and make sure temperature is set appropriately. Make sure all windows and doors are closed and locked, and all appliances are turned off. Leave forwarding address, garage door openers and any keys, if agreed to, for the new owners or renters.
Moving check If your home is going to be vacant when you leave, make sure a relative, neighbor or real estate agent has the keys and how to contact you. Also, notify your insurance agent and police department that the home will be empty.

Arrival Day

Moving check Check to make sure all utilities are on and working properly.
Moving check Let family members or friends know you have arrived safely. Check in with your employer and real estate agent to confirm itineraries.
Moving check Supervise moving crew on location of furniture and boxes. Begin unpacking necessary basics first - basic kitchen utensils, bath toiletries, etc.
Moving check Give the kids a job to do - let them start on their rooms. Usually, the kitchen and the kids rooms are the best to set up first, as it helps them feel at home.
Moving check Go over the Bill of Lading from the moving company very carefully before signing; check for damaged items first, as this is usually binding once signed.

Now relax, order dinner out, and take a long hot bath....you deserve it!