2 Months before Moving Day
If you will use a removal company, get a at least
3 estimates from moving companies.
If you are moveing yourself, get costs from at
least 2 truck rental companies.
Make an inventory of your household goods
and begin to remove clutter
Start a file for all your moving paperwork
(estimates, receipts, etc.).
7 Weeks
Arrange to transfer school records.
Choose a removal company (or truck rental company).
Get your new home ready - Contact painters, carpenters, plumbers, roofers etc., so your home is ready when you arrive.
Remember to change the locks on all the doors in your new home.
6 weeks
Obtain and fill out post office change-of-address cards.
Subscribe to the paper in your new hometown & study the internet to learn more about your new community.
Make arrangements for storage if necessary.
5 Weeks
Ask your doctor or health plan provider for referrals, and obtain medical records.
Have antiques, and other valuables appraised.
Clean all closets drawers & the garage.
Start using foods to save moving them.
4 Weeks
Schedule disconnection of all utility services at your old home, and connection of them at your new one. Be sure to disconnect the day after you leave and connect the day before you arrive. If you have "last month" deposits with services, such as the telephone company, request your refund.
If you are moving yourself, reserve the rental truck.
If you are packing yourself, obtain packing materials (Tape, Boxs Etc.) Start packing items you won't need until after you have been in your new house a while.
Arrange for special transportation of your pets and plants if necessary.
Check with your insurance company to see how your possessions are covered during transit and when the truck is parked overnight.
Make the travel plans necessary for your move.
Check to see if you need any moving permits.
Plan your moving sale. Remember to check with local authorities about restrictions.
Collect your important records -- Gather personal and family records, including medical and dental, veterinary and school records; legal and financial documents; birth certificates, passports and insurance documents make sure they are secure and you know where they are at all times.
3 weeks
Arange disposal of items that cannot be moved, such as flammable liquids.
Prepare car registration for transfer (if moving to another state).
If you are moving in or out of an apartment, arrange for use of the elevator.
Make child-care arrangements for moving day.
Hold your garage sale.
2 weeks
Arrange for disposal of anything not sold at your garage sale.
Service your car ready for the move. If you're moving from a hot climate to a cold one, check your antifreeze.
Return any borrowed items
(including library books, movies)
and retrieve any loaned items.
Cancel newspaper delivery.
Notify any creditors of your move
(Credit card, car loans etc.).
Transfer prescriptions and try to have
a 3 month supply of medications on hand.
1 Week
Assemble a file folder of information to leave for the new owner of your home (and ask the
owners of your new home to do the same).
Change your address,send change-of-address cards to everyone who will need to contact you.
Dont forget your email address if this is going to change.
Pick up laundry -- Laundry tickets are easy to misplace, so ask for your things by name and not just by the receipts you have.
3 Days
Pack a travel kit medical supplies food and drink:
Put aside critical items like a checkbook, credit cards, personal phone book, ID,keys, toiletries, travel alarm clock, and games for the kids.
1 Day
Transfer your bank accounts.
Take pets to a vet for immunization, if necessary.
Close and empty your safe-deposit box.
Settle any bills with local businesses.
Drain power equipment of oil and gas. Drain water hoses.
Confirm any travel reservations.
Defrost refrigerator and freezer, leaving doors slightly open.
Let removal company pack your belongings (unless it's a DIY move).
Disconnect and prepare major appliances for move.
Organise a box of items that will be needed first at the new house. Clearly mark this box "Load Last." (Coffe machine).
The Day
If using a removal company, be sure someone is at your old house to answer questions (or make sure they have your Cell number).
Note all utility meter readings.
Read your bill of lading and inventory carefully before signing. Keep this paperwork in a safe place.
Arrival
Be on hand to answer any questions from the removal team.
Check your belongings carefully and note on the inventory paperwork any damaged items(Take pictures).
On an interstate move, be prepared to pay the driver before your possessions are unloaded.
Supervise unloading and unpacking.
Be prepared to pay your mover with cash, certified check, or traveler's checks unless other arrangements have been made in advance.
Moving Checklist
