checklist-for-moving-out

Moving Checklist

When relocating, there’s so much to do! Sometimes it’s hard to know what to tackle first. A moving checklist presents a clear timetable and outlines your next tasks at each step.
This example checklist is provided by Relocation Central see the links for a direct link.

One Month Before Moving
  • Pick up a Change-of-Address Kit from the Post Office and fill out:
    • Friends and family
    • Banks
    • Insurance companies
    • Credit card companies
    • Magazines and newspapers – cancel local newspaper delivery
    • Doctors, dentists and other providers – transfer drug prescriptions
  • Take a look around the house. Start to think about what you don’t want to take with you.
    • Use up perishable foods
    • Sell, donate or hold a garage sale for unwanted items
  • Prepare a list of what you want to move.
    • Large appliances?
    • Outside furniture?
  • For full service moves:
    • What items won’t they move?
    • Get appraisals of high-value items in case of future claims
  • For do-it-yourself moves, make arrangements for truck, storage, rental and moving help, and buy packing supplies:
    • Boxes
    • Packing and masking tape
    • Markers
    • Newspapers
    • Twine
  • Start packing boxes. Mark boxes clearly as to contents and room to be placed in. Mark “Open First” clearly on boxes containing important items to be unpacked first:
    • Dishes
    • Pots and pans
    • Alarm clock
    • Bedding
    • Special toys
    • Towels
    • Lightbulbs
    • Plates
    • Tools – hammer, pliers, wrench
  • Stop by and make arrangements for picking up your important records:
    • Birth
    • Doctor
    • Dentist
    • Legal
    • Optician, optometrist
    • School – make sure you get one with a raised seal
    • Veterinarian
  • Close out your bank accounts:
    • Checking
    • Savings
    • Safe Deposit Box
  • Start a new bank account in your new town.
    • Transfer account from current bank?
  • Contact your child’s new school and notify them of your upcoming move to their area.
  • Contact the Chamber of Commerce in your new town or city. Request a relocation package.
Two Weeks Before Moving
  • Pack your vital documents in one place:
    • Passports
    • Military records
    • Mortgage records
    • Marriage license
    • Birth certificates
    • Vehicle titles
    • Stock certificates
    • Insurance papers
    • Bank records
    • School records
    • Medical records
    • Tax records
  • Make arrangements to disconnect your utilities. Get refunds for any deposits made. Have meters read. Give new address for them to send their final bill:
    • Cable – return box if necessary
    • Electric
    • Gas
    • Internet access
    • Telephone
    • Water
  • Make arrangements to connect utilities at your new residence.
  • Make arrangements for cleaning
  • Inquire about your new state’s auto licensing procedure and auto insurance rates.
  • Check with your insurance company about transferring coverage to your new home.
  • Arrange to have a sitter watch your children at their house on moving day.
One Week Before Moving
  • Dispose or drain any flammable items:
    • Lawn mower gas
    • Snow blower gas
    • Paint
    • Aerosol cans
  • Plan what goes in the car with you:
    • Toys and games for kids
    • Special breakable items or collections
    • Important documents and records
    • Change of clothes and toiletries for your first day
    • Vacuum cleaner – if you want to clean right away
    • Toilet paper
    • First aid kit
    • Food kit with bottled water, cereal, bananas
  • Make travel arrangements for your pets and plants.
  • Purchase moving insurance if you have valuable antiques and collections.
  • Have your car tuned up.
The Day Before Moving
  • Defrost, clean and air out your refrigerator.
  • Clean your stove.
  • Make sure you have payment ready for the mover – they will not unpack without a check. Check your moving company’s payment policies.
  • Purchase traveler’s checks for other possible expenses.
  • Pack your former town’s phone book for future correspondence.
  • Get a simple breakfast ready for the next morning.
  • Pick up ice and beverages for moving day.
  • Take down curtains and curtain rods.
  • Get a good night’s sleep!
Moving Day!
  • Strip your beds.
    • Moving company – will they disassemble?
  • Show movers around. Make sure your possessions to be moved are inventoried with them.
    • Write “subject to further inspection for concealed loss or damage” on contract when you sign to protect yourself should you find damage while unpacking.
  • Get all keys together. Put in a safe spot.
  • Make sure moving van driver has correct address, phone number and directions. Confirm delivery date with him.
  • Check all rooms one last time. Remember closets and cupboards, basement and garage! Make sure all windows and doors are locked.
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Moving Out
Always a big step for any individual, family or business. Here you will find help and information on moving out.