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.