Moving Checklist

Serving many clients over the years; I’ve compiled a comprehensive list for a stress-free move to the new home. Please feel free to print out and have the list handy.

6 to 8 Weeks Before Moving Day:
  • If you are using movers, get a few estimates from moving companies you can find here.
  • If you are moving by yourself, get a few estimates from at least two truck rental companies.
  • Create a floor plan of your new home for furniture and appliance placement.
  • Arrange to transfer school records and check enrollment in schools.
  • Make an inventory of your household goods and begin to remove clutter.
  • Start with basement, garage, attic, and other storage areas.
  • Start a file for all of your moving paperwork – estimates, receipts, bills and so forth.
  • Chose the truck rental company: Budget, UHaul, Penske, etc
  • Get your new home ready: Contact painters, carpenters, plumbers, roofers, etc.
  • Remember to change the locks on all the doors in your new home.
  • Obtain and fill out post office change-of-address cards.
  • Make arrangements for storage if necessary.
  • Ask your doctor or health plan provider for referrals, and obtain all medical records.
  • Clean all closets and drawers, vacuum the floors.
  • Start using foods and cleaning supplies that can’t be moved.

4 Weeks Before Moving Day:
  • Schedule to disconnect all utility services at your old home and connection at the new home.
  • Set to disconnect the day after you leave and to connect the day before you arrive.
  • If you have “last month” deposits with services remember to request your refund.
  • If you are moving by yourself, reserve a rental truck: Budget, UHaul, Penske, etc.
  • Obtain packing materials and start packing items not needed right away at a new home.
  • Arrange for cleaning and repair of furniture, drapes, and carpeting.
  • Check your insurance policy to see how your possessions are covered during transit.
  • 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.

3 Weeks Before Moving Day:
  • Properly dispose of items that cannot be moved, such as flammable liquids.
  • If moving to another state: Prepare auto registration for transfer.
  • If you are moving in/out of an apartment or condo, arrange for the use of the elevator.
  • Make child-care arrangements for moving day.
  • Hold your moving sale – make space for new furniture and things.

2 Weeks Before Moving Day:
  • Arrange for disposal of anything not sold at your moving sale.
  • Return any borrowed items (including library books) and retrieve any loaned items.
  • Cancel newspaper delivery and any reoccurring subscriptions.
  • Notify employer, banks and all creditors of your move.
  • Transfer prescriptions and be sure you have an adequate supply of medications on hand.
  • Assemble a file folder of information to leave for the new owner of your home.
  • Change your address: One week before your move
  • Send change-of-address cards to everyone who will need to contact you.
  • Pick up laundry – laundry tickets are easy to misplace.
  • Ask for your laundry things by name and not just by the receipts you have.
  • Pack a travel kit: Put aside critical items like a checkbook, credit cards, personal phone book, ID’s, flashlight, keys, toiletries, tools, paper plates, cups, towels, travel alarm clock, aspirin, bandages and games for the kids.
  • Pack a suitcase with clothing and other personal items, to have handy at the new house.

1 Day Before Moving Day:
  • Set aside anything that will travel in your car, so it will not be loaded on the truck.
  • Pack a box of items that will be needed first at the new house.
  • Clearly mark this box “Load Last.”
  • Obtain cash or traveler’s checks for the trip and to pay the movers.
  • Confirm arrival time of your moving van/truck.
  • If moving yourself, dismantle beds and other large furniture.

Moving Day:
  • If using a mover, be sure someone is at the old house to answer questions.
  • Note all utility meter readings.
  • Read your bill of lading and inventory carefully before signing.
  • Keep this paperwork in a safe place.

Delivery Day:
  • Check your belongings carefully and note on the inventory paperwork any damaged items.
  • Supervise unloading and unpacking.
  • Be prepared to pay your mover with cash, certified check, or credit card unless other arrangements have been made in advance.

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