Moving Checklist

Depending on where you are moving to, some things on the list may not apply. Be sure to allow enough time to make changes before moving to avoid any trouble.

Moving Checklist and Schedule

6 to 8 Weeks Before You Move

• If you are going to use a moving company, identify who you are going to use, the cost of their services, and any requirements or advice they have to help you with your move to your new home. If you’re going to move yourself, it would be a good idea to reserve a truck from a rental agency.
• Start thinking about where you will put things in your new home. Either get a copy of your new floor plan, or sketch one to help you decide things you will be moving, selling, donating or throwing out.
• Start collecting moving and packing supplies.
• Contact your insurance and medical providers and arrange for a transfer of policies and records.
• Gather any important documents and records you may need before you’re unpacked and put them in a safe and accessible place.
• If you’re moving to another city,
  • start making travel arrangements
  • start researching your new community
  • find out the what you’ll need for a new driver’s license and car registration.

4 to 5 Weeks Before You Move

• File a Change of Address form with the Post Office.
• Report your change of address to
  • friends and family
  • banks
  • insurance companies
  • credit card companies
  • doctors, dentists and any other service providers
  • cubs or associations
  • magazines

• Start thinking about priorities for packing by making lists of reverse priorities.

  What you don’t need, or aren’t going to use in the next 6 weeks, plan to pack first:

  • out-of-season clothes and materials
  • books
  • room accessories
  • sports equipment, etc.

  What you will need should be packed last:

  • in-season clothing and materials
  • medications
  • cooking utensils
  • cleaning supplies
  • a set of tools, etc.

• Start looking at your belongings and getting rid of the things you don’t want to move. Organize a garage sale (including advertising, pricing, etc.).
• If you are sure of your moving date, contact utility providers (lights, gas, telephone cable, etc.) and make arrangement for disconnection and connection of your utilities. (In your old home, be sure to leave your phone connected throughout your moving day and have phone service connected in your new home the day before you move in.)

3 Weeks Before You Move

• Decide who is going to help you pack and what they will be doing.
• If you are using a moving company, make sure that your move date is confirmed, you have arranged for any additional services you might need, and know what they will cost.
• Return your library books; pick up your cleaning, etc.

2 Weeks Before You Move

• Transfer all of your prescriptions.
• Clear out your safety deposit box.
• Back up your computer and determine the safest way to get the computer, peripheral equipment, files, software, etc. to you new home.
• Make your final packing decisions. If you need to use outside storage, make sure you know the storage options available and how much they will cost.
• Clean your home and get rid of everything you don’t want to move.

• Dispose of items that represent a hazard and are not allowed to be shipped.
• Tape and seal all nontoxic and nonflammable cleaning fluids that you are going to keep.
• Mow your lawn one last time, and then drain your lawn mower, snow blower and power tools of all oil and gasoline to ensure safe transportation.

• Determine how you’re going to move your pets and make sure you have the pets’ medical records.

• Schedule a service provider to have your appliances disconnected and prepared to move.
• Have your automobile serviced if you plan to travel by car.
• Cancel newspapers and other regular deliveries.

• Clean out gym and school lockers.

1 Week Before You Move

• Make sure you haven't overlooked anything in the house including minor repairs.
• Make sure to separate out the items you'll take with you and the items the movers will take. Items you may wish to take with you could be jewelry and important documentation as well as anything you will need while you things are still in boxes.
• Arrange for payment for moving services. Contact your van line agent to inquire about methods of payment accepted. Generally this will be cash on delivery (COD), and verify with your van line agent the insurance you have chosen.
• Mark the boxes to be shipped with the words, "Fragile", "Do Not Load" and "Load Last" stickers.
• Empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator, freezer and stove at least 24 hours before moving to let them air out. Try using baking soda to get rid of any odors. You can also leave a container of baking soda in the refrigerator.
• Prepare items you will need while your goods are in transit. Pack your suitcases and confirm travel arrangements for you and your family. Try to keep plans as flexible as possible in the event of unexpected delays or schedule changes.
• Make sure everyone knows the address and phone number of your new home. You should also provide an address and phone number where you can be reached while you are traveling.
• If you haven’t already, pick up any dry cleaning and laundry and return videos and library books.
• Settle any outstanding bills with local merchants.
• Prepare your “first night”. Your first night box should contain clothing, toiletries, medications and any other items your family will need for their first night in your new home.
• Gather keys, alarm codes, garage door openers and give them to the new owner or real estate agent.
• If your old home will be unoccupied for a period of time after you move, notify the police and ask them to keep an eye on it.

Moving Day

• Work with the movers and be there when they arrive. If you are not able to be present while the movers are there, designate a friend or family member to help out and make decisions in your absence and make sure the movers know who is in charge. Be sure that your chosen representative knows exactly what to do, because they may be asked to sign documents obligating you to charges.
• Clean your house as much as you can before the moving van arrives. Search every room, closet and all around the house before the moving van arrives.
• Provide the new phone number and all other phone numbers where you can be reached while shipment is in transit. Make sure to take along the destination agent's name, address and telephone number.
• Provide the driver with clear directions to your new home.
• If possible, stay home until the last item is packed. Make a final inspection before the van operator leaves. After the movers leave, pack your phone in one of your suitcases for easy access when you arrive to your new home.
• Review your floor plan and make yourself available for instructions on where to place your furniture and appliances while unloading.
• If you cannot be at your home while the van is being unloaded be sure to authorize a representative to accept delivery. Inform the destination agent of your representative’s name. Your representative will be asked to note any change in the condition of your goods noted on the inventory at the time of loading, and to note any missing items at the time of delivery.
• By signing the inventory sheet, bill of lading and pack/unpack certificate, you are acknowledging the receipt of all items listed. Document any loss or damage on the inventory sheet and report this to the van line agent at destination, immediately.
• Arrange for someone to watch your kids and/or pets during the loading and unloading process.
• Do not use your stereos, computers, televisions, other electronic devices and appliances for 24 hours after delivery to prevent possible damage. Allow them to adjust to room temperature.
• Verify that all utilities have been disconnected in your old home and connected in your new home.