Moving you and your family can be an extremely stressful event. However, you can minimize the stress with a little bit planning and research. Go through your household items and clothing and deciding what you need to take with you. By researching the area of your new home you will find that you may not need to move everything you use now based on the style of home or the weather in your new location. Have a yard sale or donate clothing and other items to a charity. All too often, people move boxes they haven’t opened in years only to move them to the new home and never open them again.
We hope that this checklist will assist you in a smooth and hassle free move.
60 – 90 Days Prior to Your Move
Create packing plan for everyone in your family and assign everyone a task
Scale down household items and go through old clothing
Start a filing system for inventory, photos and paperwork
Set a date for the garage sale to reduce the amount of items to move
Collect boxes and packing supplies
Establish a designated packing area
Obtain quotes from moving companies and get references
Contract with the moving company to use based on price and reputation
Communicate with your relocation company, if applicable.
Check for travel arrangements for your family and pets
Financial Records and Personal Files
Maintain an expense folder of receipts, speak with your accountant
Assemble all insurance policies and contact them about the move
Check with your Doctor, Dentist, etc. about transferring records
Obtain change of address forms, Post Office, IRS, DMV, etc.
Contact the schools, if applicable.
Check in with credit cards and other organizations for change of address
30 Days Prior to Your Move
Pack items and clothing you are not using
Reserve storage if needed
Reconfirm you appointment with the moving company
Contact your utility companies for procedures
Do an pre-move inventory to assure all boxes are moved
Make arrangements for children and pets
Have an unpacking plan of attack in the new home
Financial Records and Personal Files
Fill in change of address with Post Office, www.usps.gov
Give change of address to friends, banks, schools, etc.
Complete necessary paperwork with new DMV
Terminate service contracts as of the moving day
Determine what utility companies need from you in new home
14 Days Prior to Your Move
Begin final cleaning
Check with service provider for painting, cleaning, repairs, etc.
Reconfirm closing and monies needed to close with title company
Continue packing and label boxes as to what room they belong in
Financial Records and Personal Files
Organize all pertinent documents for easy access
Re-confirm Doctors, Dentists, Pharmacies, etc.
Update files
One Week Prior to Your Move
Arrange for proper disposal of old computers, paints, etc.
Backup all computers
Develop a contingency plan if closing does not happen in a timely manner
Have cash on hand for incidentals and tips
Begin packing last items
Get the kids involved with their toys
Keep suitcase handy for day of moving for last minute items
Plan easy meals for the week and moving day
Prepare Moving Day Kit ( see below)
Prepare special labels for the kids boxes and get them involved
Prepare a moving guide for the movers with your contact info, maps, exact address
Prepare a move in plan for you and the movers as to where the boxes go
Financial Records and Personal Files
Cancel scheduled delivers, paper, etc.
Open new bank account in new area
Gather all keys, remotes, etc for home to convey
Return library book, videos, items borrowed from friends
On Your Moving Day
Have Moving Day Kit ready and easily assessable
Final cleaning, floors, appliances, fixtures, etc.
Give movers all your contact information, maps, etc.
Review your inventory list with the movers
Carefully go over your moving bill with the movers
Obtain the phone numbers of the movers and contact information
Map out the new home for you and the movers to expedite the move
Perform a final walk-through of your old home
Note: If your home is going to empty for some time notify the local police
7 Days After the Move
Rekey all locks
Check on status of moving deposits
Check operation of all smoke detectors and fire extinguishers
Work on minor repairs or call a handyman
Clear living areas of boxes and hang pictures
Locate pharmacies, stores and familiarize yourself with the new area
Have the kids help with their rooms
Confirm address changes, bank accounts, voter registration, etc
Maintain moving files
Moving Day Supply Checklist
Files with all names and phone numbers
Keys to new home
Personal affects, toiletries, clothing, sheets, towels, etc
Small medicine kit with band aids, aspirin, prescriptions, etc.
Small maintenance tool box
Light hammer
Screwdriver
Wrench
Tape measure
Pencil & paper
Scissors
Tape
Flashlight
Light snacks, bottled water, sodas, paper cups & plates, napkins and utensils
Pet food, if applicable
Closing documents and files
