We recommend that you start a moving file. Print this list out and check off things as they are accomplished. Keep your written estimate , this list and other moving documents together.
One month before your move:
- Prepare an inventory of all your household items. You will need this when you contact movers for estimates
- Call movers for estimates and discuss the costs involved. Reserve your move date.
- Determine other moving expenses and prepare a rough budget.
- Sell or give away anything you don't want.
- Visit your bank and advise them of your moving plans so they can offer recommendations on setting up accounts at a new financial institution where you will be moving. This will be an immense help in transferring your accounts.
- Notify your doctor and dentist of your move in order to have records and prescriptions transferred.
- If you have pets, arrange for their boarding during your pre-move and for shipping when you move. Contact your veterinarian for your pet' s records , and try to have all of their shots and treatments done before you move. Call your new county to determine specific requirements for that area.
- If you have children, find out the school they will attend and the records they will need to have transferred.
- Verify requirements for auto licensing.
- Notify insurance companies of your move. Transfer insurance on your house and possessions to insure coverage of your new home.
- Close charge accounts you won't be using in your new community.
- Ask for a transfer of credit bureau files.
- Send change of address to your post office.
- Send change of address cards to friends, magazines and creditors.
- Notify your church or synagogue.
- Cancel local deliveries.
- Contact utilities for disconnection and possible refunds due to you.
Two Weeks
- Empty your safe deposit box.
- Pack items of sentimental value and valuable papers that you are going to take care of yourself.
- Clean out your refrigerator and cabinets. Fix meals that use up food you don't want t o move.
- Have your car (s) serviced for the trip.
- Get a babysitter for when the movers are in your home.
- Plan a furniture layout for the movers, showing where things should be in your new home.
- Make hotel reservations if you are traveling for more than one day or you have to wait for the movers to arrive.
- Start packing anything that the movers won't be packing.
- If your home isn't sold, make maintenance and security arrangements with your real estate agent and also plan for a thorough cleaning of your house, carpets and draperies.
- Check with your local tax assessors to make sure your tax records are in order.
- If your home will be vacant for some time, arrange for snow removal, lawn care and notify police.
Final Days
Plan a survival package in case you have to wait for the movers:
- Paper plates
- Towels
- Soap
- Toilet paper
- Bedding
- Items to occupy children's time
- Snacks
- Water
- New house keys
- Pack clothes for the trip
- Take a local phone directory with you
- Notify someone of your travel plans
- Empty gasoline from the lawn mower and discard any cleaning fluids that are flammable. The mover won't allow them to be packed
- Get a cashiers check for the movers and travelers check for your trip to over any expenses until your new accounts are available
- Defrost and dry your refrigerator and freezer
- Have appliances and antennas disconnected
- Make sure boxes are labeled. Anything not being loaded should be marked "Do Not Move" and consolidated in one area
On Moving Day
- Make arrangements for pets so they won't be underfoot.
- Take small children to babysitter.
- Either you or someone else should be there when the movers arrive to direct them.
- Review inventory sheets with movers, including destination address and contact numbers.
- Take valuable documents, jewelry and money with you.
- Clear access areas, parking spaces, driveways, walkways and stairs of debris.
- At the completion of the loading, do a final walk through of the premises. Make sure all doors and windows are locked and lights out.
Move-In Day
- Arrange to be there to meet the movers.
- Make payment of final balance due.
- Review the floor plan with movers and the placement of household items.
- Confirm receipt of all household items by checking your inventory.