Two Months

Quotes from moving companies

Quotes from storage companies

Quotes from truck rental companies.

Start a file for paperwork, receipts and notes.

Arrange to transfer school records.

Choose a mover or rental company

Know their policy on payment, day of move, before move, insurance, extra insurance

Choose a storage company

Fill out post office change-of-address cards

Subscribe to the newspaper at your new address

Transfer medical records.

Transfer dental records

Transfer medical prescriptions

Transfer veterinary records

Items of value – get appraised prior to move

Start using fresh food and cleaning supplies

Four Weeks

Schedule transfer of utilities at old house

Investigate child care services in your new area

Request partial month refund / payment

Request security deposit refund / payment if renting

Obtain packing materials and start packing

Arrange for cleaning of old house after personal items are out

Arrange for transportation of pets and plants as required.

Check with insurance agent to see how items are covered during move.

Get additional insurance for move as required.

Arrange for temporary housing

Get any town/community permits required.

Hold your yard sale

Collect your important records – gather personal and family records prior to major re-organization.

Notify magazines, credit card, friends and family of your change of address.

Arrange for professional installation of various appliances, equipment, and other items as required – entertainment centers, computer connections, Hot tubs, Pool Tables, ceiling fans, gas grills, antiques, chandeliers

Use up all refrigerator food, leave it empty, put in an open baking soda box

Three Weeks

Transfer car registrations, state tags, county tags, town tags

Get parking stickers

Arrange for use of elevator or loading dock

Arrange for moving access for gated communities

Pack old phone books from old home, stay in touch with old friends

Make personal travel arrangements Flights, hotel, car rentals

Make new bank safety deposit box arrangements

Make arrangements to close old deposit box

Two Weeks

Give away or trash anything not sold at moving sale.

Request packing boxes from movers for items you plan on packing yourself.

Service car, change oil

Return borrowed items

Get loaned items back.

Return library books

Cancel Library cards

Pick up any items at Laundromat/dry cleaners

Cancel any un-needed insurance, transfer coverage to new home

Transfer bank accounts

Pack a travel kit for critical items like medicines, passport, ID, personal phone box, personal items, first aid kit, games for the kids.

Arrange for baby sitting for kids “Day of move”

Empty any secret hiding places

One Week

Take animals to vet for required shots as needed/check ups.

Close out safe-deposit box.

Settle any bills associated with old house

Drain all oil / gas out of motorized equipment.

Give away plants not to be moved

Give away animals not to be moved – Fish/aquarium or pond

Confirm all travel arrangements

Contact new utility companies and verify start dates.

Arrange for someone to help watch children and pets on moving day.

One day

Set aside all items needed for travel for pets

Obtain cash/checks needed

Dismantle beds and other large furniture

Mow your lawn one last time

Double check for disconnection of service or transfer of service

Remove any fixtures not included in sale –must be noted as “does not convey”

Pack your suitcase

Back up computer equipment

Disconnect all equipment not needed.

Notify the police that your house will be vacant

Obtain multiple directions, address, contact information, cell phones for everyone and hand those out to all parties helping in the move.

Leave behind all appliance information

Leave behind a forwarding address and contact information for your new address or emergency contact

Empty and defrosts refrigerator and freezer, put baking soda inside to keep fresh.

Arrange for payment to the moving company. Payment must be made at or before your belongings arrive at your new home. Know their policy on payment.

Moving Day

Be sure some one is at old house to answer questions

Note utility meter readings – especially water meter reading

Read your movers inventory and documentation before signing. Keep in safe place

Review all special instructions with movers.

Accompany the foreman to take inventory.

Verify delivery plans.

Give the home a final cleaning or arrange for final cleaning.

Moving Day

Check your belongings carefully and make sure that inventory and paperwork match.

Note any damaged items or crushed boxes.

Be prepared to pay driver before your possessions are unloaded.

Supervise unloading and unpacking.

Arrive before the movers, clear the path to each room.

Unpack your car.

Review your floor plan

Check to ensure utilities are connected and follow up

Confine pets and little kids to out of the way room, or have prearranged someone to watch them.

Tip the movers and van operator – See Tipping Movers

After move in

Resume deliver of newspaper and publications

Let local post office know

Create an emergency phone list for your new home.

Create list of important local phone numbers and address and directions

Change batteries in smoke detectors

Send thank you letters to all that helped out

Change house locks

Mail we have moved cards with new address and contact information.

Report any damage items to moving company and your insurance company