Preparing For A Move - Moving Checklist

Moving 101 » Preparing For Your Move

Keeping a checklist and following the steps in our tutorial will help keep you on track for a stress-free, organized move.

6 Weeks Prior to Move Date

List all items which are to be moved and categorize by room. Contact moving companies to obtain estimates - three companies should suffice. Plan the date of the move after closing on your new home.
Contact telephone, electric, utility and cable companies regarding the procedures to return deposits and disconnect services. Check with any other companies such as security, lawn service, etc. for final billing. Contact the Post Office regarding your change of address and the date of move. Most Post Offices carry the "mover's kit", provided at no cost from the Post Office, which is used to notify correspondents and publications of your change of address.
Register children in their new schools by obtaining records from your current school and completing the necessary forms. Transfer club memberships if possible or have fees refunded.
Review homeowner's insurance; notify of cancellation if new insurance is obtained.
Clean out closets, sheds, toys, bookcases, etc. Schedule a garage sale if possible. Consider donating items to charity. Obtain receipt for goods for tax purposes. Check with your tax agent to identify any costs that may be deductible. For further information regarding tax deductible costs related to your move, visit the Internal Revenue Services web site at http://www.irs.gov.

Contact telephone, electric, utility, and cable companies to confirm date to discontinue service. Discontinue other services such as newspaper delivery, gardeners and security. Be sure the date of moving into your new residence coincides with new services such as phone service, utility services and cable.
Verify with moving company last minute details and packing plan.
Obtain copies of all medical records, prescriptions needed, and referrals at new location for physicians and dentists, if possible.

Use up cleaning supplies, aerosol containers (like hairspray), bleach, etc. Do not pack or ship flammable items.
Food or frozen items cannot be packed. Use as much as possible, then prepare to clean out refrigerator.
Pack a container to include first aid kit, some essential toiletries as well as a hammer and screwdriver. Prepare your children and pets for moving by packing a special box for their entertainment (This can include snacks and toys.)
Remove fuel from equipment such as lawn mowers, gas grills, and motorcycles.
Prepare for your first night in the new residence by packing linens and pillows in dresser drawers.

Defrost and clean refrigerator and freezer.
Mark all boxes with the contents and designate room location. Have someone supervise the packing for accuracy. Fragile items and valuables may be packed prior to the mover's arrival; decide whether the movers are moving these items or not. Determine whether or not it is necessary to take photographs. Prepare your checklist of items so that you may compare with the mover's inventory.
Arrange with the new owners or real estate person where to leave keys.
Leave information with the police in case of emergency and be certain a trusted friend or relative has knowledge of your whereabouts.

Review the 'Bill of Lading' and mover's inventory for completeness before signing. Search the entire house before movers leave. Confirm directions, name of driver and new numbers of destination.
Keep copies of all transactions for income tax purposes, including lodging, transportation, meals and gas.
Load up items including luggage and valuables before movers leave.
Plan to arrive at destination prior to movers. Verify if there are additional charges applied if the movers arrive first.

Check all appliances for working condition. Call repair service if needed.
Check with the post office for any mail being held.
Review all boxes being unloaded by movers on inventory list. Make a note of any damage for insurance purposes.
You're all done! Breathe a sigh of relief and enjoy your new home!