PLAN FOR YOUR MOVE WITH THIS CHECKLIST
Moving is one of the most stressful times a person can go through. Add in pets, children, a spouse... and you can have a volatile mix of personalities and emotions. But with careful planning and attention to detail, your move can go without a hitch.
Following this guide may make your experience in moving more pleasurable
than painful.
One month before moving:
Make an official moving file for receipts, records and other moving related papers.
Keep another secure file for other important documents, such as birth certificates, immunization records and insurance documents.
Moving expenses may be tax deductible. Check in with your tax advisor.
If hiring a mover, shop around for the best rate, set a moving date and fill out any paperwork.
If moving yourself, reserve a moving van well in advance.
Consider getting moving or storage insurance.
Begin removing unwanted or unneeded items from your attic garage, basement or storage. Donate them or have a garage sale. When donating, keep your receipts for tax purposes.
If moving with pets, check on possible vaccination requirements, especially if moving out of state.
If you have small children, research childcare options and the quality of school districts in your new area.
Visit schools in your new area and select the right one for your children Arrange to transfer immunization records and transcripts.
Update your car registration and driver’s license with your states motor vehicle department.
Notify your dentist and doctor of your move and ask for referrals. Check if you’re insurance covers physicians in your new area.
Forward or cancel monthly services, subscriptions and memberships.
Three weeks before moving:
Start packing rooms you don’t use as much. The last room should be the kitchen. Pick a room to serve as a staging area and for stowing packed boxes.
Check into temporary storage options for items you can’t move immediately.
Make an inventory and take photos or video of important or expensive items in your home as you pack. This can be used for insurance purposes if items get lost or damaged in the move.
Involve your kids by having them pack some of their own things. If you have young children arrange for a moving-day babysitter.
Contact utilities to cancel or transfer accounts.
Fill out an official change of address form with the post office. Fill out changes of address for credit card companies and other accounts. Notify all important business and personal contacts of your new address.
If moving your self, buy boxes and packing materials.
Return any borrowed items from you neighbors, the video store or library.
Two weeks before moving:
Close local bank accounts and open new ones in your new community. Get checks with you new address as soon as possible.
Drain gas from any gas-powered equipment before you pack it up.
One week before moving:
Make back up copies of important files on your computer before packing it up.
If using a mover, confirm arrangement with your moving company.
If moving yourself, arrange for extra help from relatives and friends.
Moving week:
After you finish packing, begin cleaning your house. Defrost your refrigerator and freezer.
Do a final walk-through of your old residence, checking closets, shelves, the attic and garage for forgotten items. Be sure to turn off all lights, lock all doors and windows and leave keys with your old property manager if applicable.
If moving yourself, pick up your rental truck and any moving equipment, such as dollies, carts, furniture pads and other items.