Moving Checklist

MOVING CHECKLIST

Two months prior to Moving Day:

____ If you're considering hiring a mover, get a few estimates from moving companies.

____ If you're considering moving yourself, get prices from at least two truck rental companies.

____ Create a floor plan of your new home for furniture and appliance placement.

____ Make an inventory of your household goods and begin to remove clutter (start with the basement, attic,garage, and other storage areas).

____ Start a file for all your moving paperwork (estimates, receipts, etc.).

____ Arrange to transfer school records.

____ Choose a mover (or truck rental company).

____ Get your new home ready - Contact painters, carpenters, plumbers, roofers etc., so your home is readywhen you arrive.

Six weeks prior to Moving Day:

____ Obtain and fill out post office change-of-address cards.

____ Subscribe to the paper in your new hometown to learn more about your new community.

____ Make arrangements for storage if necessary.

____ Ask your doctor or health plan provider for referrals, and obtain all medical records.

____ Have antiques, pieces of art, and other valuables appraised.

____ Clean all closets and drawers.

____ Start using foods and cleaning supplies that cannot be moved.

Four weeks prior to Moving Day:

____ Schedule disconnection of all utility services at your old home, and connection of them at your new one.

____ If you've decided you are doing the moving yourself, reserve a rental truck.

____ If you are packing yourself, obtain packing materials and start packing items you won't need until after you arriveat your new house.

____ Arrange for cleaning and repair of furniture, drapes, and carpeting.

____ Arrange for special transportation of your pets and plants if necessary.

____ Check with your insurance company to see how your belongings are covered during transit.

____ Make any travel plans necessary for your move.

____ Check to see if you need any moving permits.

____ Plan your garage sale or moving sale. Remember to check with local authorities about restrictions.

____ Gather important personal and family records & take with you personally in case of loss; medical, legal andfinancial documents.

Three weeks prior to Moving Day:

____ Properly dispose of items that cannot be moved, such as flammable liquids.

____ Prepare auto registration for transfer (if moving to another state).

____ If you are moving in or out of an apartment, arrange for use of the elevator (where applicable).

____ Make child-care arrangements for moving day.

____ Hold your garage sale or moving sale.

Two weeks prior to Moving Day:

____ Arrange for disposal of anything not sold at your sale.

____ Service your car in preparation for the move. If you're moving from a warm climate to a cold one, check yourantifreeze.

____ Return any borrowed items (including library books) and retrieve any loaned items.

____ Cancel newspaper delivery.

____ Notify any creditors of your move.

____ Transfer prescriptions and be sure you have an adequate supply of medications on hand.

____ Assemble a file folder of information to leave for the new owner of your home.

____ Change your address - At least one week before your move, send change-of-address cards to everyone who willneed to contact you.

____ Pick up laundry -- Laundry tickets are easy to misplace, so ask for your things by name and not just by the receiptsyou have.

____ Pack a travel kit of critical items like a flashlight, keys, tools, paper plates, cups, towels, aspirin, bandages andgames for the kids.

____ Pack a suitcase with clothing and other personal items and toiletries.

One day prior to Moving Day:

____ Transfer your bank accounts.

____ Take animals to vet for immunization, if necessary.

____ Make arrangements to board pets for the day to avoid confrontations with the movers.

____ If you have children that are too young to participate in the move, make arrangements for supervision.

____ Close and empty your safe-deposit box.

____ Settle any bills with local businesses.

____ Drain power equipment of oil and gas. Drain water hoses.

____ Find new homes for plants and/or pets that will not be moved.

____ Confirm any travel reservations.

____ Drain your waterbed.

____ Defrost refrigerator and freezer, propping doors open.

____ Let movers pack your belongings (unless it's a do-it-yourself move).

____ Disconnect and prepare major appliances for move.

____ Set aside anything that will travel in your car so it will not be loaded on the truck.

____ Pack a box of items that will be needed first at the new house. Clearly mark this box 'Load Last'

____ Obtain cash or traveler's checks for the trip and to pay the movers.

____ Confirm arrival time of your moving van/truck.

____ If moving yourself, dismantle beds and other large furniture.

Moving Day:

____ If using a mover, be sure someone is at the old house to answer questions.

____ Note all utility meter readings.

____ Read your bill of loading and inventory carefully before signing. Keep this paperwork in a safe place.

Delivery Day - Again, be on hand to answer any questions.:

____ Check your belongings carefully and note on the inventory paperwork any damaged items.

____ On an interstate move, be prepared to pay the driver before your possessions are unloaded.

____ Supervise unloading and unpacking.

____ Be prepared to pay your mover with cash, certified check, or traveler's checks unless other arrangements havebeen made in advance.

____ Remember to change the locks on all the doors in your new home.