Moving Checklist

MOVING MUST-HAVES

12 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING

Plan your moving method. Get pricing estimates from professional movers, trunk rental companies, and storage facilities if needed.
Plan your moving budget. Account for gas, truck rental and/or movers, lodging, food, storage fees, utility deposits, etc.

Begin sorting through each room and decide what to keep, sell, donate, or throw out.
Create inventory list of your belongs complete with photos or video and serial numbers.
Notify schools and arrange to transfer school records to their new school district.

Order packing supplies such as boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and other packing materials.
Start using up perishable food items and cleaning supplies that are difficult to move.
Begin packing rarely used items, labeling boxes with their contents and room destination.
Sell, donate, or throw away anything you aren’t taking with you.
Make reservations with airlines, hotels, and car rental agencies, if needed.

Finalize moving method and make all arrangements including storage facility, if necessary
Fill out Change of Address form at post office or online
Provide important contacts with your new address: Employers, Family & Friends, Attorney, Accountant, Bank, Others
Notify insurance and credit card companies about change of address
Gather important documents and personal records (medical, dental, veterinary, etc) and keep in a safe place
Contact utility providers to schedule disconnection and connection dates
[ ] Water [ ] Garbage [ ] Gas [ ] Electric
[ ] Phone [ ] Internet [ ] Cable
Measure doorways, rooms, and staircases to be sure your furniture will fit in your new home
If needed, have childcare in place for moving day
Make arrangements for the care of your pets during the move
If making a long distance move, take your car in for a tune-up
Plan to take time off work for moving day

Confirm the moving date and time with moving company or truck rental provider
Return borrowed, checked-out or rented items
Cancel automated payment plans, services, subscriptions, and local accounts/memberships if necessary including newspaper, housecleaning, landscaping, water delivery, etc.
Check furniture for damages and make notes on your inventory

Pack a box of essentials for the first few days in your new home:

Clean your refrigerator and defrost the freezer
Use up remaining perishable food
Disassemble large furniture if necessary
Safely dispose of hazardous materials that can’t be moved, such as paint, chemicals, and flammable liquids
Secure Valuables. Keep jewelry, heirlooms, and other valuables with you
Refill prescriptions

Clean your current home, leaving it in good condition for the next occupants
Keep all essential tools handy, like screwdrivers, wrench, pliers, tape, box knife, etc.
Set aside boxes and items you are moving yourself and make sure you have enough space

Be present and available to supervise movers and answer any questions
Leave your contact info for new residents to forward mail
Do a final walkthrough of your home ensuring nothing is left behind. Look through all cupboards, drawers, and look behind doors
Lock the windows and doors, turn off the lights
Make sure utilities have been turned off at your current place and are working correctly at your new home
Unpack essentials starting with the kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom

Be sure your new address is updated on your driver’s license, vehicle registration, voter registration, and other important documents
If needed, change the locks to your new home
Check for damages while unpacking, be aware of deadline for insurance claims
Take time to get to know your new neighborhood, finding local grocery stores, parks, and other amenities
Find new doctors, dentists, veterinarians, etc. depending on your needs and insurance

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