Take a look around the house. Start to think about what you don't want to take with you.
- Use up perishable foods
- Sell, donate or hold a garage sale for unwanted items
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Prepare a list of what you want to move.
- Large appliances?
- Outside furniture?
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For full service moves:
- Get written estimates from several moving companies
- Will the movers pack for you?
- What items won't they move?
- Get appraisals of high-value items in case of future claims
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For do-it-yourself moves, make arrangements for truck rental and moving help, and buy packing supplies:
- Boxes
- Packing and masking tape
- Markers
- Newspapers
- Twine
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Start packing boxes. Mark boxes clearly as to contents and room to be placed in. Mark "Open First" clearly on boxes containing important items to be unpacked first:
- Dishes
- Pots and pans
- Alarm clock
- Bedding
- Special toys
- Towels
- Lightbulbs
- Plates
- Tools - hammer, pliers, wrench
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Stop by and make arrangements for picking up your important records:
- Birth
- Doctor
- Dentist
- Legal
- Optician, optometrist
- School - make sure you get one with a raised seal
- Veterinarian
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Close out your bank accounts:
- Checking
- Savings
- Safe Deposit Box-
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Start a new bank account in your new town.
- Transfer account from current bank?
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| Contact your child's new school and notify them of your upcoming move to their area.
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| Contact the Chamber of Commerce in your new town. Request a relocation package.
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| Two Weeks Before Moving |
Pack your vital documents in one place:
- Passports
- Military records
- Mortgage records
- Marriage license
- Birth certificates
- Vehicle titles
- Stock certificates
- Insurance papers
- Bank records
- School records
- Medical records
- Tax records
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Make arrangements to disconnect your utilities. Get refunds for any deposits made. Have meters read. Give new address for them to send their final bill:
- Cable - return box if necessary
- Electric
- Gas
- Internet access
- Telephone
- Water
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| Make arrangements to connect utilities at your new residence.
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| Make arrangements for cleaning |
| Inquire about your new state's auto licensing procedure and auto insurance rates.
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| Check with your insurance company about transferring coverage to your new home. |
| Arrange to have a sitter watch your children at their house on moving day. |
| One Week Before Moving |
Dispose or drain any flammable items:
- Lawn mower gas
- Snow blower gas
- Paint
- Aerosol cans
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Plan what goes in the car with you:
- Toys and games for kids
- Special breakable items or collections
- Important documents and records
- Change of clothes and toiletries for your first day
- Vacuum cleaner - if you want to clean right away
- Toilet paper
- First aid kit
- Food kit with bottled water, cereal, bananas
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| Make travel arrangements for your pets and plants. |
| Purchase moving insurance if you have valuable antiques and collections.
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| Have your car tuned up. |
| The Day Before Moving |
| Defrost, clean and air out your refrigerator. |
| Clean your stove. |
| Make sure you have payment ready for the mover - they will not unpack without a check. Check your moving company's payment policies.
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| Purchase traveler's checks for other possible expenses.
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| Pack your former town's phone book for future correspondence. |
| Get a simple breakfast ready for the next morning. |
| Pick up ice and beverages for moving day.
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| Take down curtains and curtain rods. |
| Get a good night's sleep |
| Moving Day |
Strip your beds.
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Moving company - will they disassemble?
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Show movers around. Make sure your possessions to be moved are inventoried with them.
- Write "subject to further inspection for concealed loss or damage" on contract when you sign to protect yourself should you find damage while unpacking.
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| Get all keys together. Put in a safe spot. |
| Make sure moving van driver has correct address, phone number and directions. Confirm delivery date with him.
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| After Moving |
| Explore your new neighborhood. Locate the nearest convenience and hardware store, pharmacy, supermarket, video rental, school and library, etc. |
| Check smoke alarm, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguisher. |
| If necessary, install a new door lock and/or dead-bolt.
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| Update your address information if you haven't done so (driver's license, car registrations, insurance, credit cards, bank accounts, voter registration). |
| If you have not received your security deposit, call your landlord to confirm your new address. |
| Call the Internal Revenue Service to change your address. You can also visit the IRS online at www.irs.gov. |
