Moving Help

Checklist

8 WEEKS

• Start getting estimates for movers and other moving expenses, and budget for these costs.
• Make a file for all moving estimates and receipts.
• Call the IRS to find out which expenses are tax deductible.
• Review your walkthrough and closing dates for your new home.
• Research your new community, either on the Internet or with your new Chamber of Commerce.

• Doctors, dentists, pharmacies and veterinarians
• Hospitals, fire stations and police stations
• Schools and day care facilities
• Banks
• Shopping
• Religious Centers
• House cleaning, snow removal and lawn care services
• Health clubs
• Storage facilities
• Internet service providers

7 WEEKS

• Make a list of everything you own, divided into the following categories: items to be moved by movers, items to be moved yourself and items to be left behind.
• Gather medical and dental records (don't forget prescription and vaccination records!) and ask current doctors for referrals in your new community.
• Call your American Home Insurance agent to confirm new policies.
• Contact your child's school and have records transferred.
• Call all clubs and organizations you belong to and inquire about transferring or ending your membership.

6 WEEKS

• Create a list of valuables that are impossible or difficult to replace (e.g., stock certificates, jewelry, wills).
• Take an inventory of everything you will get rid of and plan a rummage sale or charity pick up.
• Make an effort to use up frozen food that can't be moved.

5 WEEKS

• Start gathering boxes if you are packing yourself.
• If you have pets, transfer vet records.
• Cancel deliveries if they are no longer needed.
• Register your kids in their new school.
• File a change of address with the post office, as well as with credit card companies, magazines to which you subscribe, friends and family.
• Call the utility companies for disconnect service. Have service transferred, or call new utility company for connection service (cable, electric, gas, fuel, phone, water).

4 WEEKS

• If packing yourself, start packing up items that are rarely used, such as fancy dishes, glasses and artwork.
• If you are currently in an apartment, contact building management about moving day restrictions.
• Complete any necessary repair work on your old home.
• Schedule a moving date with your moving company.
• Relocation papers showing start date, pay and company buyout, if any.
• Fax number of Human Resources department from your current employer.

3 WEEKS

• Return library books, pick up items at the dry cleaners and any items at repair shops.
• Decide whether you are keeping or giving away plants.
• Have your car serviced if you will be driving it a great distance for your move.

2 WEEKS

• Transfer or close bank and credit union accounts, and pick up traveler's checks.
• Confirm travel arrangements.
• Clear out and clean your home. (particularly attic, basement, closets).
• Drain gas in your lawn mower and power tools.
• Clear out any safety deposit boxes, and check secret hiding spots for valuables or hidden keys.

1 WEEK

• Label goods with labels provided by your moving company.
• Empty and defrost fridge at least 24 hours before moving.
• Pay all outstanding bills.
• If your old home will be vacant, tell the police and neighbors.
• Finish packing and set aside essentials for the road, such as
• Cash
• Checkbook
• Traveler's checks
• Toiletries
• Medications
• Light bulbs
• Toilet paper
• Pet food
• Eyeglasses or contact lenses
• Toys and games to entertain kids in the car
• Necessary moving information

MOVING DAY

• Provide movers with specific loading instructions, directions to your new home, etc.
• Check the entire home one last time.
• Leave your new address for the future residents so they can forward any stray mail.
• Separate last load items, such as your vacuum and bed sheets (the first things you will want when you unload).
• You will probably arrive before the moving truck. Look things over and make sure the utilities and phone have been connected.
• Take a look at the layout of your new home and determine where movers should place furniture. Have payment ready for movers.

AFTER THE MOVE

• Keep all records and documents in one place for tax purposes.
• Get a new driver's license and plates if necessary.
• Register to vote.
• Call your local newspaper, cable company and Internet service provider for subscriptions.

Start early. Two months early if your schedule permits. This will allow you plenty of time to attend to the details of moving, which we’ll help you identify and track below.

Two Months Before

One Month Before

Begin Packing – Pick up your sturdy cardboard boxes and packaging materials. The essentials: marking pen, newspaper, packing tape, and scissors. Begin to box items that you're not currently using. A couple other rules of the road: avoid loading more than 50 pounds into one box and clearly label the outside with information about what's inside, whether it's fragile, what room it belongs in.

Change of Address Alert – To ensure there's no disruption in your mail service, give the post office plenty of notice. In the United States, you can submit a Change of Address form online by visiting the U.S. Postal Service Web site. You can fill out an IRS change of address form by visiting the Social Security Administration's Web site. You'll also want to notify any institution (banks, clubs, doctor offices) currently reaching you at your current address (checking the "change of address" box on your monthly bill now will save you a call later). And, finally, you'll want to notify all your family and friends.

Confirm Movers – Verify your dates and start time.

One Week Before

Keep Packing – The physical work begins in earnest now, but remember not to pack absolutely everything. There are some items you'll need on your moving day, such as cleaning supplies (which you'll want available for whomever is making the last cleaning rounds in your existing house), toys for your children, and a limited supply of food and clothes. Also, for obvious reasons, make sure important documents such as your contract with the movers don't get boxed.

One Day Before

Move Day