Now that you’ve found your home and have secured financing, it’s time to prepare for the big move! Keep this moving checklist nearby to remind you of the items that need to be taken care of to ensure a smooth and worry-free move.
ONE MONTH BEFORE THE MOVE
- Make arrangements to hire a mover or rent a truck
- Make babysitting and/or pet care arrangements for moving day
- File a change of address form at the post office
- Change address on all newspaper and magazine subscriptions
- Arrange for the transfer of all medical, dental and school records
- Transfer medical, property, fire and auto insurance
- Organize all move-related documents in one place
- Pack all seasonal clothing
- Donate or sell unwanted items
TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE MOVE
- Cancel/transfer utilities (water, gas, electric, telephone, TV/cable/satellite, internet)
- Check with your cell phone provider about service in your new location
- Transfer prescriptions to a pharmacy near your new location
- Collect or purchase all packing supplies: boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, label makers, box cutters, etc.
- Pack up items in garage, attic and storage areas
- Confirm arrangements with movers or truck rental place
ONE WEEK BEFORE THE MOVE
- Begin packing boxes, labeling each as you fill it
- Empty, defrost and clean refrigerator, freezer and stove
- Pick up anything outstanding such as dry cleaning, prescriptions, etc.
- Order new tags for your pets; if your animals are microchipped, updated the online registry with your new address
THE DAY BEFORE THE MOVE
- Finish packing boxes or before
- Do a final check of closets, cabinets and drawers
- Make sure you have enough cash on hand for the move
- Take out any remaining trash/recycling
- Fully charge all cell phones
- Touch base with movers or truck rental place for a final confirmation of arrangements and arrival time
THE DAY OF THE MOVE
- Exchange contact info with the movers in case you need to get in touch while in route
- Include your old/new address, cell phone number and directions to new location
- Keep jewelry and other valuables with you, in a box that you move yourself
- Prepare a box of supplies you will need right away on move-in day, such as: cleaning supplies, snacks/beverages, toilet paper, bath and bedding items, trash bags, paper plates, pet food, cell phone chargers, prescriptions, eyeglasses and changes of clothing
- Do a final check before locking the doors
- Confirm that you have turned off the furnace / air conditioner
- Confirm you have turned off lawn sprinklers and light switches
- Turn over keys and garage door openers
DON’T FORGET THESE AFTER THE MOVE
- Update your driver’s license with your new address
- Update your billing information for your credit card companies
- Notify your Human Resources department of your change of address
- Update voter registration with your local district