Moving does take lots of time and energy, and can be a stressful experience for some people. This checklist is intended to help you remember the items that need to be done.
Six Weeks Before Moving
- Make an inventory of everything to be moved
- Collect everything not to be moved for garage sale or charity
- Contact charity for date/time of pickup. Save receipts for tax records
- Contact several moving companies for estimates
- Select mover, arrange for exact form of payment at destination (cash, check)
- Get cartons and packing materials to start packing NOW
- Contact insurance agent to transfer or cancel coverage
- Check with employer to find out what moving expenses they will pay
Four Weeks Before Moving
- Notify all magazines of change of address
- Check with veterinarian for pet records and immunizations
- Contact utility companies for refunds of deposit; set turn-off date. Contact utility companies for refunds of deposit; set turn-off dates
- Dry clean clothes to be moved; pack in protective wrappers
- Collect everything you have loaned out; return everything you have borrowed
- Service power mowers, boats, snowmobiles, etc., that are to be moved. Drain all gas/oil to prevent fire in moving van
- Check with doctors and dentist for all family records and prescriptions
- Get childrens’ school records
- Check freezer and plan use of food over next 2-3 weeks
- Remove all jewelry and other valuables to a safe deposit box or other safe place to prevent loss during move
- Give away or arrange for transportation of house plants (most moving companies will NOT move plants, especially in winter). Plants also can be sold at garage sales, or are a perfect “thank you” gift for neighbors
One Week Before Moving
- Transfer or close checking and savings accounts. Arrange for cashiers check or money order to pay moving company upon arrival in new community
- Have automobile serviced for trip
- Fill out post office change of address forms; give to postmaster
- Check and make inventory of all furniture for dents and scratches; notify moving company of your inventory and compare upon arrival at your new house
