Two Months

Quotes from moving companies.

Quotes from storage companies.

Quotes from truck rental companies.

Start a file for paperwork, receipts and notes.

Arrange to transfer school records.

Choose a mover or rental company.

Know Movers policy on payment, day of move, before move, insurance, extra insurance required.

Choose a storage company if needed.

Fill out post office change-of-address cards.

Subscribe to the newspaper at your new address, if desired.

Transfer medical records.

Transfer dental records.

Transfer medical prescriptions

Transfer veterinary records.

Items of value – get appraised prior to move.

Start using fresh food and cleaning supplies.

Four Weeks

Schedule transfer of utilities at old house.

Investigate child care services in your new area.

Request partial month refund / utility payments.

Request security deposit refund / payment if renting.

Obtain packing materials and start packing.

Arrange for cleaning of previous house after personal items are out.

Arrange for transportation of pets and plants as required.

Check with insurance agent to see how items are covered during move.

Get additional insurance for move as required.

Arrange for temporary housing, if needed.

Get any town/community permits required.

Hold your yard sale.

Collect your important records – gather personal and family records prior to major re-organization.

Notify magazines, credit card, friends and family of your change of address.

Arrange for professional installation of various appliances, equipment, and other items as required – entertainment centers, computer connections, Hot tubs, Pool Tables, ceiling fans, gas grills, antiques, chandeliers.

Use up all refrigerator food, leave it clean & empty, put in an open baking soda box.

Three Weeks

Transfer car registrations, state tags, county tags, town tags.

Get parking stickers/tags, if required.

Arrange for use of elevator or loading dock in condos.

Arrange for moving access for gated communities.

Pack old phone books from old home, stay in touch with old friends

Make personal travel arrangements Flights, hotel, car rentals.

Make new bank safety deposit box arrangements.

Make arrangements to close old deposit boxes.

Two Weeks

Give away or trash anything not sold at moving sale.

Request packing boxes from movers for items you plan on packing yourself.

Service car, change oil for long distance moves.

Return borrowed items.

Get loaned items back.

Return library books.

Cancel Library cards.

Pick up any items at Laundromat/dry cleaners & other service providers.

Cancel any un-needed insurance, transfer coverage to new home.

Transfer bank accounts.

Pack a travel kit for critical items like medicines, passport, ID, personal phone box, personal items, first aid kit, games for the kids.

Arrange for babysitting for kids “day of move”.

Empty any secret hiding places.

One Week

Take animals to vet for required shots as needed/check ups for licensing.

Close out safe-deposit box.

Settle any bills associated with old house.

Drain all oil / gas out of motorized equipment.

Give away plants not to be moved.

Give away animals not to be moved – i.e.fish/aquarium or pond

Confirm all travel arrangements.

Contact new utility companies and verify start dates/deposits required.

Arrange for someone to help watch children and pets on moving day.

One day

Set aside all items needed for travel for pets.

Obtain cash/checks needed.

Dismantle beds and other large furniture.

Mow your lawn or arrange for lawn care one last time.

Double check for disconnection of services or transfer of services.

Remove any fixtures not included in sale – were noted “does not convey”-replace with like kind or as pre-arranged in contract

Pack your suitcase, if needed.

Back up computer equipment.

Disconnect all equipment not needed.

Notify the police that your house will be vacant, if so.

Obtain multiple directions, address, contact information, cell phones for everyone and hand those out to all parties helping in the move.

Leave behind all appliance information booklets, accessories.

Leave behind a forwarding address and contact information for your new address or emergency contact.

Empty and defrost refrigerator and freezer, put baking soda inside to keep fresh.

Arrange for payment to the moving company. Payment must be made at or before your belongings arrive at your new home. Know their policy on payment.

Moving Day

Be sure someone is at old house to answer questions.

Note utility meter readings – especially water meter reading needed for escrow.

Read your mover's inventory and documentation before signing. Keep in safe place.

Review all special instructions with movers.

Accompany the foreman to take inventory.

Verify delivery plans.

Give the home a final cleaning or arrange for final cleaning including carpet.

Moving Day

Check your belongings carefully and make sure that inventory and paperwork match.

Note any damaged items or crushed boxes.

Be prepared to pay driver before your possessions are unloaded, including tips.

Supervise unloading and unpacking.

Arrive before the movers, clear the path to each room. Use secured runners if possible.

Unpack your car.

Review your floor plan

Check to ensure utilities are connected.

Confine pets to an out of the way room or have prearranged someone to watch them.

Tip the movers and van operator – See Tipping Movers

After Moving In

Resume delivery of newspaper and publications.

Notify local post office.

Create an emergency phone list for your new home.

Create list of important local phone numbers and address and directions.

Change batteries in smoke detectors, check carbon monoxide detectors

Send thank you notes to the move helpers.

Change all house locks.

Mail "we have moved" cards with new address and contact information.

Report any damage items to moving company and your insurance company.