Moving Checklist

Task

1

Start a file for all your moving paperwork (estimates, receipts, etc.).

2

Check which moving expenses will be tax deductible

3

Obtain information about your new city

4

Find out about schools in your new city

5

Choose a new house

6

Estimate moving costs

7

If you will need child care in your new location, start looking into this now

8

If you will use a mover, get a few estimates from moving companies using Quotes At Home.

9

If you will move yourself, get costs from at least two truck rental companies.

10

Make an inventory of your household goods and begin to remove clutter (start with the basement, attic, garage, etc.)

11

Update your address book of friends and relatives

12

Make a list of people you need to notify

13

Begin sorting out those items you do not plan to move

14

Plan a date for a garage sale

15

Look into auto insurance in your new city

16

Check school schedules and enrollment requirements

17

Obtain information from area religious institutions

18

Check how to obtain new driver's licenses, license plates

19

Contact an agent for new home, auto insurance

20

Have antiques, pieces of art, and other valuables appraised.

21

Select a new bank, establish accounts and safe deposit box

22

Plan how you will arrange furniture in your new residence, and make a list of things you will need to buy

23

If you have not yet found a new residence, obtain a post office box for forwarding

24

Obtain names, phone numbers, and requirements (such as deposits) for utility companies

25

Subscribe to the paper in your new hometown to learn more about your new community

26

Arrange for transfer of school records

27

Schedule pickup and delivery dates with your mover and arrange storage, if needed

28

Sort belongings into those you will dispose of, take with you, and ship with mover

29

For high value items you will be shipping, obtain an appraisal and gather receipts

30

Obtain packing materials and start packing items you won't need until after you arrive at your new house.

31

Make your travel arrangements

32

Make arrangements for storage if necessary.

33

Hold your garage sale, give left over items to charity

34

Arrange for cleaning and repair of furniture, drapes, and carpeting.

35

  Verify your schedules with real estate agents, landlords, and arrange interim housing if needed

36

Reconfirm with your mover dates for packing, pick-up and delivery

37

Send out change of address cards to post office, friends, relatives, magazines

38

Gather personal records from doctors, dentists, lawyers, accountants, schools, religious institutions

39

Ask your doctor or health plan provider for referrals

40

Notify current utilities--gas, phone, electric, water, cable TV--of disconnect dates and forwarding address

41

Contact new utilities to tell them when to commence service

42

Notify your credit card companies of change of address

43

Apply for new bank cards and local store charge accounts

44

Plan where to spend your last night in current city

45

Transfer bank accounts and safe deposit box

46

Notify your stock broker or investment counselor

47

Settle any outstanding bills

48

Obtain veterinary records and licenses, get new tags if needed, and arrange for pets' transportation

49

If you are moving from a high-rise, reserve the elevator for moving day

50

Drain oil and gas from your power equipment

51

Cancel deliveries and services, such as newspapers, diaper service, and trash collection as of moving day

52

Arrange for someone to help watch children on moving date

53

Arrange for someone to watch pets on moving day

54

Transfer prescriptions and be sure you have an adequate supply of medications on hand.

55

Return any borrowed items (including library books) and retrieve any loaned items.

56

Defrost freezer. Get rid of perishable food you won't eat before moving

57

Give your plants a loving home

58

if you are driving, have your car serviced

59

Pack your luggage and anything you are taking with you

60

Put aside critical items like a checkbook, credit cards, ID, keys, toiletries, tools, paper plates, cups, towels, aspirin, etc.

61

Use only those household items you absolutely need--everything else should be ready to go

62

Obtain traveler's checks for trip expenses and payment to movers

63

Before the movers leave, check through the house, including the attic, to make sure nothing was missed

64

Stay overnight in a hotel, or with friends or family. Leave the next morning fresh for your new home

65

Prepare for the movers by taking doors off hinges, making sure paths are clear

66

If moving into an apartment/condo, reserve an elevator or parking space for the van

67

Be on hand to take delivery. Supervise unloading and unpacking.

68

Read your bill of lading and inventory carefully before signing. Keep this paperwork in a safe place.

69

On an interstate move, be prepared to pay the driver before your possessions are unloaded.

70

Be prepared to pay your mover with cash or a certified check unless other arrangements have been made in advance.

71

Note all utility meter readings.

72

Inspect your yard for any holes in the fence, etc. before letting pets out