Moving Checklist

• Create a binder/folder for moving records (estimates, receipts, inventory lists, etc.)

• Plan your moving method (truck rental, hiring movers, etc) and get cost estimates

• See if your employer will provide moving expense benefits

• Research storage facilities if needed

• Schedule disconnection/connection of utilities at old and new place

• Plan how you will move vehicles, plants, pets and valuables

• Plan how you will arrange furniture in the new place – use a floor plan or sketch

• Hold a garage sale, donate, sell, or trash unnecessary items

• Schedule transfer of records (medical, children in school, etc.)

• Get copies of any records needed (medical, dental, etc.)

• Acquire packing materials (boxes, tape, stuffing/padding, markers, etc.)

• Make any home repairs that you have committed to making

Return borrowed, checked-out and rented items

Get things back that you have lent out

Start using up the food you have stored so there is less to move

• Finalize the moving method and make necessary arrangements

• Begin packing non-essential items

• Label boxes by room and contents

• Separate valuable items to transport yourself – label as DO NOT MOVE

• Keep a box out for storing pieces, parts and essential tools that you will want

• Create an inventory list of items and box contents, including serial numbers

• Fill out a Change of Address form at a post office or online

• Provide important contact information with your new address:

• Notify your insurance and credit card companies about the change of address

Cancel automated payment plans and local accounts/memberships if necessary

Take your vehicle(s) in for a tune-up, especially if you are traveling very far

• Continue packing and cleaning as you go

• Pack items separately that you will need right away at your new place

• Plan to take the day off for moving day

• Find useful things for your children to do – involve them as much as possible

• Find someone to help watch small children on move day

• Begin to pack your suitcases with clothes and personal items for the trip

• Confirm your method of moving with those involved

• Make sure your prescriptions are filled

• Empty out your safe deposit box and secure those items for safe travel

• Schedule cancellation of services for your old location

• Check your furniture for damages – note damages on your inventory

• Take furniture apart if necessary (desks, shelves, etc.)

• Make sure all paperwork for the old and new place is complete

• If traveling far, notify credit card company to prevent automated deactivation

• Get rid of flammables such as paint, propane, and gasoline

Try and use up perishable food

• Confirm all moving details and that you have the necessary paperwork

• Make a schedule or action plan for the day of the move

• Plan when/how to pick up the truck (if rented)

• Prepare for the moving expenses (moving, food, lodging)

• Continue cleaning the house as you are packing

• Defrost your freezer and clean the fridge

• Make sure essential tools are handy (screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, tape, etc)

• Pack a bag with water bottles, pen/paper, snacks, documents, and essentials

• Set aside boxes/items that you are moving yourself (make sure you’ll have room)

• Remove bedding and take apart beds

• Go early to pick up a truck if you rented one

• Get movers/helpers through the house to inform them of what to do

• Walk through the empty place to check for things left behind – look behind doors

• Leave your contact info for new residents to forward mail

• Take inventory before movers leave and sign the bill of lading

• Make sure your movers have the correct new address

• Perform an initial inspection, note all damages, take photographs if needed

• Direct movers/helpers to know where to put things

Begin unpacking, starting with the kitchen, bathroom and other essentia