List of things to-do

List of things to-do

The following is a list of things to do prior to moving:

A woman with young girl sitting between cardboard boxes. Happy woman holding box over head and looking at young girl. Young girl sitting in box.

We recommend you start a moving file. In order to organize yourself, we recommend you print this list and check off items as they are accomplished.

One Month Prior to Moving

  • Prepare an inventory of all your household items. You will need this list when you contact movers for estimates.
  • Call movers for estimates and discuss the costs involved. Reserve your move date 4-6 weeks in advance, pending on the date requested.
  • Determine other moving expenses and prepare a rough budget.
  • Sell or give away anything you don’t want to move to your next location.
  • Visit your current bank and advise them of your moving plans so they can offer recommendations on setting up accounts at a new financial institution.
  • Notify your doctor and dentist of your move in order to have records and prescriptions transferred.
  • If you have pets, arrange for their boarding during your pre-move and for shipping when you move. Contact your veterinarian for your pet’ s records, and try to have all of their shots and treatments done before you move. Call your new county to determine specific requirements for that area.
  • If you have children, find out details regarding their new school.
  • Verify requirements for auto licensing.
  • Notify insurance companies of your move. Transfer insurance on your house and possessions to insure coverage of your new home.
  • Close charge accounts you won’t be using in your new community.
  • Ask for a transfer of credit bureau files.
  • Send “change of address” to your post office.
  • Send “change of address” cards to friends, magazines and creditors.
  • Notify your church or synagogue.
  • Cancel local deliveries.
  • Contact utilities for disconnection.

Two Weeks Prior to Moving

  • Empty your safe deposit box.
  • Pack items of sentimental value and valuable papers that you are going to take care of yourself.
  • Clean out your refrigerator and cabinets.
  • Have your vehicles serviced for the trip.
  • Hire a babysitter for when the movers are in your home.
  • Plan a furniture layout for the movers, showing where things should be in your new home.
  • Make hotel reservations if you are traveling for more than one day or if you must wait for the movers to arrive.
  • Start packing anything that the movers won’t be packing.
  • If your home isn’t sold, make maintenance and security arrangements with your real-estate agent and plan for a thorough cleaning of your house, carpets and draperies.
  • Check with your local tax assessors to make sure your tax records are in order.
  • If your home will be vacant for some time, arrange for snow removal, lawn care and notify police.

Final Days Prior to Moving

  • Plan a survival kit in case you must wait for the movers:
  • Paper plates.
  • Towels.
  • Soap.
  • Toilet paper.
  • Bedding.
  • Games to occupy the children.
  • Snacks.
  • Water.
  • New house keys.
  • Pack clothes for the trip.
  • Take a local phone directory with you.
  • Notify someone of your travel plans.
  • Empty gasoline from the lawn mower and discard any cleaning fluids that are flammable. The mover won’t allow them to be packed.
  • Obtain a cashiers check for the movers and travelers check for your trip to cover any expenses until your new accounts are available.
  • Defrost and dry your refrigerator and freezer.
  • Disconnect appliances and antennas.
  • Verify boxes are labeled. Anything not being loaded should be marked “Do Not Move” and consolidated in one area.

On Moving Day

  • Make arrangements for pets so they won’t interrupt movers.
  • Hire a babysitter for the children.
  • Either you or someone else should be present when the movers arrive to direct them.
  • Review inventory sheets with movers, including destination address and contact numbers.
  • Take valuable documents, such as, jewelry and money.
  • Clear access areas, parking spaces, driveways, walkways and stairs of debris.
  • At the completion of the loading, do a final walk through of the premises. Make sure all doors and windows are locked and lights out.

Move-In Day

  • Arrange to greet the movers.
  • Make payment of final balance due.
  • Review the floor plan with movers and the placement of household items.
  • Confirm receipt of all household items by checking your inventory.

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