Moving Checklist

101 items that will help you manage your move! Use our moving checklist to make your move less stressful and more successful.

Before Moving

 

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

Move-In Day

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

After the Move

73

 

Childproof Your Home

74

 

Make a fire evacuation plan

75

 

Test security and smoke alarms

76

 

Get local emergency numbers and post them

77

 

Take back rental truck with full tank of gas

78

 

Recycle or store moving boxes

79

 

Get a professional to set up appliances like a gas dryer, range, or refrigerator

80

 

Change locks on all doors

81

 

Buy or get a subscription to the local paper to keep up on local events

82

 

Set up cable or satellite service

83

 

Find the right cellular phone service

84

 

Get a new safety deposit box at your bank

85

 

Get a local map and learn your way around

86

 

Send in claims for damages during the move

87

 

Compile receipts of the move for tax purposes

88

 

Hang artwork

89

 

Go to the DMV for new plates and registration of your vehicles

90

 

Get a new propane tank for the grill and fuel for gas powered tools

91

 

Check your home warranty coverage

92

 

Establish a file for all warranties

93

 

Keep a binder of all Real Estate documents

94

 

Start or join a neighborhood watch program

95

 

Enroll kids in school and learn How to find the right school

96

 

Buy new plants and flowers

97

 

Throw a house warming party

98

 

If you haven't already, find a new veterinarian, doctor, dentist

99

 

Keep in touch with old friends

100

 

Do some home improvement projects

101

 

Take road trips and learn about your state