Moving Checklist

Planning well ahead of your move is essential for a smooth and hassle-free move. We have put together a list of items, in chronological order, which may help you in efficiently planning and organizing your move. 2 Weeks before Moving Day * Notify schools and arrange for transfer of school records and transcripts. * Contact the IRS or your accountant regarding forms and information about tax-deductible moving expenses. * Cancel deliveries (newspaper, diapers, laundry, etc.). * Cancel or transfer membership in religious, civic and athletic organizations. * Finalize arrangements with moving company. If your moving company is packing your belongings, arrange for packing to be done 1-2 days before the actual moving day. * Arrange for child care on moving day. * Dispose of items that you do not want to bring with you or your moving company cannot transport (flammables). * Hold a garage sale or sell online. * Donate to charity (tax-deductible) or give away to friends and relatives. * Bulky items pick up or drop off – check with your local garbage disposal company. * Drop off recycle household chemicals, oil, batteries, etc – check with your local garbage disposal company. * If you are moving out of a high-rise building, contact the property manager and reserve the elevator for moving day. Secure parking for the moving truck. * Arrange for removal of “installed items” you are bringing with you, like a TV antenna or shelves. * Change of address * Fill out change of address forms with the US postal service, Social Security Administration, IRS and DMV * Friends and relatives * Subscriptions * Charge and credit card accounts * Frequent flyer programs * Brokers and mutual funds * Insurance agent/companies * Medical insurance * Catalogues you want to keep receiving * Charities * Memberships in professional and religious organizations or gym 4 Days before Moving Day * Stop watering your plants to avoid spillage during the move. * Confirm date and time of your move with moving company. * Return any cable equipment. * Cancel utilities (gas, electric, cable, phone, water, garbage; transfer services, if possible, or arrange new services). 1 Day before Moving Day * Take down curtains and curtain rods. * Empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator. Make sure it has at least 24 hours to air dry. * Clean and air your stove. * Have moving company pack your belongings (or finish packing if you do your own packing). * Plan your breakfast. Paper plates are fine. Eating something on the road is better. * Pack your personal belongings except your alarm clock. * Go to bed early to be ready for an early start on moving day. * Pack a special box with other essentials you will need for the first few days (Make sure to mark this box "DO NOT MOVE"). Moving day * Collect all keys to locking items. Put them in a safe place. * Walk around with the crew chief. * Make sure the driver has the correct delivery address and phone and cellular numbers. * Before the moving crew leaves from your old location, take a final look through your old location to make certain nothing has been left behind. Check all closets and cabinets. Things To Do after Moving In * Open bank accounts. * Open safe deposit box account. * Begin deliveries (newspaper, diapers, laundry). * Register to vote. * Change driver’s license. * Change auto registration. * Install new batteries in existing smoke detectors (and install any additional needed smoke detectors) and buy fire extinguisher. * Hold a housewarming party for the folks who helped you find your home and your moving helpers.