Two Months

Quotes from moving companies

Quotes from storage/POD companies

Quotes from truck rental companies

Start a file for paperwork, receipts and notes

Arrange to transfer school records

Choose a mover or rental company

Know movers policy on payments for day of move, before move, insurance, extra insurance required

Choose a storage company

Fill out post office change-of-address cards

Subscribe to the newspaper at your new address

Transfer medical records

Transfer dental records

Transfer prescriptions

Transfer veterinary records

Items of value – get appraised prior to move

Start using frozen food and cleaning supplies

Four Weeks

Schedule transfer/cancellation of utilities at previous house

Investigate child care services in your new area

Request partial month refund / payments

Request security deposit refund / payment if renting-legal requirement for return

Obtain packing materials and start packing

Arrange for cleaning of previous house after personal items are out

Arrange for transportation of pets and plants as required

Check with insurance agent to see how items are covered during move

Get additional insurance for move as required

Arrange for temporary housing if necessary

Get any town/community permits required

Hold your yard sale

Collect your important records – gather personal and family records prior to major re-organization

Notify magazines, credit card, friends and family of your change of address.

Arrange for professional installation of various appliances, equipment, and other items as required – entertainment centers, computer connections, Hot tubs, Pool Tables, ceiling fans, gas grills, antiques, chandeliers

Use/Toss all refrigerated food, leave it clean & empty & put an open baking soda box in the refrigerator and freezer sections

Three Weeks

Transfer car registrations, state tags, county tags, town tags

Get parking stickers or permits, determine your assigned parking spaces

Arrange for use of elevator or loading dock

Arrange for moving access for gated communities, notify front security gate

Pack old phone books from old home, stay in touch with old friends

Make personal travel arrangements Flights, hotel, car rentals

Make new bank safety deposit box arrangements

Make arrangements to close old deposit box

Two Weeks

Give away or trash anything not sold at moving sale

Request packing boxes from movers for items you plan on packing yourself

Service car, change oil for long distance moves

Return borrowed items

Get loaned items back

Return library books & videos

Cancel Library cards

Pick up any items at Laundromat/dry cleaners or other service providers

Cancel any un-needed insurance, transfer coverage to new home

Transfer bank accounts

Pack a travel kit for critical items like medicines, passports, IDs, personal phone book, personal care items, first aid kit, games for the kids, snacks & drinks

Arrange for babysitting for kids “Day of move”

Empty any secret hiding places

One Week

Take animals to vet for required shots as needed for new license/check ups.

Close out safe-deposit box

Settle any bills associated with previous house

Drain all oil / gas out of motorized equipment

Give away plants not to be moved

Give away animals not to be moved – Fish/aquarium or pond

Confirm all travel arrangements

Contact new utility companies and verify start dates

Arrange for someone to help watch children and pets on moving day

One day

Set aside all items needed for travel for pets

Obtain cash/checks needed

Dismantle beds and other large furniture

Mow your lawn one last time

Double check for disconnection of service or transfer of service

Remove any fixtures not included in sale –must have been noted “does not convey”, replace with agreed to substitutes, i.e. light fixtures

Pack your suitcase

Back up computer equipment

Disconnect all equipment not needed

Notify the police that your house will be vacant

Obtain multiple directions, addresses, contact information, cell phones for everyone and hand those out to all parties helping in the move

Leave behind all appliance information books for the new owner

Leave behind a forwarding address and emergency contact number

Empty and defrost refrigerator and freezer, put open baking soda inside to keep fresh

Arrange for payment to moving company. Payment must be made at or before your belongings arrive at your new home. Know their policy on payment requirements

Moving Day

Be sure someone is at previous house to answer questions

Note utility meter readings – especially water meter reading before settlement

Read your mover's inventory and documentation before signing. Keep in safe place

Review all special instructions with mover

Accompany the foreman to take inventory

Verify delivery plans

Give the home a final thorough cleaning or arrange for final cleaning including carpets

Moving Day

Check your belongings carefully and make sure that inventory and paperwork match

Note any damaged items or crushed boxes

Be prepared to pay driver before your possessions are unloaded, including tips

Supervise unloading and unpacking

Arrive before the movers, clear the path to each room. Use secured floor protecter runners if possible

Unpack your car

Review your floor plan-decide where heavy, large items are being placed

Check to ensure utilities are connected

Confine pets to an out of the way room or have prearranged someone to watch them

Tip the movers and van operator – See Tipping Movers

After Moving In

Resume delivery of newspaper and publications

Notify local post office

Create an emergency phone list for your new home

Create list of important local phone numbers and addresses and directions

Change batteries/replace smoke detectors, check carbon monoxide detectors

Send thank you notes to the move helpers

Change all house locks, make extra copies of keys

Mail "we have moved" cards with new address and contact information

Report any damaged items to moving company and your insurance company