Moving Checklist

Sometimes it's hard to know what to tackle first. Our moving checklist presents a clear timetable and outlines your next tasks step by step.

One Month Before Moving

Pick up a Change-of-Address Kit from the Post Office. Most Post Offices require at least 3 weeks for the address change to process. Make a list of people you are going to inform of your new address:

1.Friends and family
2.Banks
3.Insurance companies- either plan to cancel or transfer services
4.Credit card companies
5.Magazines and newspapers - cancel local newspaper delivery
6.Doctors, dentists and other providers - transfer drug prescriptions
7.Past employer - for W2 forms

Start to think about what you don't want to take with you.

1.Use up perishable foods
2.Sell, donate or hold a garage sale for unwanted items

Prepare a list of what you do and do not want to move

1.Large appliances
2.Outside furniture

For full service moves:

1.Get written estimates from several moving companies and compare them. Discuss in detail any and all fees and what their damage and payment policies are.
2.Will the movers pack for you and what are the pros/cons?
3.What items won't they move?
4.Get appraisals of high-value items in case of future claims. Include photos of valuables for your records
5.Be sure to arrange for exact form of payment at destination with your mover.

For do-it-yourself moves, make arrangements for truck rental and moving help, and buy packing supplies: Boxes

1.Packing and masking tape
2.Markers
3.Newspapers
4.Twine

Start packing items you don't use on a daily or weekly basis.

1.Seasonal Items
2.Seasonal Clothing
3.Home Office Items
4.Miscellaneous Items- candles, tapes & CDs, knickknacks, etc.

Stop by and make arrangements for picking up your important records

1.Birth
2.Doctor
3.Dentist
4.Legal
5.Optician, optometrist
6.School - make sure you get one with a raised seal
7.Veterinarian

Start a new bank account in your new town. Contact your child's new school and notify them of your upcoming move to their area.