When moving home, there”s so much to do! Sometimes it”s hard to know what to tackle first. A moving checklist presents a clear timetable and outlines your next tasks at each step.

To download the list please click here.

One Month Before Moving

• Pick up a Change-of-Address Kit from the Post Office and fill out:
  * Friends and family * Banks * Insurance companies * Credit card companies * Magazines and newspapers – cancel local newspaper delivery * Doctors, dentists and other providers – transfer drug prescriptions
• Take a look around the house. Start to think about what you don”t want to take with you.
  * Use up perishable foods * Sell, donate or hold a garage sale for unwanted items
• Prepare a list of what you want to move.
  * Large appliances? * Outside furniture?
• For full service moves:
  * What items won”t they move? * Get appraisals of high-value items in case of future claims
• For do-it-yourself moves, make arrangements for truck, storage, rental and moving help, and buy packing supplies:
  * Boxes * Packing and masking tape * Markers * Newspapers * Twine
• Start packing boxes. Mark boxes clearly as to contents and room to be placed in. Mark “Open First” clearly on boxes containing important items to be unpacked first:
  * Dishes * Pots and pans * Alarm clock * Bedding * Special toys * Towels * Plates * Tools – hammer, pliers, wrench
• Stop by and make arrangements for picking up your important records:
  * Birth * Doctor * Dentist * Legal * Optician, optometrist * School – make sure you get one with a raised seal * Veterinarian
• Close out your bank accounts:
  * Checking * Savings * Safe Deposit Box
• Start a new bank account in your new town.
  * Transfer account from current bank?
• Contact your child”s new school and notify them of your upcoming move to their area.
• Contact the Chamber of Commerce in your new town or city. Request a relocation package.

Two Weeks Before Moving

• Pack your vital documents in one place:
  * Passports * Military records * Mortgage records * Marriage license * Birth certificates * Vehicle titles * Stock certificates * Insurance papers * Bank records * School records * Medical records * Tax records
• Make arrangements to disconnect your utilities. Get refunds for any deposits made. Have meters read. Give new address for them to send their final bill:
  * Cable – return box if necessary * Electric * Gas * Internet access * Telephone * Water
• Make arrangements to connect utilities at your new residence.
• Make arrangements for cleaning
• Inquire about your new state”s auto licensing procedure and auto insurance rates.
• Check with your insurance company about transferring coverage to your new home.
• Arrange to have a sitter watch your children at their house on moving day.

One Week Before Moving

• Dispose or drain any flammable items: * Lawn mower gas * Paint * Aerosol cans
• Plan what goes in the car with you:

* Toys and games for kids * Special breakable items or collections * Important documents and records * Change of clothes and toiletries for your first day * Vacuum cleaner – if you want to clean right away * Toilet paper * First aid kit * Food kit with bottled water, cereal, bananas

• Make travel arrangements for your pets and plants.
• Purchase moving insurance if you have valuable antiques and collections.
• Have your car tuned up.

The Day Before Moving

• Defrost, clean and air out your refrigerator.
• Clean your stove.
• Make sure you have payment ready for the mover – If you haven”t send it prior to removal.
• Check your moving company”s payment policies.
• Purchase traveler”s checks for other possible expenses.
• Pack your former town”s phone book for future correspondence.
• Get a simple breakfast ready for the next morning.
• Pick up ice and beverages for moving day.
• Take down curtains and curtain rods.
• Get a good night”s sleep!

Moving Day!

• Strip your beds.
• Moving company – will they disassemble?
• Show movers around. Make sure your possessions to be moved are inventoried with them.
• Get all keys together. Put in a safe spot.
• Make sure moving van driver has correct address, phone number and directions. Confirm delivery date with him.
• Check all rooms one last time. Remember closets and cupboards, basement and garage! Make sure all windows and doors are locked.