The Ultimate Moving Count-Down List

Moving is one of the most stressful times in a person’s life. For a smoother Move Day planning is key. Our “Ultimate Moving Count-Down List” will help you get organized, and make your moving process easier.

8 – 6 WEEKS Before Move Day

• Start getting rid of the items you don’t want to move with. Consider having a garage sale and/or donating items to a charitable organization.
• Decide who’s doing the packing – you or a moving company?
• Start getting estimates from Moving Companies or start arranging your moving team & truck rental
• Begin to use up your bulky pantry items and frozen foods.
• Start a log of all moving related expenses and keep all receipts for possible tax deductions.

6 – 4 WEEKS Before Move Day

• If you’re doing the packing, start collecting packing materials – You’ll need boxes of all sizes, markers for labeling, and a variety of wrapping materials. You can purchase specialized containers such as large wardrobe containers that make it much easier to move your closet, as well as boxes for specific items like heavy books and fragile dishes from moving or box companies.
• Start packing items that get little use, or won’t be used before you move and start working you way through. In addition to labeling each box for its intended destination (Master Bedroom, kitchen, garage, etc) be even more organized by attaching a content list to each box.
• Obtain transcripts of the children’s school records and credentials from their current school. Contact new schools, arrange for transfer of records.
• Gather up medical and dental records including vaccination data, medical prescriptions, dates of last examinations, history of past illnesses, etc. Ask your doctor and dentist for colleague recommendations in the new city.

I MONTH Before Move Day

• Keep a Household Inventory list for establishing the amount of declared value for your belongings and for insurance purposes.
• Make arrangements for packing and safely moving special high-value items such as Antiques, Art Collections and Collectibles, and Computer and Electronic Equipment. Pianos usually need a specialized technician to prepare it for moving.
• Arrange for an additional storage facility in the new city if necessary.
• Arrange transport service for vehicles or pets, if needed.
• Submit change-of-address card to the U.S. Postal Service. Cancel newspaper subscriptions. Change your address on magazine subscriptions. Notify all appropriate companies, services, agents, utilities, of your impending address change.
• Give notice to your landlord if you’re renting, day care provider, cleaning service, etc
• Change your property, auto, and medical insurance policies. Transfer fire, theft and other personal property insurance to ensure coverage at the new home.
• Make family travel plans – Book your air tickets or have your car prepared for the trip (tires, brakes, lubrication, oil change, and tune-up-as needed.) Arrange for hotel accommodations or temporary housing, if needed.

2-3 WEEKS Before Move Day

• Arrange for disconnection and changeover of utilities.
• Take stock of your packing progress to assess if you need more packing materials or additional help.
• Try to limit the amount of groceries you buy, especially perishable food items.
• Dispose of flammables such as fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, acids, pressure cans or paint thinner.
• Start packing yard, shed, and garage items. Discard partly used cans of oil, paint, syrup or any other substance that may leak. Drain oil and fuel from your power mower and other machinery.
• Have area rugs cleaned, leave them rolled and wrapped when they are returned from the cleaners.
• Collect your items that have been have loaned out, stored, cleaned, or repaired. Return anything borrowed.
• If needed, arrange to have a reliable service person prepare your appliances for moving.
• Contact the utility companies and make necessary arrangements for service in your new home. Ask if any of them provides free appliance connection service. Make arrangements for reinstallation of appliances.

1 WEEK Before Move Day

• Start a list of all items going with you personally, including important documents.
• Confirm arrangements and dates with moving and storage companies, auto and pet transportation companies.
• Keep your cleaning supplies available, or arrange for a cleaning service so you will be able to thoroughly clean your home before leaving.
• Start packing your family’s suitcases for the trip to the new home.
• Finish all financial matters relating to the sale or lease of your home.

1 or 2 DAYS Before Move Day

• Clean out the refrigerator and freezer.
• Finish packing all your belongings. Check contents of all drawers and cabinets.

Move Day:

• Confirm delivery address, directions, and delivery date with movers.
• Supervise the move. Make sure boxes are clearly marked. Be sure the condition of each item is recorded and the moving foreman has a clear understanding about what is to be loaded last. It is your responsibility to see that all of your goods are loaded, so remain on the premises until loading is completed. After making a final tour of the house to be sure no items have been overlooked, check and sign the inventory. Get your copy and keep it in a safe place.
• Make sure your new home is ready for occupancy before the moving truck arrives.
• Be specific as to where and how you can be reached pending the arrival of your household goods.
• Take a last look around – Have you left anything?
• Check that the water, gas, air-conditioning/ thermostat and lights are off.
• Make sure windows and doors are shut and locked. Leave keys (and garage door openers) with the responsible person or in a prearranged location.
• Make sure your real estate agent knows how to contact you.