If you have never moved before, or haven’t moved in a while, it can be overwhelming to think about all the tasks you’ll need to complete. Are you unsure of how to turn the relocation preparation into manageable steps? This checklist will keep you on track so you can move with ease.
6 – 8 Weeks Before:
- Create a file or binder to keep track of estimates, receipts, records and other papers.
- Decide what items to keep and what to get rid of. Donate or sell unwanted items.
- Arrange for your children’s school records to be transferred.
- Make sure your larger pieces of furniture will fit in your new home and though the door.
- Buy boxes and packing supplies.
- Arrange transport services for pets or automobiles, if needed.
4 Weeks Before:
- Choose your moving company and confirm your moving date and costs. Verify if any moving expenses are tax deductible.
- Pack lesser-used items. Label boxes with the room it will be delivered to.
- Separate your valuables and important documents into a box that you will personally transport yourself. Label it as ‘DO NOT MOVE.’
- Register a change-of-address form with the post office.
- Notify credit card, insurance companies and other billing companies of your new address.
- Research if your bank has branches in your new area. If so, ensure your account will transfer.
- Order checks with your new address.
- Call your insurance provider to determine if you are covered in the new area and if there are in-network physicians in your new town.
- Notify child care and service providers, such as gardeners, domestic help and regular delivery services, of your move date.
- Notify your doctors, dentists and veterinarians that you are relocating. Ask for referrals in the new area.
- Request copies of your medical records.
- Forward or cancel any subscriptions, local memberships, etc.
- Contact both current and new utilities (electricity, phone, internet, cable, gas, water, garbage, etc.) to cancel and/or transfer accounts.
- Create an inventory list and take pictures of valuable items for insurance purposes. Note the serial numbers of major items and any existing damages.
- Start eating frozen and perishable foods and using up cleaning supplies you don’t want to move.
2 – 3 Weeks Before:
- Service your car if you are driving a long distance.
- Make hotel, rental car or temporary housing reservations.
- Contact local service providers if you need help with your children or pets on moving day.
- Give your new address and contact information to friends and relatives.
- Refill prescriptions.
- Empty your lawnmower and power tools of fuel and oil.
- Dispose of any flammable or hazardous items.
1 Week Before:
- Pack suitcases with clothes, toiletries and personal items needed for the first few days.
- Pack a separate box of cleaning supplies and tools needed to clean your old home and new home.
- Return and retrieve all borrowed items from neighbors, friends and the library.
- Pick up all dry cleaning and items out for repair.
- Backup computers you are moving.
- Confirm service installation dates with new utility companies.
- Withdraw cash to keep on hand for the move. If you will be paying your movers on moving day, make sure you have payment and tips ready.
- Clean your home as you finish packing rooms.
Moving Day:
At your old home…
- Confirm the delivery address and directions with the movers. Make certain you have the movers’ contact information saved in your phone.
- Do a final walk-through of your home BEFORE the movers depart to ensure nothing is left behind.
- Finish final cleaning and take out trash.
- Check that the thermostat is set properly, all windows and doors are closed and locked and all lights and appliances are turned off.
- Leave forwarding address, garage door openers and keys for the new tenants, if applicable.
- Thank your home for the memories you made there!
At your new home…
- Verify that all utilities are working.
- Take inventory before the movers leave. Keep a copy of the bill of lading/inventory list.
After the Move:
- Replace locks, if necessary. Make copies of your new keys.
- Check for damages while you unpack; submit insurance claims before the policy deadline.
- Confirm that the have been paid and cancelled at your old residence.
- Update your car registration, driver’s license and voter registration.
- Watch for forwarded mail and request that the senders update your address.
Moving is an exciting opportunity to learn and explore. IMPACT Group is committed to making the move as stress-free as possible so you and your family can focus on what matters most – building a new life in your new area! Our dedicated integration coaches are here for you every step – and moving box – along the way.
