Moving Tips

When moving you should keep a complete moving file. Print this list out and check off items as they are accomplished. Keep your written estimate, this list and other moving documents together.

One month before your move:

• Prepare an inventory of all of your household items. You will need this when you contact movers for estimates.
• Call movers for estimates and discuss the costs involved. Reserve your move date.
• Determine other moving expenses and prepare a rough budget.
• Sell or give away anything you don't want to move.
• Visit your bank and advise them of your moving plans so they can offer recommendations on setting up accounts at a new financial institution at the location where you will be moving. This will be an immense help in transferring your accounts.
• Notify your doctor and dentist of your move in order to have records and prescriptions transferred.
• If you have pets, arrange for their boarding during your pre-move, and for shipping when you move. Contact your veterinarian for your pet's records, and try to have all of their shots and treatments updated before you move. Call your new county to determine specific requirements for that area.
• If you have children, find out the school they will attend and the records they will need to have transferred.
• Verify requirements for auto licensing.
• Notify insurance companies of your move. Transfer insurance policies on your house and possessions to ensure coverage at your new home.
• Close charge accounts you won't be using in your new community.
• Ask for a transfer of credit bureau files.
• Send change of address to your post office.
• Send change of address cards to friends, magazines and creditors.
• Notify your church or synagogue.
• Cancel local deliveries.
• Contact utilities for disconnection and possible refunds due to you.

Two Weeks Prior to Your Move:

• Empty your safe deposit box.
• Pack items of sentimental value and valuable paperwork that you are going to take yourself.
• Clean out your refrigerator and cabinets. Prepare meals that use up food that you don't want to move.
• Have your car(s) serviced for the trip.
• Get a babysitter for when the movers are in your home.
• Plan a furniture diagram for the movers, showing where things should be placed in your new home.
• Make hotel reservations if you are traveling for more than one day or if you have to wait for the movers to arrive.
• Start packing anything that the movers won't be packing.
• If your home isn't sold, make maintenance and security arrangements with your real estate agent and also plan for a thorough cleaning of your house, carpets and draperies.
• Check with your local tax assessors to make sure your tax records are in order.
• If your home will be vacant for some time, arrange for snow removal, lawn care, and notify the police.

Final Days:

• Prepare a survival pack in case you have to wait for the movers:
  • Paper plates
  • Towels
  • Soap
  • Toilet Paper
  • Bedding
  • Items to occupy children
  • Snacks
  • Water
  • New house keys
• Pack clothes for the trip.
• Take a local phone directory with you.
• Notify someone of your travel plans.
• Empty gasoline from the lawn mower and discard any cleaning fluids that are flammable. The mover won't allow them to be packed.
• Get a cashiers check for the movers and travelers check for your trip to cover any expenses until your new accounts are available.
• Defrost and dry your refrigerator and freezer.
• Have appliances and antennas disconnected.
• Make sure boxes are labeled. Anything not being loaded should be marked "Do Not Move" and consolidated in one area.

Moving Day:

• Make arrangements for pets so they won't be underfoot.
• Take small children to the babysitter.
• Either you or your agent should be present when the movers arrive to direct them.
• Review inventory sheets with movers, including destination address and contact numbers.
• Take valuable documents, jewelry and money with you.
• Clear access areas, parking spaces, driveways, walkways and stairs of debris.
• At the completion of the loading, do a final walk through of the premises. Make sure all doors and windows are locked and lights are out.

Move-In Day:

• Arrange to be on site to meet the movers.
• Review the floor plan and the placement of household items with the movers.
• Confirm receipt of all household items by checking your inventory.
• Sign Bill of Lading confirming receipt of household items.
• Make payment of the final balance due.