| Moving
Checklist
Moving Tips: 1+ Month Before
- Create a "move file"
to track estimates, receipts, and other important information.
Get copies of any legal and financial records you need.
- Compile an inventory of
belongings before they are packed in case you
need to make a claim with your insurance company later.
Take pictures of valuables and carry them with you or
have them sent by certified mail.
- Check with the IRS
for possible tax deductions – including moving
expenses.
- Budget for moving expenses
and start collecting estimates – including moving
quotes.
- RELOCATION SPECIFIC
– Start compiling medical and dental records –
including prescriptions and medical shot records. Ask
your doctors if they can refer you to a care provider
in your new city.
- Arrange for veterinarian
records to be transferred. Don’t forget
to include necessary medical and immunization records.
Make arrangements for transporting pets.
- CONDO/COOP SPECIFIC –
Contact your insurance agent and ask if moving is covered.
Arrange for new homeowners or personal property insurance.
- Contact health clubs
or other organizations where you have memberships. Verify
how to move, sell, or end your membership.
- Work your way through each
room, taking inventory and deciding what to
donate or throw away. Start planning a yard sale or
contact local charities to find out about donating items.
If you donate, be sure to get a receipt for income tax
purposes.
Moving Tips: 3-4 Weeks Before
- Begin collecting boxes and
other packing supplies. Ask me about free or
recycled boxes.
- Identify a "move date.”
Ask your mover if they offer lower rates Tuesdays through
Thursdays or at different times during the month.
- CONDO/CO-OP SPECIFIC –
Check with local authorities if there are restricted
move in dates and ensure you will be complying with
any parking restrictions.
- Plan for short-term or long-term
storage if needed.
- File a change of address
with the Postal Service and the IRS.
- Schedule disconnection of
all utility services at your old home, and
connection of them at your new one. Be sure to disconnect
the day after you leave and connect the day before you
arrive. For utilities
at your new home, create a record of confirmation
numbers for quick reference.
- Set a date to cancel or
reroute magazine and newspaper subscriptions.
- Remember to check for dry
cleaning items. Also retrieve any items out
on loan.
- Dispose of flammables, corrosives,
and poisons.
- Prepare auto registration
to be transferred.
- If you are moving into or out of
an apartment, arrange to use the elevator on
your move day.
Moving Tips: 1-2 Weeks Before
- Notify your bank, creditors,
and human resource department about your move.
- Confirm time and date of
the move with your moving company.
- Notify family and friends
of your new address and phone number.
- Finish packing and prepare
an "essentials" box. Designate several
moving boxes and items as "last load" items.
Pack your suitcases and valuables separately.
- Drain water hoses.
- Empty, defrost, and clean
your refrigerator at least 24 hours before
moving day.
- Make childcare arrangements
for moving day.
- Confirm that homeowners/renter’s
insurance policies are still valid through
the day of closing to ensure you’ll be covered
in case of delays.
- Confirm street signage
for moving van if local authorities require it. Inform
neighbors.
Moving-Out Checklist
- Assemble a folder of important
information about the house for the new owner
of your home. Set aside warranties, manuals, extra keys,
and garage door openers. IMPORTANT: Your home must be
“broom clean” for new owners or they may
ask for compensation for trash removal or cleaning service.
Check stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, and microwave.
- Be familiar with the moving
company’s packing and loading tips and
any additional charges that may occur on moving day.
Supervise movers during the move. Remember, you are
ultimately responsible for how your goods are packed
and loaded.
- Load your goods in a pre-designated
order, saving "last load" items for
the rear of your shipment. This might include your vacuum,
cleaning supplies, or bed sheets.
- Check every room, closet,
and cabinet one last time before deciding everything
is loaded.
- Verify that the destination
address and your contact information is correct.
- Take note of utility meter
readings.
- Leave a note with
your new address in the house so that future residents
can forward any of your mail.
- Keep a friend or family
member informed of your plans and whereabouts
in case of an emergency or unforeseen event.
Moving-In Checklist
- You are likely to arrive
at your new home ahead of your shipment. Take
this time to look things over and ensure your utilities
have been connected.
- Locate police, hospitals,
and fire stations near your home.
- Verify that your mail is
being delivered to your new address and pick
up any mail being held.
After-the-Move Checklist
- Keep all receipts and documentation
in your move file and store the file in a safe
place. You'll be glad to have everything in one place
at tax time.
- Get a new driver's license
and new tags for your automobile. Check possible
changes in your automobile insurance.
- Register to vote.
- Contact the local paper
for a new subscription.
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Ensure your move goes smoothly
by remembering the following:
- Obtain estimates in writing
and make sure that charges are included in the
contract. Verify the moving company’s policy
regarding gratuities and if they are included
as part of your costs.
- Ask for recommendations and
inquire with the local Better Business Bureau
about each mover’s record of timely delivery
and/or customer complaints.
- Get all charges in writing.
- Ask about the company’s
policy regarding late deliveries and instances
of damaged items.
- Explain any parking restrictions,
move-in requirements, and flights of stairs, when
applicable.
- Supervise the move and inspect
all items carefully after unloading.
- Inventory all items against
your central list
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