Printable Moving Checklist: (feel free to print this out!)
1-2 Months Before Move-
[ ] Create binder/folder for moving records (estimates, receipts, inventory lists, etc.)[ ] Plan your moving method (truck rental, hiring movers, etc) and get cost estimates
[ ] Research storage facilities if needed
[ ] Schedule disconnection/connection of utilities at old and new place
[ ] Phone [ ] Internet [ ] Cable [ ] Water [ ] Garbage [ ] Gas [ ] Electric
[ ] Plan how you will move vehicles, plants, pets and valuables that movers can’t take
[ ] Plan how you will arrange furniture in the new place – use a floor plan or sketch
[ ] Hold a garage sale, donate, sell, or trash unnecessary items
[ ] Schedule transfer of records (medical, children in school, etc.)
[ ] Get copies of any records needed (medical, dental, etc.)
[ ] Acquire packing materials (boxes, tape, paper/padding, markers, etc.)
[ ] Make any home repairs that you have committed to making
[ ] Return borrowed, checked-out and rented items
[ ] Get things back that you have lent out
[ ] Start using up food you have stored so there is less to move
3-4 Weeks Before Move-
[ ] Finalize moving method and make necessary arrangements[ ] Begin packing non-essential items
[ ] Label boxes by room (on the top) and contents (on the side)
[ ] Separate valuable items to transport yourself – label as DO NOT MOVE
[ ] Keep a box out for storing pieces, parts and essential tools that you will want to keep with you on move day – label as PARTS BOX – OPEN ME FIRST
[ ] Create an inventory list of items and box contents for the boxes you’ve packed
[ ] Fill out a Change of Address form at a post office or on-line
[ ] Provide important contacts with your new address:
[ ] Employers [ ] Family & Friends [ ] Attorney [ ] Accountant [ ] Others
[ ] Notify your insurance and credit card companies about change of address
[ ] Cancel automated payment plans and local accounts/memberships if necessary
[ ] Take your vehicle(s) in for a tune-up, especially if you are traveling cross country
1-2 Weeks Before Move-
[ ] Continue packing and clean as you go[ ] Pack items separately that you will need right away at your new place
[ ] Plan to take the day off for moving day
[ ] Find useful things for your children to do – involve them as much as possible
[ ] Find someone to help watch small children on move day
[ ] Begin to pack your suitcases with clothes and personal items for the trip
[ ] Reconfirm your method of moving with those involved
[ ] Make sure your prescriptions are filled
[ ] Empty out your safe deposit box, secure those items for safe travel
[ ] Schedule cancellation of services for your old place
[ ] Newspaper [ ] Housecleaning [ ] Lawn [ ] Pool [ ] Water Delivery
[ ] Check your furniture for damages – the movers will list all pre-existing damage
[ ] Take furniture apart if necessary (desks, shelves, etc.) Movers take beds apart.
[ ] Make sure all paperwork for the old and new place is complete
[ ] If traveling far, notify credit card company to prevent automated deactivation
[ ] Get rid of flammables such as paint, propane, and gasoline
[ ] Try and use up perishable food
2-4 Days Before Move-
[ ] Confirm all moving details and that you have necessary paperwork[ ] Make a schedule or action plan for the day of the move
[ ] Do not plan to fly on moving day so that you are not rushed or rushing the crew
[ ] Prepare for the bundle of moving expenses (moving, food, lodging)
[ ] Continue cleaning the house and discarding things as you are packing
[ ] Defrost your freezer and clean the fridge. Wipe down with water & baking soda.
[ ] Make sure essential tools are handy (screwdrivers, wrench, pliers, tape, etc)
[ ] Pack a bag for water bottles, pen/paper, snacks, documents, and essentials
[ ] Set aside boxes/items that you are moving yourself (make sure you’ll have room)
On Moving Day-
[ ] Remove bedding. The movers will take the beds apart as long as it’s basic disassembly.[ ] Take moving crew through the house to inform them of what is moving/not moving
[ ] Walk through the empty place to check for things left behind – look behind doors
[ ] Leave your contact info for new residents to forward mail
[ ] Get a copy of the mover’s inventory, sign bill of lading, declare a value for your goods.
[ ] Make sure your movers have the correct new address
[ ] Lock the windows and doors, turn off the lights
At your new place …
[ ] Verify utilities are working – especially power, water, heating, and cooling[ ] Perform an initial inspection, note all damages, take photographs if needed
[ ] Clean the kitchen and vacuum as needed (especially where furniture will be going)
[ ] Direct the moving crew where to place things
[ ] Offer drinks and snacks, especially if the move is during the summer
[ ] The movers will assemble your beds as long as it’s basic assembly.
[ ] Begin unpacking, starting with kitchen, bathroom and other essentials
First Couple Weeks After Moving In-
[ ] Check for damages while unpacking – be aware of deadline for insurance claims[ ] Replace locks if necessary and make at least 2 copies of your new keys
[ ] Confirm that mail is now arriving at your new address
[ ] Make sure your previous utilities have been paid for and canceled
[ ] Complete your change of address checklist
[ ] Bank(s) [ ] Credit Cards [ ] IRS [ ] Loans [ ] Insurance [ ] Pension plans
[ ] Attorney [ ] Accountant [ ] Physicians [ ] Family support
[ ] Newspapers [ ] Magazines [ ] Licenses [ ] Memberships
[ ] Schedule a time to get a local driving license and update vehicle registration
[ ] Find new doctors, dentists, etc, depending on your needs & insurance
[ ] After you are moved in, update your home inventory, including photos of rooms
[ ] Update your renters insurance or homeowners insurance if needed
And be sure to let us know if MiniMoves can be of any additional help throughout your moving process or if you need help with the printable moving checklist!
www.minimoves.com | 800-300-6683
