Moving Checklist

8 Weeks until the Big Move!

Reserve a moving vehicle, either professional or do-it-yourself.

Draw a floor plan of your new house.  This will help you decide what furniture you'll take with you and what you need to sell or give away.

John will provide information about your new neighborhood/hometown.

6-7 Weeks

Inventory all of your possessions and determine what can be sold and what can be given away.

Get copies of your medical, dental and optical records and contact your lawyer, personal banker and stockbroker. Arrange to transfer your children's school records.

Contact your accountant about tax deductible moving expenses-and keep good records!

If your current mortgage payment is being automatically withdrawn from your bank account each month, contact your lending institution to stop your payments by close of escrow. 

4-5 Weeks

If needed, arrange for storage.

Change your address with the post office, credit cards, magazines, etc.

Clean or repair any furniture, curtains, appliances, holes in walls, etc. that need it.

If moving yourself, figure out how many boxes you may need. And don't forget to figure in those non-boxable items you'll be moving and how much space they'll take up. You may need to contact the rental company and adjust the size of moving van you'll be renting and they may have tips on calculating space.

3 Weeks

Begin packing items you won't need right away.  Number your boxes and make a list of their contents.

Cancel services and utilities at your current location, and a start date at your new location. Services could include newspapers, home security, garbage collection, cable TV, lawn/snow removal and cleaning services. Utilities you'll need to contact include local and long distance telephone, electrical, gas and water companies.

2 Weeks

Arrange to transfer all of your bank accounts to a new bank or branch location.

Make special arrangements to move your pets and notify your veterinarian.

Your Moving Week!

Transfer all medical prescriptions to a pharmacy in your new town or neighborhood.

If needed, arrange for a babysitter.

Return borrowed or rented items, such as library books and videotapes.

Clean your current home and don't forget the oven and refrigerator/freezer.

If using a professional mover, they'll pack your items for you. If moving yourself, finish packing.

Set aside valuables, important papers, etc. for you to take with you so you can find them quickly. Don't put them in a box, especially those you may need for your closing.

Pack a small bag with toiletries, medications, and a few days of clothing.

Pack a "handy items box" for your first night and day in your new home. It should include: scissors, utility knife, cups, paper plates and towels, toilet paper, snacks and portable beverages, soap, pens and paper, local phone book, tape, bath towels, trash bags, toiletries and sponge/rags.

Your Moving Day!

If moving yourself, pick up the truck early.

Check your old house to make sure you've turned off water and appliances.

Inspect your garage for last minute items that may need to be packed. Lock windows and doors.

Deliver one set of keys to your Realtor.

Leave garage door openers and extra keys in the house for the new owners.