Moving Checklist

Sometime ago I challenged my stager to give me a moving check list to give to clients, after using it with some success, I’ve decided it’s just better to post it for everyone to use and a good place for my clients to find it, so here it is.  Please comment if you feel that anything is missing, thank you.

6 Weeks before Moving

• Gather items to be donated to charity or for a garage sale
• Schedule garage sale or charity pick up
• Make an inventory of everything to be moved
• Contact a few moving companies for estimates
• Select mover and finalize details
• Get packing materials  (Boxes, packing tape, markers, newspapers, twine)
• Start packing things that you do not use regularly

4 Weeks before Moving

• Notify magazines of your change of address
• Contact and make arrangement for picking up your important records (doctors, dentist, legal, vets, schools (if moving far)
• Contact utility, etc companies to move services or schedule turnoff dates
• Collect everything you have loaned out locally and return anything you have borrowed
• Gather all valuables for safe place during move
• Give away or arrange for moving of house plants
• Try to use up your perishable food
• Contact family, friends, or companies and provide with change of address
• Inquire about your new state’s auto licensing procedure
• Contact insurance agent to transfer or cancel coverage
• Continue packing

One Week before Moving

• Have your automobile services for the trip
• Fill out post office change of address forms and submit
• Gather all your vital documents in one place (passports, birth certificates, licenses, stock certificates, bank and insurance records, medical records, etc.)
• Note any significant scratches or damage on your furniture to compare after move.
• Dispose of all combustibles, spray cans, and chemicals according to local law
• Pack and mark a separate box of cleaning supplies and basic tools for arrival at the new location
• Mark “Open First” on boxes containing important items to be unpacked first such as dishes, bedding, towels, light bulbs, alarm clock, and your children’s favorite toys
• Separate and mark personal items and luggage that will be traveling with you
• Finish packing and mark all boxes with the room they will be going to in your new home
• Cancel all newspapers, garden service, etc.
• Make arrangement for cleaning
• Hire babysitter or make plans for your children to visit a friend on moving day.

The Day before Moving

• Defrost, clean and air out your refrigerator
• Make sure you have cash, traveler’s checks, and other financial means for the trip.
• Arrange a simple breakfast for the morning of the move.
• Pick up ice, beverages, and plastic cups for moving day
• Take down curtains and curtain rods.
• Get a good night’s sleep!

Moving Day

• Plan to spend all day at the house for directing movers and any last-minute decisions needed.
• Double check delivery address and date/times with driver of moving company.
• Make sure driver has your contact number during the move.
• Check exterior of house for water hoses and gardening tools
• When movers are done, make a final check of the house, especially closets, drawers, attics, and garages.
• Advise your neighbors that your house is now empty
• Lock all door and windows and provide keys to landlord or selling agent

Moving Checklist

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