John M. Realty

Moving Checklist

1. Choose Your Mode of Transport: Once your moving plans are certain, decide whether to hire professional movers or to move yourself. Weigh the pros and cons of each option, including costs, liabilities, and the physical demands of the move. Whichever option you choose, it is important to start making arrangements at least 4 to 6 weeks before moving day. Points to ponder: When calculating the cost of moving yourself, make sure you factor in variables such as insurance, supplemental equipment rental, and gasoline. Consider the value of the time you and your family will spend packing, loading, driving, and unloading. Consider the "you pack, we drive" alternative. This newer approach to moving may save you money and the hassle of driving a van or truck yourself. If using a professional mover, shop around and compare prices. Consider only licensed, bonded, and insured movers. Call your state’s Department of Transportation to verify that a mover’s license is valid and/or check with the Better Business Bureau or other consumer organizations in your area. Ask friends and the outgoing owners about their experiences with movers, and ask the movers themselves for references. Before you choose a mover, make sure you understand and are comfortable with: The rates and charges that will apply, the mover’s liability for your belongings, how pickup and delivery will work, and what claims protection you have.
   • Get estimates from moving companies if you will use a mover.
   • Get costs from at least two truck rental companies if you will move yourself.
   • Choose a mover. If you are moving yourself reserve a rental truck.
2. Don’t Take it With You: Sort through and sell, give away, or throw out belongings you don’t use anymore. The rule of thumb: toss anything you haven’t used in two years. Consider a yard sale or donation to a charity. When you are left with a workable inventory, start packing.
   • Make an inventory of your household goods and begin to remove clutter (start with the basement, attic, garage, and other storage areas).
   • Plan your moving sale.
   • Hold your moving sale.
   • Dispose of items that cannot be moved, such as inflammable liquids.
   • Arrange of disposal of anything not sold at your moving sale.
3. Stock Up on Packing Supplies: Boxes, packing tape, twine, labels, and newspapers are the essential tools for the do-it-yourself packer. They cost less in bulk, so make sure you have plenty on hand. Get used boxes from local stores, or purchase them from a moving companies, office supply stores, or the Post Office. Remember that while packing yourself can save money, professional movers typically will not accept liability for damage to goods that they have not packed.
   • If you are packing yourself, obtain packing materials and start packing items you will not need until after you arrive at the new house.
4. Schedule Repairs and Renovation Work for Your New Home: If your new home needs minor repairs or improvements, such as a fresh coat of paint in the living room, it may be easier to do that work before you settle in.
   • Arrange for cleaning and repair of furniture, drapes, and carpeting.
   • Drain power equipment of oil and gas
   • Drain water hoses.
   • Find new homes for plants that will not be moved.
   • Defrost refrigerator and freezer, propping doors open.
5. Plan Ahead for Moving Day: Most people move during the summer months, and the first and last weeks of the month are typically the busiest. You should reserve a truck at least 4 weeks prior to your move date if you are moving yourself. Professional movers will typically ask you to select a series of consecutive days when your goods can be loaded, and a second series of days for delivery. This allows for flexibility and ensures that your move stays on schedule.
   • Create a floor plan of your new home for furniture and appliance placement.
   • Start a file for all your moving paperwork (estimates, receipts, etc.)
   • Make arrangements for storage if necessary.
   • Have antiques, pieces of art, and other valuables appraised.
   • Clean all closets and drawers.
   • Start using foods and cleaning supplies that cannot be moved.
   • Make any travel plans necessary for your move.
   • Confirm any travel reservations 2-3 days prior to moving day.
   • Check to see if you need any moving permits.
   • Prepare auto registration for transfer (if moving to another state).
   • If you are moving in or out of an apartment, arrange for use of the elevator.
   • Make child-care arrangements for moving day.
   • Service your car in preparation for the move.
   • Return any borrowed items (including library books) and retrieve any loaned items.
   • Cancel newspaper delivery.
   • Transfer prescriptions and be sure you have an adequate supply of medications of hand.
   • Assemble a file folder of information to leave for the new owner of your home.
   • Transfer your bank accounts.
   • Close your safe deposit box.
   • Settle any bills with local businesses.
   • Drain your waterbed.
   • Disconnect and prepare major appliances for move.
   • Set aside anything that will travel in your car so it will not be loaded on the truck.
   • Pack a box of items that will be needed first at the new house. Clearly mark this box "load last".
   • Obtain cash or traveler’s checks for the trip and pay the movers.
   • If moving yourself, dismantle beds and other large furniture.
   • If using a mover, be sure someone is at the old house to answer questions.
   • Note all utility meter readings.
6. Notify People of Your Move: Let the Post Office know that you will be moving and indicate the date to begin forwarding mail to your new home. You can pick up a supply of Form 3576 address notification postcards at the Post Office to send to family, friends, and your service providers.
   • Obtain and fill out post office change-of-address cards.
   • Arrange to transfer school records.
   • Notify any creditors of your move.
7. Contact Insurance Providers: Switch your homeowners or renters insurance policy to your new home, and obtain refunds on any unused portion of a policy. Ensure that all other coverage (auto, medical, life) will continue after your move.
   • Ask your doctor or health plan for referrals and obtain all medical records.
   • Check with your insurance company to see how your possessions are covered during transit.
8. Call Utilities: Contact gas, electric, telephone, cable TV, and any other utility providers to request service disconnect/reconnect at your new address, at the least two weeks before you move. Also ask for final readings on all bills.
   • Contact all utilities for service disconnection at your old home and connection at your new home. Be sure disconnect is the day after you leave and connection is the day before you arrive.
9. Get Grounded: Get a map of your new area to familiarize yourself with the streets and neighborhoods around your new home. Make sure you have a local phone book to finds vital local services, especially for the first few nights when you may be living out of boxes. Subscribe to a local newspaper in your new community to learn more about local politics and community news.
   • Subscribe to the paper in your new hometown to learn more about your new community.
10. Prepare Condo Move-In: If you are moving into a condominium or a co-op, you may need to schedule a move-in day with the building’s management. Typically, large condo buildings require you to reserve the freight elevator for your move. You may be charged a fee for having the building maintenance personnel oversee your move.
11. Take Care of Pets: Moving can be quite stressful for your pets, so try to ease their transition into your new home. During the move, keep their daily routines as normal as possible, and consider leaving them with a friend or in a kennel on moving day, to reduce any anxiety or confusion. Make sure they have identification tags, and that all vaccinations are current. If you need a new veterinarian, call the American Animal Hospital Association at 800-883-6301 for a referral
    • Arrange for special transportation of your pets if necessary.
    • Take animals to vet for immunization if necessary.
12. Don’t Lose Track of Your Belongings: If you are packing yourself, do what the professionals do and mark each box with the name of the room it is going to and keep track of how many boxes are going to that room.
    • Read your bill of lading and inventory carefully before signing. Keep this paperwork in a safe place.
    • Check your belongings carefully and note on the inventory any damaged items.
13. If You Use Movers, Really Use Them Movers can provide other services in addition to moving your belongings to your new home. Many will provide, with a few days notice, moving closets for your pressed clothes, and special carrying containers for china and other fragile items. If you have special considerations, such as an odd-shaped attic, six flights up, where the baby grand is kept, or an antique pinball machine, let them know in advance.
    • Let movers pack your belongings (unless it is a do-it-yourself move).
    • Be prepared to pay your mover with cash, certified check, or traveler’s checks unless other arrangements have been made in advance.
14. Be Present on The Big Day: When using movers, be on hand when they arrive and stay until they are finished. You will be asked to review and sign a bill of lading, essentially a receipt for your goods and the contract for their transportation. Make sure you understand and agree with everything on the document before you sign it, and keep a copy for yourself until all details of the move, including the delivery of your belongings, have been executed.
    • Be on hand to answer any questions.
    • On an interstate move, be prepared to pay the driver before your possession are unloaded.
    • Supervise unloading and unpacking.
15. HAPPY MOVING AND ENJOY YOUR NEW HOME!!!