The Ultimate Home Moving Checklist

Moving to a new home can be a frustrating experience even for the experienced mover. Therefore, we have created this checklist to make your move go as smooth as possible. 

One month prior to moving...

• Obtain estimates from some moving companies. Get a written commitment of your pickup and delivery dates.
• Purchase additional moving insurance if your moving company does not provide adequate insurance.
• Arrange for a storage facility if you need one before you move.
• Arrange for your pet(s) travel and any needed health certificates.
• Make sure you bank has a branch at your new location.
• Go to the post office and submit your change-of-address forms.
• If you have any children in day care, give them notice of your child’s withdrawal.
• Contact your children’s schools and arrange for them to transfer their student records.
• Make an appointment with your doctors and get your medical records.
• Speak with your insurance agent and update your policies.
• Resign from any local organizations you are in.
• Cancel your newspaper subscriptions. Submit address changes to any magazines you receive.
• Make arrangements for any hotels, rental cars or temporary housing that you may need.

Two weeks prior to moving...

• Go through your house and decide what you really need/want to take.
• Donate unwanted items to charity.
• Pick up dry cleaning.
• Call your phone and other utility companies to let them know of the change.
• Begin packing your least used items.
• Contact your neighbors & friends to get back or return any items that have been lent out.
• Clean out your kitchen cupboards & plan any remaining meals.

Two days prior to moving...

• Make a list of any items, such as valuable and irreplaceable items, that are going with you personally.
• Designate one box for sheets and towels.
• Confirm all arrangements you have made.
• Clean out and defrost your freezer and refrigerator.
• Take apart any furniture or others items that you can.
• Place all items from your yard and sheds in one area to be packed.

One day prior to moving...

• Clean and defrost your refrigerator and freezer. Put a small amount of baking soda into it to remove any odors.
• Purchase your traveler’s checks.
• Reconcile and close your bank accounts, if necessary.
• Final packing of all household goods.

The day you move...

• Verify your delivery address, the directions and the delivery date with your movers.
• Supervise the movers.
• Clean and check the your house and grounds.
• Check the thermostat and set the temperature appropriately.
• Lock all windows and doors.
• Turn off all appliances.

When you get to your new home...

• Check that all utilities are on and working.
• Supervise the moving crew and begin unpacking the necessary basics first.
• Check the Bill of Lading from the moving company before you sign.
• Check for damaged items first.