Four weeks before you move:
- Get estimates from several movers and select one.
- If not using movers, reserve a rental truck and plan your route.
- Gather moving supplies, including boxes, newspapers, tape etc. Think about how you will move really heavy items.
- Get rid of unnecessary items, especially those that will be inexpensive to replace.
- Start packing a few boxes each day, instead of waiting until the last minute.
- Turn in your change of address form at the post office.
- Provide your new address and moving date to subscriptions. Cancel those you no longer want.
- Call friends and relatives, notify organizations you belong to and professionals you do business with.
- Gather up important documents you might need, including medical and insurance records, passports, academic records, birth certificates, prescriptions, school transcripts (some districts require that they be sent directly from the prior school).
Two weeks before you move:
- Schedule to disconnect utilities and discontinue other home services such as homeowners, flood or personal property insurance depending on your situation. It is wise to keep personal property insurance on your belongings during the move and thereafter if renting if there will be no homeowners insurance policy on your new residence. If selling your current residence, always keep all services/utilities on through closing and schedule turn off for the day after closing preferably depending on the time of day closing is expected. Closing dates can change (depending on a Buyer’s lender), so you may have to verify and re-schedule utilities within a few days to a day before closing.
- If possible, arrange for utilities to begin when you arrive at your new home – do not wait on this because utility companies usually have a 2-5 day notice prior to turn on. If the utility companies require someone present at the property, make arrangements for someone to be there. If utilities are already on and you are scheduling interupted service at the same day they are scheduled to be turned off, then the utility company generally does not require anyone to be present. This is the best situation, so coordinate this 2 weeks ahead of moving to avoid complications. Some utility companies will require the Escrow number (Title Company will have if you do not) if you are purchasing a home. Usually this may eliminate a security deposit depending on utility company and location you are moving to. Be prepared for turn on fees and deposits required.
- Transfer financial accounts to new city.
- Get your vehicles checked and serviced.
- Defrost the freezer and refrigerator.
- Remember to pick up everything you've recently had repaired or cleaned.
- Dispose of all hazardous and toxic household materials in a safe and legal manner. These are dangerous and sometimes illegal to ship.
- Confirm arrangements with movers or truck rental company.
- Schedule a baby sitter to care for small children and pets on moving day.
The Day before you move:
- Remind helpers when to arrive and pickup rental truck, if necessary.
- Check car's gas, oil and tires
- Withdraw enough cash or traveler's checks for the move.
- Pack your necessities for the trip. Go to bed early! Tomorrow is the big Day!
The Day you move:
- Meet movers and show them around.
- Keep important documents, valuables and cash at hand to be transported with you.
- Once everything is loaded make a final inspection to make sure nothing gets left behind.
- Turn off the lights, lock the doors and windows, drop off keys with real estate agent or landlord.
- Stay until the movers drive away. Do not leave before they do.
