Moving Check List 1

A moving check list can help you to make a well-organized relocation with your family. Household moving has been rated as one of the most stressful experiences in life, but moving planning and a moving checklist can help to reduce the level of stress and fatigue considerably.

Eight Weeks Before The Move

·        Make a moving house checklist and keep all the moving paperwork like estimates, bills, and receipts in a folder.

·        Take inventory of all your possessions and sort them into the items you want to keep, sell, donate, and throw away.

·        Find out if your employer will pay for your relocation and decide about the type of moving services you can afford.

·        Decide about whether you want to do the packing yourself or want the movers to handle it.

·        If you will be doing the packing yourself, buy high-quality moving supplies and start packing non-essential items as soon as you decide to relocate. Pack a few boxes every day.

·        Use color-coded labels to ensure that moving boxes are placed in the right rooms in your new home. List the contents of each box on the label.

·        Make a floor plan of your new home and mark the positions where you want your furniture and appliances to be placed.

·        Start looking for a suitable home mover and obtain at least three moving quotes in writing. Check the credentials and reputation of the movers before you select one of them. Don’t select a mover only on the basis of the lowest quote.

·        Show the agent of the moving company everything that has to be moved. Sign the estimate only after you have read and understood it.  

Six Weeks Before The Move

·        Start cleaning out your drawers and closets.

·        Have the value of your antiques appraised.

·        Make arrangements to transfer school, medical, and insurance records.

·        Make a list of all the people who have to be informed about your move. This will include family, friends, tax authorities, Post Office, utilities, banks, credit card companies, lawyers, brokers, accountants, doctors, dentists, insurance agents, magazines, and newspapers.

Four Weeks Before The Move

·        Start using up frozen or canned food and other consumables.

·        Collect all your important records and papers like bonds, wills, deeds, insurance policies, and certificates of deposit. Carry them with you when you move.

·        Make arrangements to move your car and pets. If you are planning to drive your car to the destination, you can take your pets with you.

·        Arrange to have utilities disconnected in your old home as soon as you move out and to have them connected before you move into your new home.

·        If you are planning to move your possessions yourself, make arrangements to rent a moving truck.

·        Have your draperies and rugs dry cleaned and leave them in their wrapping during the move.

·        Make travel bookings for yourself and your family.

·        Arrange a garage sale after checking with the local authorities about rules and restrictions.

·        Donate items to charity and discard the rest.

·        If you are moving to a new state, have the registration of your car transferred.  

Two Weeks Before The Move

·        Have your car serviced

·        Arrange to transfer prescriptions

·        Return library books and all other borrowed items. Collect items you have lent to others.

·        Arrange for rabies shots and health certificates for pets. Fix rabies and identification tags securely to the collars of pets.

·        Pack your personal belongings and things you will need on the way in suitcases.

·        Ask the mover for a list of items that are not permitted. This will include hazardous and flammable items, perishable items, and plants. Carry important papers and very valuable items with you when you move.

·        Drain fuel and oil from power equipment.

·        Empty out your lockers at the gym, club, etc.

One Day Before The Move

·        If you are doing the packing yourself, make sure that everything is packed and ready to go.

·        Pay all outstanding bills

·        Pack all the essential items that you will need as soon as you move into your new home in a box and write “Open First” on it.

·        Confirm the time of arrival of the moving truck

·        Unplug electronic equipment 24 hours before it is to be moved. Defrost your refrigerator and dry it out.

·        If household movers are doing the packing, point out delicate items that need special care.

·        Be prepared to serve refreshments and to tip the movers if you are satisfied with the service provided.

·        Find out about how you will be expected to pay the moving company at the time of delivery and arrange for cash, certified checks, or traveler’s checks, as required.

·        Have your appliances serviced and prepared for moving by a service technician.

·        Check every closet, locker, and drawer to make sure that nothing has been left behind.

Moving Day

·        Arrange for final readings of utility meters to be taken before you leave and provide your new address to the utility companies.

·        Clean out the home as much as you can, while you are waiting for the movers.

·        Be present in the home when the movers arrive.

·        Check the Bill of Lading and Inventory carefully before you sign. Keep these papers in a safe place.

·        If you cannot be present when the movers arrive, ask a responsible family member will be there to sign the papers on your behalf.

·        Give your new address to the driver of the truck. Provide contact numbers where you can be reached while your possessions are in transit. Obtain the contact details of the destination agent.

·        Leave your telephone connected throughout moving day. Disconnect it and take it with you when you leave.

·        Check the house one last time to make sure that nothing has been left behind. Make sure that all light switches, furnace, and water are off, and that all doors and windows are locked.

·        Hand over the keys, garage remote, and alarm codes before you go.

Delivery Day

·        Find out about the expected time of arrival of the truck by contacting the destination agent and be present at your new home to receive it.

·        See that every moving box is placed in the right room on the basis of color-coded labels and that your appliances and furniture are positioned as per the floor plan made by you.

·        Check your possessions as they are unloaded. Report any damage or loss and make a note of it on the inventory.

·        Pay the mover. 

·        Don’t use appliances and electronic equipment for 24 hours to allow them to return to room temperature.

Moving Checklist