Moving "To Do" List
Whether you're moving across
country or just a few blocks, moving can be stressful. Planning and
preparing in advance can make all the difference in the world in getting ready
for the big day. Here's a helpful
checklist to keep on hand during the weeks prior to MOVING
DAY!
8 Weeks To the Big Move!
 | Reserve a moving vehicle, either professional or do-it-yourself. |
| Consider the layout and design
of your new home and decide what furniture you'll be able to use in your new
home and what you will need to sell or give away. |
6-7 Weeks to the Big Move!
| Inventory all of your personal possessions and determine what you will keep and what can be sold or given away. |
| Get copies of your medical, dental and optical records and contact your lawyer, personal banker and stockbroker. Arrange to transfer your children's school records. |
| Contact your accountant or tax preparer about tax deductible moving expenses - and keep good records! |
4-5 Weeks to the Big Move!
| If needed, arrange for storage. |
| As your credit card statements come in, complete the "change of address" section on your bills. |
| Clean, repair, or replace any furniture, curtains, appliances, holes in walls, etc. that need repairing, cleaning, or replacing. |
| If moving yourself, figure out how many boxes you may need. And don't forget to figure in those non-boxable items you'll be moving and how much space they'll take up. You may need to contact the rental company and adjust the size of moving van you'll be renting and they may have tips on calculating space. |
2 Weeks Before the Move!
| Arrange to transfer all of your bank accounts to a new bank or branch location. This includes cancelling any direct deposits or automatic withdrawals. Don't forget to empty & cancel your safe deposit box. Also close local charge accounts if moving to a new city. |
| Make special arrangements to move your pets and notify your veterinarian. |
Moving Week
| Transfer all medical prescriptions to a pharmacy in your new town. |
| If needed, arrange for a babysitter. |
| Return borrowed or rented items, such as library books and video tapes. |
| Clean your current home and don't forget the oven and defrosting your freezer. |
| If using a professional mover, they'll pack your items for you. If moving yourself, finish packing. |
| Set aside valuables, important papers, etc. for you to take with you so you can find them quickly. Don't put them in a box, especially those you may need for your closing. |
| Pack a small bag with toiletries, medications, and a few days of clothing. |
Moving Day
| If moving yourself, pick up the truck early. |
| Number and make a list of every box and its contents so you can find things easily. |
| Check your old house to make sure you've turned off water and no leave-behind appliances are running. |
| Inspect basement, attic and garage. Lock windows and doors. |
| pack a "handy items box" for your first night and day in your new home. It should include: scissors, utility knife, cups, paper plates and towels, toilet paper, snacks and portable beverages, soap, pens and paper, local phone book, tape, bath towels, trash bags, toiletries, sponge and shelf liner. |
And above all,
Congratulations on the Purchase of Your New Home