List of things to-do

The following is a list of things to do prior to moving:

We recommend you start a moving file. In order to organize yourself, we recommend you print this list and check off items as they are accomplished.

One Month Prior to Moving

Prepare an inventory of all your household items. You will need this list when you contact movers for estimates.
Call movers for estimates and discuss the costs involved. Reserve your move date 4-6 weeks in advance, pending on the date requested.
Determine other moving expenses and prepare a rough budget.
Sell or give away anything you don’t want to move to your next location.
Visit your current bank and advise them of your moving plans so they can offer recommendations on setting up accounts at a new financial institution.
Notify your doctor and dentist of your move in order to have records and prescriptions transferred.
If you have pets, arrange for their boarding during your pre-move and for shipping when you move. Contact your veterinarian for your pet’ s records, and try to have all of their shots and treatments done before you move. Call your new county to determine specific requirements for that area.
If you have children, find out details regarding their new school.
Verify requirements for auto licensing.
Notify insurance companies of your move. Transfer insurance on your house and possessions to insure coverage of your new home.
Close charge accounts you won’t be using in your new community.
Ask for a transfer of credit bureau files.
Send “change of address” to your post office.
Send “change of address” cards to friends, magazines and creditors.
Notify your church or synagogue.
Cancel local deliveries.
Contact utilities for disconnection.

Empty your safe deposit box.
Pack items of sentimental value and valuable papers that you are going to take care of yourself.
Clean out your refrigerator and cabinets.
Have your vehicles serviced for the trip.
Hire a babysitter for when the movers are in your home.
Plan a furniture layout for the movers, showing where things should be in your new home.
Make hotel reservations if you are traveling for more than one day or if you must wait for the movers to arrive.
Start packing anything that the movers won’t be packing.
If your home isn’t sold, make maintenance and security arrangements with your real-estate agent and plan for a thorough cleaning of your house, carpets and draperies.
Check with your local tax assessors to make sure your tax records are in order.
If your home will be vacant for some time, arrange for snow removal, lawn care and notify police.

Plan a survival kit in case you must wait for the movers:
Paper plates.
Towels.
Soap.
Toilet paper.
Bedding.
Games to occupy the children.
Snacks.
Water.
New house keys.
Pack clothes for the trip.
Take a local phone directory with you.
Notify someone of your travel plans.
Empty gasoline from the lawn mower and discard any cleaning fluids that are flammable. The mover won’t allow them to be packed.
Obtain a cashiers check for the movers and travelers check for your trip to cover any expenses until your new accounts are available.
Defrost and dry your refrigerator and freezer.
Disconnect appliances and antennas.
Verify boxes are labeled. Anything not being loaded should be marked “Do Not Move” and consolidated in one area.

Make arrangements for pets so they won’t interrupt movers.
Hire a babysitter for the children.
Either you or someone else should be present when the movers arrive to direct them.
Review inventory sheets with movers, including destination address and contact numbers.
Take valuable documents, such as, jewelry and money.
Clear access areas, parking spaces, driveways, walkways and stairs of debris.
At the completion of the loading, do a final walk through of the premises. Make sure all doors and windows are locked and lights out.