Time to Pack!
Moving to a new home can be challenging, nerve-wracking, scary . . . . and hopefully very exciting! No matter if you you're in house or an apartment, the hard work is in the packing. Of course, there are companies who will come in and pack, but most people are boxing their belongings, making the calls, arranging for a truck and begging friends for help.
No matter how organized you are, a list can be not only handy but absolutely essential as you get closer to the big day. There are many lists out there you can find, but this list from the moving company UPack was fairly comprehensive. Some of these tips are obviously for bigger moves, or from out of state, but use what makes the most sense for you:
8 Weeks Before Your Move
Start collecting estimates from moving companies - including a free moving quote from U-Pack from UHaul or a number of other local or national moving companies
Budget for moving expenses.
Create a "move file" to keep track of quotes, receipts and other important information.
Start researching your new community.
7 Weeks Before Your Move
Start compiling medical, dental, shot and prescription records.
Ask doctors for referrals in your new city.
Arrange to have school records and veterinarian records transferred.
Gather copies of legal and financial records.
Call your insurance agent to see what changes you need to make to your new policy.
Contact health clubs, organization, and groups to cancel or transfer memberships.
6 Weeks Before Your Move
Plan how you will move valuables and difficult to replace items (certified mail, or carry them with you).
Begin purging your home. Separate items into those you will keep, donate or discard.
Plan a garage sale.
Start using items that can't be moved such as frozen foods, bleach, and aerosols (check out do-not-ship items).
Call your insurance agent to see what changes you need to make to your new policy.
Contact health clubs, organization, and groups to cancel or transfer memberships.
5 Weeks Before Your Move
Order boxes and moving supplies.
Begin packing items you don't use often.
Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it is destined for.
Pinpoint your move date.
File a change of address with the Postal Service, or ask them to hold your mail at the post office in your new city.
4 Weeks Before Your Move
Notify these utility services of your move (both at your old and new locations):
Electric
Water
Gas
Telephone
Cell phone
Cable/Satellite and internet
Sewer
Trash Collection
Make travel arrangements for your pets.
Put copies of pet medical and immunization records in your move file. Host a garage sale.
3 Weeks Before Your Move
Plan how to transport your plants.
Dispose of flammables, corrosives, and poisons.
Have your automobile serviced.
2 Weeks Before Your Move
Notify these professional services of your move:
Accountant
Attorney
Doctor
Dentist
Financial Planner
Health Insurance Provider
Insurance Agent
Schools
Notify these services/accounts of your move:
Auto Finance Company
Bank/Credit Union/Finance Companies
Credit Card Companies
Exterminator
Health Club
Home care service providers (lawn, exterminator, snow removal etc.)
Laundry service
Magazines
Monthly memberships (Nexflix, book of the month, etc.)
Newsletters
Newspapers
Pharmacy
Store/Gas Charge Accounts
Notify these government offices of your move:
City/County Tax Assessor
State Vehicle Registration
Social Security Administration
State/Federal Tax Bureau (IRS)
Veterans Administration
Confirm travel arrangements for pets and family.
Confirm parking for your moving trailer or moving container. Obtain permits if needed.
Plan meals for the last week to use up your food.
Assemble a folder of important info about your house for the next home owner.
1 Weeks Before Your Move
If you are working with a mover, call to review your moving plans
Contact your bank or credit card company if you are planning to pay for your move by debit or credit card.
Print two copies of your bill of lading (BOL) to keep in your move file.
Notify friends and family of your new address and phone number with a free Moving Notice.
Pack an essentials box to keep with you during the move.
Drain gas and oil from lawn equipment, gas grills, heaters, etc.
Drain water hoses and waterbeds.
Measure furniture and doorways to determine if larger pieces will fit through the door.
Empty and defrost refrigerator at least 24 hours before the move.
Fill any prescriptions you will need during the move.
Moving Day Checklist
Be familiar with our packing and loading tips and personally supervise hired labor.
Place carpet, floor and door frame protectors throughout your home.
Load goods in a pre-designated order, saving "last load" items for the rear of your shipment.
Check every room and closet one last time to make sure nothing is left behind.
Call the local service center to have your loaded moving trailer or ReloCube picked up.
Leave a note with your new address so that future residents can forward stray mail.
Moving In Checklist
Clean your new home, make sure everything is in working condition and make any repairs before your moving trailer or ReloCube arrive.
Pick up any mail being held at the local post office
Unload your items and begin organizing your new home.
After the Move Checklist
Keep all receipts and documents in your move file and store it in an easy-to-remember location.
Get a new driver's license and automobile tags, register to vote, etc.
Contact the local paper for a new subscription.
Enjoy your new home!
