Moving Checklist For Buyers

Preparing to move is no small task, and there are a multitude of steps involved in achieving a successful relocation. Whether you are moving next door, or across the country, this step-by-step checklist will assist you during your transition.

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Two Months Prior to Moving Day

❒ If you will use a mover, get a few estimates from moving companies.

❒ If you will move yourself, get costs from at least two truck rental companies.

❒ Create a floor plan of your new home for furniture and appliance placement.

❒ Make an inventory of your household goods and begin to remove clutter (start with the basement, attic, garage and other storage areas).

❒ Start a file for all your moving paperwork (estimates, receipts, etc.).

❒ Arrange to transfer school records.

❒ Choose a mover (or truck rental company).

❒ Get your new home ready as quickly as possible – select and schedule painters, carpenters, plumbers, roofers, cleaners, etc., for when you are entitled to possession. Remember to change the locks on all the doors in your new home.

 

Six Weeks Prior to Moving Day

❒ Obtain and fill out post office change-of-address cards.

❒ Subscribe to the newspapers and local magazines in your new hometown to learn more about your new community.

❒ Make arrangements for storage if necessary.

❒ Ask your doctor or health plan provider for referrals and obtain all medical records.

❒ Have antiques, pieces of art and other valuables appraised.

❒ Clean all closets and drawers.

❒ Start using foods and cleaning supplies that cannot be moved.

 

Four Weeks Prior to Moving Day

❒ Schedule disconnection of all utility services at your old home, and connection at your new one. If you have “last month” deposits with services, such as the telephone company, request your refund.

❒ If you are moving yourself, reserve a rental truck.

❒ If you are packing yourself, obtain packing materials and start packing items you won’t need until after you arrive at your new house.

❒ Arrange for cleaning and repair of furniture, drapes and carpeting.

❒ Arrange for special transportation of your pets and plants if necessary.

❒ Check with your insurance company to see how your possessions are covered during transit.

❒ Make any travel plans necessary for your move.

❒ Collect your important records– Gather personal and family records, including medical, dental, veterinary, school records, legal, insurance and financial documents, birth certificates, passports.

 

Three Weeks Prior to Moving Day

❒ Properly dispose of items that cannot be moved, such as flammable liquids.

❒ Prepare auto registration for transfer (if moving to another state).

❒ If you are moving in or out of a home with elevators, schedule for use of the elevator.

❒ Make childcare arrangements for moving day.

❒ Hold your moving sale or donate unwanted items to a local charity.

 

Two Weeks Prior to Moving Day

❒ Service your car in preparation for the move. If you’re moving from a warm climate to a cold one, check your antifreeze.

❒ Return any borrowed items (including library books) and retrieve any loaned items.

❒ Cancel newspaper delivery and inform periodicals of change of address.

❒ Notify any creditors of your move.

❒ Transfer prescriptions and be sure you have an adequate supply of medications on hand.

❒ Assemble a file folder of information to leave for the new owner of your home.

❒ Change your address: One week before your move, send change-of-address cards to everyone who will need to contact you.

❒ Pick up laundry: Laundry tickets are easy to misplace, so ask for your things by name and not just by the receipts you have.

❒ Pack a travel kit: Put aside critical items like a checkbook, credit cards, personal phone book, ID, flashlight, keys, toiletries, tools, paper plates, cups, towels, travel alarm clock, aspirin, bandages and games for the kids. Also, pack a suitcase with clothing and other personal items.

❒ Arrange for cleaning services and transfer of keys for the residence you are vacating.

 

One Day Prior to Moving

❒ Transfer your bank accounts.

❒ Drain power equipment of oil and gas. Drain water hoses.

❒ Find new homes for plants that will not be moved.

❒ Confirm any travel reservations.

❒ Let movers pack your belongings (unless it is a do-it-yourself move).

❒ Disconnect and prepare major appliances for move.

❒ Set aside anything that will travel in your car so it will not be loaded on the truck.

❒ Pack a box of items that will be needed first at the new house. Clearly mark this box “Load Last.”

❒ Obtain cash or traveler’s checks for the trip and to pay the movers.

❒ Confirm arrival time of your moving van/truck.

❒ If moving yourself, dismantle beds and other large furniture.

 

Moving Day

❒ If using a mover, be sure someone is at the old house to answer questions.

❒ Note all utility meter readings.

❒ Read your bill of loading and inventory carefully before signing. Keep this paperwork in a safe place.