Moving Guide
It is always good to start planning ahead when you move, give yourself at least 8 weeks before the move date to coordinate everything needed for a successful move. The following is a step-by-step process that you can use as a check list to make sure you cover everything needed to make your move smooth and stress free.
Eight weeks before you move
- Obtain a floor plan of your new residence and decide what household goods you want to keep.
- Begin an inventory of all household goods.
- Seek estimates from several moving companies.
- Contact your insurance agent and ask them about your homeowners or rental policy to determine whether your possessions are covered when moving.
- Establish a file for all moving papers and receipts.
- Arrange to transfer child(ren)’s school records.
- Choose a mover.
Six weeks before you move
- Start searching for good healthcare professionals in your new location.
- Complete a change of address form at your local post office
- Send your new address to anyone that might need it – insurance agents, credit card companies, magazine subscriptions, friends, relatives, etc.
- Clean out closets and dispose of all items that you will not be taking with you.
- Hold a moving/garage sale or donate items to charities.
Four weeks before you move
- For self moves, reserve a truck or trailer. Obtain necessary moving supplies, boxes, twine, labels, etc.
- Start packing!!
- If your mover is doing the packing, arrange for it to be done one or two days before loading begins.
- Send furniture, drapes and carpets for repair or cleaning as needed.
- Gather valuable personal papers that you will need at your new location, including medical and dental records, school records, birth certificates, etc.
- Make travel plans and arrange hotel stays or other necessary reservations
Three weeks before you move
- Arrange to have utilities (gas, electric, phone, cable, water, etc.) disconnected in your present home, and connected at your new home.
- Ready car registration and insurance records for transfer.
- Notify the State Motor Vehicle Bureau of your new address.
- Arrange for child care on moving day.
- If necessary, reserve apartment elevator for pickup and/or delivery dates.
Two weeks before you move
- Arrange to move pets.
- Check with mover about moving house plants. (Some movers will not move plants.)
- Dispose of all items too dangerous to move, including flammable liquids.
- If necessary, have your automobile serviced and ready for the trip.
One week before you move
- Transfer all bank accounts.
- Cancel newspaper delivery.
- Have enough medication to last at least two weeks. Have prescriptions forwarded to a pharmacy near your new location.
- Buy traveler’s checks.
- Make arrangements to pay for your move.
- Withdraw items and close safety deposit boxes.
Two days before you move
- Have mover pack your goods (unless doing it yourself).
- Defrost and dry refrigerators and freezers to be moved.
- Set aside valuable items to carry with you including jewelry, vital documents, money and valuable small items.
Moving day
- Be on hand to answer any questions and give directions.
- Supervise unloading and unpacking.
- Check carefully for any damaged or missing items.
- Note on the inventory any damaged boxes or obvious damage to unboxed items before you sign anything.
