Moving Checklist

Are you planning a move across town or across the country? We've compiled a list of the most important to-dos to take care of before and after you settle into your amazing new nest!

Moving Checklist
Moving Checklist
Moving Checklist

Month Prior to Move

  • Reserve rental truck, movers and storage unit if necessary.
  • Transfer or obtain copies of medical records, dental records, school records, etc.
  • Check with your insurance company to see if your belongings are covered during the move.
Change your address
  • U.S Postal Service
  • Driver’s Licenses – Vehicle Registration
  • IRS
  • Social Security
  • Voter Registration
  • Banks
  • Checks
  • Loans
  • Investments
  • Credit Cards
  • PayPal
  • Automated Payments
  • Place of employment
  • Insurance (home, life, auto, etc.)
  • Doctors
  • Schools
  • Friends and Family
  • Subscriptions
  • Associations
  • Change your address with magazine and newspaper subscriptions
Cancel or transfer utility companies
  • Cable
  • Internet
  • Telephone
  • Water
  • Gas
  • Electric
  • Sewer
  • Trash
  • Landscaping
  • House Cleaning
  • Pest Control
  • HOA
  • Home Security Company

Weeks Prior to Move

  • Purchase packing supplies (boxes, tape, markers, and so on).
  • Make travel arrangements on moving day and any special arrangements for small children and/or pets.
  • Start packing, boxing items systematically and labeling them accordingly.
  • Purge unused items. Consider having a garage sale.
  • Pack infrequently used items.
  • If you can, type out a list of what general items are in each box so you have a master list.
  • Get a check-up for your pet and obtain records.
  • Pick up personal items at cleaners, laundry, off-season storage, shoe repair, film, etc.

1 Week Prior to Move

  • Confirm reservation with moving company or rental truck company.
  • Gather and set aside important documents (don’t pack these—carry them with you during the move).
  • Transfer prescriptions to your local pharmacy.
  • Close/transfer bank accounts (if switching banks) and order checks with your new address.
  • Remember to get all items from safe or safety deposit box if moving out of town.
  • Send out change of address cards to friends, relatives, neighbors, organizations, and so on.
  • Return items that don’t belong to you (movies, books, and so on).
  • Clean! (appliances, carpet, walls, and so on).
  • Leave keys and garage door openers, warranties, manuals for operation at house for new owners.
  • Save all moving receipts – they may be eligible for tax deduction.

Day Before Move

  • Have cash available to tip your movers.
  • Arrange for lunch and beverages for you and anyone helping you.
  • Pack the last of your items and leave out one small box/bag for your necessities.
  • Take a final walk-through to make sure nothing is left behind.