The Ultimate Plan-Your-Move Checklist

Moving is one of life’s major stresses. We hope this list will help reduce the chaos.

1-2 Months Before The Move:

• Make a “change of address” list. As soon as you know your new address, decide you needs to know (e.g. subscriptions, government agencies, local businesses, credit-card companies).
• Contact utility companies to activate service at your new address and deactivate it at your old address.
• Notify your bank of your move. (Either give your new address or close your account.)
• Set up an appointment with your landlord (if applicable) to hand over your keys, inspect the property and collect your security deposit.
• Arrange with your real-estate agent or new landlord to obtain your new keys.
• If you have children, talk to the old and new schools 3 or 4 months in advance.
• If your move is going to take more than a day, make arrangements for hotels and any other travel needs you may have.
• Take a home inventory. This list will help you estimate the number of boxes and truck size you’ll need for the move.
• Moving yourself is not to be taken lightly. Decide, based on expenses and physical limitations, if you’ll be moving yourself, hiring movers, or some combination of both, and make the necessary arrangements.

Two Weeks Before The Move:

• Reconfirm your moving date with the moving or rental company.
• Plan your packing and loading by writing down what you have to do.
• Donate, sell or throw away everything you don’t want to take with you
• Purchase any moving supplies needed, including bubble wrap, boxes, foam peanuts, tape and plastic bags.
• Start packing two weeks in advance, packing in phases each day, room by room. If you are moving a family, assign each person a room.
• Label all boxes and containers by room, fragility and number. Keep a list of each box number and its contents and assigned room.
• Call strong, supportive friends to help with packing or loading.
• Call your local phone company for new numbers at least a week before your move.
• Call your long-distance service provider to deactivate or transfer your phone service.
• Don’t forget to have your cable box picked up to avoid charges.

Keep This “Just In Case” Kit With You:

• Basic tools (hammer, screwdriver, knife, tape, etc.)
• Payment for movers
• Bathroom Essentials (towels, soap, toilet paper)
• Kitchen Essentials (snacks, drinks, disposable utensils, cups, plates, etc.)
• Cleaning Essentials (sponges, all purpose cleaner, broom, dustpan)
• Personal Essentials (glasses, medication, a change of clothes)
• Keys and directions to your new home
• Your Inventory list of box contents