Basic Moving Check List

Moving can be stressful and chaotic for even the most organized person.  Drafting a moving check list can help ease some of the stress and assure that you take care of everything you and your family will need before, during and after your move. A moving check list should, in fact, be the first thing on your to do list when you find out you are moving.  Your check list will need to be tailored to your own needs, but here is a basic moving check list to give you a place to start:

2 months prior to your move:
1.    Settle on a date you would like to move.  Write it on your moving check list, so you always have the date handy.
2.    Call moving and storage companies for estimates.  Most companies will give you an estimate for free. 
3.    Contact your insurance company to let them know you are moving and find out what is covered when you move.  Additionally, make any policy changes for the new property or address.  Make note of any necessary timelines on your moving check list.
4.    Put together all medical, dental and school records in a file.  Transfer records to new healthcare providers and schools.  Add any deadlines to your moving check list.
5.    Take pictures or videos of your belongings, in case anything is lost or damaged in the move.

6 weeks prior to your move:
6.    Secure a moving company, portable storage unit or rental truck.  Add delivery dates, pre packing dates and pick up times to your moving check list.
7.    Pick up moving boxes and packing materials.  Decide what items you plan to pack and what you plan to have the moving company take care of.  Start packing items that are not essential.  Add any supplies you know you will need in a few weeks to your moving check list (mattress covers, bubble wrap, dish packs, etc.)
8.    Have a yard sale or donate all the items you do not wish to move.  Do not forget to find homes for household plants, if you cannot take them with you.

1 month prior to your move:
9.    File a “change of address” form with the post office.  The post office also has its own moving check list to assure you have continued mail service.
10.    Contact all banks, credit card companies, investment services and other institutions to inform them of your address change.
11.    Cancel or change newspaper and magazine subscriptions.
12.    Call utility companies to schedule service shut off or change over dates.
13.    Take your car in for any necessary service.
14.    Contact the local police department, apartment manager or other services if you need to put up “no parking” signs or reserve a space for your moving truck or storage unit.
15.    Schedule pick up or dispose properly of household items that cannot be moved (paints, chemicals, etc).  Moving companies usually give you their own moving check list that includes items they will not move. 
16.    Schedule a cleaning service to come after you have moved out.  If you plan to do the cleaning yourself, add it to your moving check list so you make some time for it.

2 weeks prior to your move:
17.    Plan your meals, so you do not have extra food to get rid of or pack.
18.    Give away condiments and other food items to neighbors and friends.
19.    Pack suitcases with the clothing, toiletries, prescriptions and other items you need to get you through the transition. 
20.    Arrange for a babysitter or place for your pets for moving day, if needed.
21.    Gather essential contact numbers and addresses for neighbors, family members and friends.

1 week prior to your move:
22.    Pack everything you have not yet packed.  Leave a few boxes open and labeled “first to open” for those essential things you need for the week and will need immediately after you move.
23.    Print out any contracts and contact numbers you need regarding the details of your move and keep them in a file or folder.  Put your moving check list in that folder.
24.    If you plan to move appliances, have them clean and ready to move 24 hours prior to the move.
25.    Review your moving check list and make sure you did not skip anything.

Again, tailor your moving check list to your specific needs, but this list should provide you with the basics to get you to your moving day smoothly. Keep your moving check list handy, cross things off and modify it whenever necessary.