Planning Your Move

WEEK 8

Sort and Purge.

Go through room by room to determine what will move with you and what will not.

Have extra stuff? Organize a garage or on-line sale or donate your goods to a favorite charity. Remember to grab receipts showing approximate value for possible tax deductions.

Research.

Start investigating moving company options. Do not rely on a quote over the phone; request an on-site estimate.

Create a moving binder.

This can help you keep track of everything! Having one spot for estimates, receipts, and inventory of all items you are moving can be very handy.

Organize school records.

Contact your children’s school and arrange for their records to be transferred to their new school district.

WEEK 7

Book it.

Lock in your move out date and confirm your plan when you officially book your move.

Consider a video inventory prior to your move.

Order Supplies.

Order boxes & other supplies; tape, bubble wrap, permanent markers. Don’t forget specialty containers, such as dish barrels or wardrobe boxes.

WEEK 6

Use it or lose it.

Start using up things that you don’t want to move, like frozen or canned foods and cleaning supplies.

Take measurements.

Check room dimensions of your new home and verify furniture will fit where you would like it placed.

WEEK 5

Inform your friends and family.

Make sure the important people in your life know about your move & how to stay in touch with you.

If you have children, start preparing them for the transition. Give them time to say goodbye to important people and places.

Do a change of address.

Notify others you are moving; a good place to start is the post office or usps.gov.

Be sure to contact the following: banks, brokerage firms, your employer’s human resource department, magazines and newspapers you subscribe to, and credit card, insurance, and utility companies.

Forward medical records.

Arrange for medical records to be sent to any new health-care providers or obtain copies of them yourself. Ask for referrals.

WEEK 4

Begin packing.

If you are packing yourself, get a head start so you are not overwhelmed at the last minute. Start packing the things you use most infrequently. Note items of special value that may require extra insurance.

Label.

Clearly label and number each box with its contents and the room it’s destined for. This will help you to keep an inventory of your belongings. Pack and label “essentials” boxes of items you will need right away.

Confirm your travel plans.

If you are driving to your new home, get your car tuned and ready for the trip.

Book air travel and hotel stops as needed.

Consider what items you will need for the trip and your first night in your new home. Set them aside so they don’t accidently get packed.

WEEK 3

Preparing your household.

Send rugs and draperies out for cleaning. Leave them wrapped for transit once they are returned.

Prepare a “Load Last” box with essentials for your first night in your new home.

Dispose of any flammables, fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, ammunition or poisons. Drain fuel from your power mower and discard or recycle the propane tank on your grill.

Confirm the date that all your utilities will be disconnected and connected at your new home.

WEEK 2

Plan for your pets.

Make sure you have made travel plans for your pets. If you need to board them or leave them with friends, confirm those plans now.

Take your pets to the vet and ensure you have required health certificates-every state is different!

Finish your errands.

Pick up anything you had cleaned, stored or repaired.

Empty your locker at the gym or club.

Return borrowed items from friends and neighbors.

Clear out safe deposit boxes.

WEEK 1

Refill prescriptions.

Stock up on prescriptions you will need during the next couple of weeks.

Pack your suitcases.

Aim to finish your general packing a few days before move day. Then pack suitcases for everyone in the family with enough to last a few days.

Double check the details.

Reconfirm with the moving company.

Plan for payment. If your movers do a good job you may wish to tip them, & refreshments are always appreciated.

MOVING DAY

Make the big day go smoothly.

Make it a point to be on hand to see that all of your possessions are loaded; remain close by until loading is complete.

Give destination address to van operator. Include contact information, such as your cell phone.

Last minute cleaning.

Take out the garbage.

Clean all surfaces.

Vacuum where furniture has been removed.

Verify refrigerator is empty and clean.

Check all cupboards for leftover items.

Take a last look.

Water shut off?

Furnace and air conditioner shut off?

Light switches turned off?

All utilities arranged for disconnect?

Windows shut and locked?

Old house keys and garage door openers surrendered?

Have you left anything?

SETTLING IN

Enjoy your new home.

Be on hand to accept delivery of your items. Check goods as they are unloaded & make note of anything that is damaged or missing. Personally report any grievances.

Keep all documents pertaining to move in moving binder. You will need them for verification of moving expenses when you file your federal income tax return.

Check state (and local) requirements for auto registration and a driver’s license.