Moving Checklist

Even before you put your home on the market, you need to start putting a plan in place.  These tasks need to be planned ahead of time.  Everyone likes to move on the weekend or holiday, so make sure you will have a moving company or rental truck lined up to move out of your present home.

8 Weeks Before You Move

	If you are using a professional mover, get estimates in writing from moving companies.  Discuss costs, packing, loading, delivery and the claims procedure with your mover.
	If you are moving yourself, get estimates from truck rental companies.
	Be SURE you reserve in advance.
	Draw a floor plan of your new home and make notes of where you want your furniture placed.
	Use up food in your freezer
	Remember you can't move flammable household cleaning products, etc.

6 Weeks Before You Move

	Inventory all of your possessions now.  Determine what can be donated for a tax deduction, sold or given to a family member.
	Gather important records such as medical, lawyers, accountants, insurance, car/boat, camper registration, veterinarians, etc. to hand carry to your new home.
	Transfer your children's school records.
	Make sure you understand the tax-deductible moving expenses (call your accountant), and set-up record keeping for these expenses.

4 Weeks Before You Move

	Will you need storage for a short term near your old or new residence?  Make these arrangements now.
	Do you need to have a garage sale?
	If you are moving yourself, figure out how many boxes you will need.  Many of the moving companies have web sites with calculators that can help you determine that number.  Many truck rental companies have boxes for sale.

3 Weeks Before You Move

	Gather packing materials including: furniture pads, newspapers, hand truck/dolly, scissors, utility knife, packing tape, bubble wrap, felt tip markers, and, of course, boxes.
	Begin packing things that you don't need everyday.
	Call the utilities in your new community to arrange a start date and the utility companies in your present location to arrange a stop date.
	Do you need to make travel/hotel reservations?

2 Weeks Before You Move

	Transfer your bank accounts to a branch in your new location and make sure that you transfer or cancel any direct deposits or automatic payment arrangements on your current bank accounts.
	Make arrangements for pets -- ask the vet how to make them more comfortable before, during and after the move.
	Transfer all medical prescriptions to pharmacy in new location.

1 Week Before You Move

	Defrost your refrigerator and freezer.
	Arrange for cash, a certified check, or money order ready to pay the mover on delivery day.
	Pack valuables and legal documents to go with you not on the truck.
	Pack clothes, toiletries, prescriptions, emergency numbers and family members phone numbers to be kept with you.
	Pack the "Emergency Kit"  including:  Coffee/tea  maker and supplies, coffee cups, paper plates, plastic utensils, soft drinks, water, snacks, soap,  bath towels, trash bags, scissors, utility knife, toilet paper, shelf liner, pencils and paper, masking tape, and toiletries kit.

Moving Day

	Pack your pillows, bedding, etc. in the top dresser drawer so you know where the linens are and you don't have to look through boxes.
	Make a list of every item loaded.
	Before you sign, read the Bill of Loading.  Keep it in a safe place until you receive all your goods.  You will need the Bill of Loading until after the charges are paid and any claims settled.
	Make sure to turn off all utilities.
	Make arrangements with your agent to leave the keys and garage door opener(s) inside the house.
	Lock all doors and windows.

Delivery Day

	Vigilance is important at this point -- Check off all boxes and items as they come off the truck.  Examine everything.
	Install new locks.
	Make sure utilities are hooked up.
	Put out "comfort toys" for the children and pets.
	Congratulations, your new life is just beginning.