Move & Relocation Tips

This comprehensive step by step moving checklist is intended to provide you with basic information to help you stay on track leading up to, during, and after your moving day. We recommend printing it and keeping it on-hand throughout your entire move.

8 Weeks before Your Move

• Start collecting estimates from moving companies – (get at least 3)
• Budget for moving expenses.
• Create a "move file" to keep track of quotes, receipts and other important information.
• Start researching your new community.

7 Weeks before Your Move

• Start compiling medical, dental, shot and prescription records.
• Ask doctors for referrals in your new city.
• Arrange to have school records and veterinarian records transferred.
• Gather copies of legal and financial records.
• Call your insurance agent to see what changes you need to make to your new policy.
• Contact health clubs, organization, and groups to cancel or transfer memberships.

6 Weeks before Your Move

• Plan how you will move valuables and difficult to replace items (certified mail, or carry them with you).
• Begin purging your home. Separate items into those you will keep, donate or discard.
• Plan a garage sale.
• Start using items that can't be moved such as frozen foods, bleach, and aerosols (check out do-not-ship items).
• Call your insurance agent to see what changes you need to make to your new policy.
• Contact health clubs, organization, and groups to cancel or transfer memberships.

5 Weeks before Your Move

• Order boxes and moving supplies.
• Begin packing items you don't use often.
• Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it is destined for.
• Pinpoint your move date.
• File a change of address with the Postal Service, or ask them to hold your mail at the post office in your new city.

4 Weeks Before Your Move

• Reserve your move by contacting the selected moving company
• Notify these utility services of your move (both at your old and new locations):
• Electric
• Water
• Gas
• Telephone
• Cell phone
• Cable/Satellite and internet
• Sewer
• Trash Collection
• Make travel arrangements for your pets.
• Put copies of pet medical and immunization records in your move file. Host a garage sale.

3 Weeks before Your Move

• Plan how to transport your plants
• Dispose of flammables, corrosives, and poisons. Read the Do Not Ship List for a comprehensive list.
• Have your automobile serviced.

2 Weeks before Your Move

• Notify these professional services of your move:
  • Accountant
  • Attorney
  • Doctor
  • Dentist
  • Financial Planner
  • Health Insurance Provider
  • Insurance Agent
  • Schools
• Notify these services/accounts of your move:
  • Auto Finance Company
  • Bank/Credit Union/Finance Companies
  • Credit Card Companies
  • Exterminator
  • Health Club
  • Home care service providers (lawn service, exterminator, etc.)
  • Laundry service
  • Magazines
  • Monthly memberships (gym, cable Tv, etc)
  • Newsletters
  • Newspapers
  • Pharmacy
  • Store/Gas Charge Accounts
• Notify these government offices of your move:
  • City/County Tax Assessor
  • State Vehicle Registration
  • Social Security Administration
  • State/Federal Tax Bureau (IRS)
  • Veterans Administration
  • Confirm travel arrangements for pets and family.
  • Confirm parking for your moving trailer or moving container. Obtain permits if needed.
  • Plan meals for the last weeks to use up your food.
  • Assemble a folder of important info about your house for the next home owner.

1 Week Before Your Move

• Review your moving plans with your moving consultant. Email or call with questions.
• Contact your bank or credit card company if you are planning to pay for your move by debit or credit card.
• Print two copies of your bill of lading (BOL) to keep in your move file.
• Notify friends and family of your new address and phone number with a free Moving Notice.
• Pack an essentials box to keep with you during the move.
• Drain gas and oil from lawn equipment, gas grills, heaters, etc.
• Drain water hoses and waterbeds.
• Measure furniture and doorways to determine if larger pieces will fit through the door.
• Empty and defrost refrigerator at least 24 hours before the move.
• Fill any prescriptions you will need during the move.

Moving Day

• Be familiar with our packing and loading tips and personally supervise hired labor.
• Place carpet, floor and door frame protectors throughout your home.
• Load goods in a pre-designated order, saving "last load" items for the rear of your shipment.
• Check every room and closet one last time to make sure nothing is left behind.
• Call the local service center to have your loaded moving trailer picked up.
• Leave a note with your new address so that future residents can forward stray mail.

Moving In Checklist

• Clean your new home, make sure everything is in working condition and make any repairs before your moving trailer arrive.
• Pick up any mail being held at the local post office
• Unload your items and begin organizing your new home.

After the Move

• Keep all receipts and documents in your move file and store it in an easy-to-remember location.
• Get a new driver's license and automobile tags, register to vote, etc.
• Contact the local paper for a new subscription.
• Get local maps and familiarize with area.