Fillable Printable Moving Checklist and Planner

Moving Checklist and Planner

TIME BEFORE MOVE MOVING TO DO LIST ADDITIONAL NOTES

If using a mover: contact moving companies for estimates.

2 MONTHS

If moving yourself: contact truck rental companies for estimates.

Create a floor plan of new home for furniture placement. Sell or donate unneeded pieces.

Make a home inventory. Begin to remove clutter. Start with basement, attic, and garage.

Start a file of moving paperwork and expenses. Can be used for tax credits and claims.

For kids: arrange to transfer school records.

For family: arrange to transfer medical, dental, legal records. Ask for referrals.

For pets: transfer veterinary records. Take pets for immunization, if necessary.

Get your new home ready. Contact painters, carpenters, plumbers, locksmiths, roofers, etc.

Banking: prepare to transfer financial and safety deposit box contents to new branch.

Documents: be sure all personal, family, and financial records are accounted for:

Birth certificates, passports, insurance, medical, dental, legal, and academic records.

Obtain missing documents from authorities.

Choose a mover or truck rental company. Be sure to have references.

6 WEEKS

If using a mover: schedule moving company.

If moving yourself: reserve moving truck, ask friends to help or hire a moving team.

Obtain and fill out post office change of address cards, or do online. Use mail forwarding.

File change of address with Federal Government (IRS, Revenue Canada).

Make arrangements for storage, if necessary.

Get antiques or valuables appraised.

Order moving materials: boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, and other supplies.

Start to pack: seasonal clothing, sports gear, and other items not in immediate use.

Clean out closets and drawers.

Use food and supplies which cannot be moved.

Hold a garage or moving sale.

Give items away to charity.

Prepare antiques, collectables, and plants for extra special moving care (pianos).

For kids: arrange for special travel arrangements, flights.

For pets: arrange for special travel arrangements, flights.

TIME BEFORE MOVE MOVING TO DO LIST ADDITIONAL NOTES

Notify friends and family of new address. Send change of address cards.

4 WEEKS

Schedule disconnection: of all utility services at old home, and connection at new home.

Telephone, cell phone, gas, electricity, water, cable, satellite, internet.

Change address:

Banks, credit cards, magazines, employer, clubs, associations.

Contact insurance company for moving coverage and to transfer policy to new home.

Reserve elevators for move: apartments/condos. See if moving permits are required.

Hold a second moving sale. Donate to charity. Yes, you still have too much stuff.

Arrange for cleaning or repair of drapes, furniture, and carpet.

3 WEEKS

Properly dispose of items that cannot be moved (paints, cleaners, propane, flammables).

Recycle electronics, plastics, metals, papers, etc.

Prepare automobile and driver licensing and registration (if moving out of state or province).

For kids & pets: arrange child care or pet care for moving day.

Start a file for new homeowner: (roof, maintenance, appliance manuals).

Recycle electronics, plastics, metals, papers, etc.

2 WEEKS

If moving yourself: Begin to pack bookshelves, kitchen, bedrooms, and bathroom.

Prepare for sale or disposal of items not sold during garage or moving sales.

Cancel newspapers.

Notify all creditors of move.

Service automobile before move.

Return borrowed items (friends, library). Collect lent items (CDs, books, toys).

Transfer prescriptions. Be sure to have enough medication on hand.

Pick up laundry and dry cleaning.

TIME BEFORE MOVE MOVING TO DO LIST ADDITIONAL NOTES

1 WEEK

If using a mover: confirm date and time of packing and moving.

If moving yourself: confirm moving truck. Confirm help with friends or moving team. Pack.

Find a new home for plants or items that cannot be moved.

Confirm travel arrangements.

Pack a travel kit. Put aside critical items beforehand:

Financial: check book, credit cards, cash, traveler’s checks, and foreign currency.

Travel: passports, birth certificates, ID, keys, flashlight, tools, papers for movers.

Baby Care: diapers, stroller, car seat, medications, clothing.

Children: toys, medications, books, clothing.

Kitchen: dishes, utensils, food.

Personal: bedding, clothing, toiletries, medicine, bandages.

Pack a Suitcase: have items on hand in case movers are delayed with belongings.

Cell Phone: keep the charger handy.

Settle any bills with local businesses.

Banking: transfer all financial and safe deposit box contents to new branch.

ONE DAY BEFORE

If using a mover: let movers pack your belongings.

If moving yourself: dismantle beds and large furniture. Continue packing items.

Defrost refrigerator and freezer.

Drain power equipment of oil and gas. Drain water hoses.

Drain waterbed.

Disconnect and prepare major appliances for move.

Set aside items to travel with you (like a travel kit) to prevent it from being packed.

Pack a box of items that will be needed first at new home. Mark “load last” on box.

Confirm arrival time of moving van or truck.

Confirm hotel or accommodation.

Have several copies of directions to your new home printed out.

TIME BEFORE MOVE MOVING TO DO LIST ADDITIONAL NOTES

MOVING DAY

For kids & pets: Drop off kids & pets at pre-arranged care site.

Make note of all utility meter readings.

Confirm bill of lading and inventory before signing. Keep forms in a safe place.

Do a final clean up of old home. Be sure to leave toilet paper and paper towels. Karma.

If using a mover: be sure someone is at the old house to answer questions.

If moving yourself: be sure helping friends and family have lunch.

Breathe. Moving is stressful.

DELIVERY DAY

Be available to answer any questions.

Check boxes and belongings. Note on the inventory record any damage.

Pay the truck driver, if applicable.

Supervise loading and unloading of belongings. Direct placement of items.

If using a mover: be prepared to pay the mover. Have cash on hand to tip.

ODDS & ENDS

Install new batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in new home.

Consider having your locks re-keyed.

Start new newspaper subscription.

Contact new affiliations: churches, places or worship, clubs, associations.