Moving Checklist

Make moving easier with our Relocation Checklist

Since there's so much to handle before, during and after your move, we've compiled a moving checklist to make things more manageable. Just mark tasks off your list as they're completed and you'll be certain not to leave anything out.

Moving Checklist - 8 Weeks Before

• Start by creating a "moving file" to keep track of estimates, receipts and other important information.
• Determine your moving budget and start collecting moving estimates - including a free moving estimate from MoveBuilder™.
• Research any moving services you are considering. Visit movingscam.com, the Better Business Bureau and epinons.com.
• Explore our Moving Resource Center for helpful tools and moving related links.
• Contact the Chamber of Commerce in your new community to request a new resident packet.
• Research your new community. The Internet is a great resource.
• Locate all of the necessities near your new address that you will need right away such as dry cleaners and grocery stores.
• Check with the IRS for possible tax deductions for moving expenses.

Moving Checklist - 7 Weeks Before

• Get copies of any legal and financial records you need.
• Contact your doctors and dentists for copies of medical and dental records - including prescriptions and shot records. Ask your doctors if they can refer you to a care provider in your new city.
• Have your children's school records transferred to their new school district and/or daycare.
• Arrange for veterinarian records to be transferred.
• Call your insurance agent to see what changes to expect in your policies for changing states.
• Ask your insurance agent if moving is covered by your home owner policy.
• Make arrangements for insurance for your new home.

Moving Checklist - 6 Weeks Before

• Make a list of friends, relatives and businesses to notify with your new address. Be sure to include cancelling or transferring memberships to local organizations such as health clubs to avoid fees.
• Make a list of things that are valuable or difficult to replace. Plan on shipping these by certified mail or carrying them with you.
• Go through each room of your home and decide what items you will not be moving. If you don't use it, don't move it. Donate it for a tax deduction or have a yard sale.
• Take inventory of each room. It is helpful to video tape or photograph items along with their serial numbers. You could also note the replacement value for insurance purposes.
• Begin using up things that can't be moved, such as frozen foods, bleach and aerosol cleaners.

Moving Checklist - 5 Weeks Before

• Check with city administration for any necessary arrangements you need to make. Some cities require special parking permits for the moving trailer or have other applicable regulations and parking restrictions. Be sure to check with your destination city as well. The trailers used by MoveBuilder are 28 feet long and require a 14 foot overhead clearance.
• If you rent, contact your property manager to ensure you will be complying with any policies they have. Once again, be sure to check with your new property manager if moving to a rental.
• If you are doing some or all of your own packing start saving boxes, collecting moving supplies. You can purchase these items from the MoveBuilder Box Store and have them delivered right to your door.

Moving Checklist - 4 Weeks Before

• Schedule disconnection of all utility services at your old home, and connection of them at your new one. Be sure to disconnect the day after you leave and connect the day before you arrive. If you have "last month" deposits with services, such as the water or gas company, request your refund.
• File a change of address with the Postal Service. If you are unsure of your new address, ask the postal service to hold your mail at their office in your new city.
• Make travel arrangements for your pets. Don't forget to include necessary medical and immunization records.
• If you are doing some of your own packing, go ahead and pack things that you seldom use such as décor items, keepsakes or seasonal items.
• Cancel any storage rentals and bring items to your home for move preparation. This will avoid any extra pick-up charges.

Moving Checklist - 3 Weeks Before

• If you are moving into or out of an apartment, arrange to use the elevator on your move day.
• Make sure all library books and rental movies and games have all been returned.
• Pick up all dry cleaning.
• Retrieve any items out on loan.
• Call your newspaper and set a date to cancel your subscription.
• Decide if you will keep your plants or give them away. Remember that plants can not be moved in the moving trailer.
• Dispose of flammables, corrosives and poisons.
• Prepare auto registration to be transferred.
• Have your automobile(s) serviced.

Moving Checklist - 2 Weeks Before

• Make your MoveBuilder reservation if you haven't already. MoveBuilder can usually accept a reservation with as little as 1 week's notice but services are first come, first serve. Reserving early is an especially good idea during the peak summer months.
• Arrange for special handling of large or sensitive items such as collectibles or plasma flat screen televisions.
• Contact your bank and/or credit union to transfer or close accounts. Clear out safety deposit boxes. Pick up traveler's checks or cash for "on the road" expenses.
• Confirm travel arrangements for pets and family.
• Confirm parking for your trailer/container, and obtain parking permits if needed.
• Notify any creditors of your move.
• Plan meals for the last week of the move to help empty the refrigerator.

Moving Checklist - 1 Week Before

• A Move Manager will contact you prior to your move and provide a single point of contact throughout your move.
• Dispose of all remaining flammable, corrosive, explosive or caustic items. See the "do not ship" list.
• Print two-copies of your moving paperwork and place in your moving file.
• Prepare an "essentials" box or area which contains items your family will want or need while your goods are in transit. Fill any prescriptions or medications you will need for the next couple of weeks.
• Pack your suitcases and valuables separately.
• Empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator at least 48 hours before moving day.
• Prepare all appliances for loading.
• Disconnect appliances to be moved.
• Drain all fuel and oil from lawn mowers, trimmers, motorcycles, etc.

Moving Checklist - 1 Day Before

• Drain all hoses and other items containing water.
• Empty and clean any trash cans that will be moved.
• Clear all pathways into your home of debris.

Moving Checklist - Moving Day

• Be there or have a representative available to supervise services.
• Be sure to clearly identify the area or boxes containing essentials that you plan to take with you. If possible go ahead and load those items in your car before the moving crew arrives.
• Verify the destination address and your contact information is correct on your moving paperwork.
• Hand-carry all expensive or irreplaceable items.
• Thoroughly check house, yard, outbuildings, etc. before transportation equipment is sealed to insure that everything has been packed and loaded.
• You can track your shipment around the clock either online or by phone.
• Leave a note with your new address in the house so that future residents can forward any stray mail.
• Take note of utility meter readings before you leave.
• Leave contact information with a friend, neighbor or family member in case of an emergency or unforeseen event. Keep them posted as you travel to your new home.

Moving-In Checklist

• Your debit or credit card will be charged for all moving services while your shipment is in transit so plan accordingly.
• You are likely to arrive at your new home ahead of your shipment. Take this time to look things over and to ensure your utilities have been connected.
• Check appliances and systems to ensure all are working properly, and arrange for repairs if necessary.
• Decide where you want furniture and appliances placed by the moving crew.
• Plan ahead for parking of the trailer on delivery and make any necessary arrangements.
• Verify that your mail is being delivered to your new address and pick up any mail being held.

After-the-Move Checklist

• Keep all receipts and documentation in your move file and store the file in a safe place. You’ll be glad to have everything in one place at tax time.
• Get a new driver's license and new tags for your automobile.
• Register to vote.