Moving Tips and Timetable
Moving is a fun and exciting time, but there is a lot to think about. Here are some recommendations of things to do prior to a move.
4 Weeks Before
- Establish a moving expense log
- Reserve a truck or contract a moving company
- Send out address change notifications
- Collect your Vital Records (medical, insurance, DMV, school, tax, etc.)
- Identify items you will be moving (have a garage sale and/or donate the remainder)
3 Weeks Before
- Procure boxes & other packing materials (if applicable)
- Begin packing seldom used items
- Make travel/hotel/car reservations
- Arrange for service of automobiles
2 Weeks Before
- Plan for special needs of infants & small children
- Consult a veterinarian about pet transportation
- Cancel any home delivery service(s)
- Schedule disconnection dates for all utilities & other services
- Transfer bank accounts to your new area
- Recruit some help for moving day (if applicable)
- Set aside items you will need when you arrive at your new home
- Begin serious packing/storage of remainder of household
1 Week Before
- Pick-up items you've loaned out or have had serviced
- Return borrowed items (including videos, library books, etc.)
- Transfer prescriptions to pharmacy in new area
- Drain fuel from power equipment and dispose of other flammable material
- Defrost refrigerator & freezer
- Pack a travel kit
Moving Day
- Carry enough cash or travelers checks to cover cost of moving & initial living expenses
- Inventory all items & boxes as they are loaded onto the truck
- Walk through the house, checking closets & other storage areas
- Lock all windows & doors
- Check that all appliances are off & leave refrigerator/freezer door ajar
- Leave a note so that the next occupant can reach you
- Leave all keys needed by new occupant
- Turn off lights & heat
- Notify neighbors/police that the premises are vacant