The Ultimate Home Moving Checklist

Moving to a new home can be a frustrating experience even for the experienced mover. Therefore, we have created this checklist to make your move go as smooth as possible. 

One month prior to moving...

  • Obtain estimates from some moving companies. Get a written commitment of your pickup and delivery dates.
  • Purchase additional moving insurance if your moving company does not provide adequate insurance.
  • Arrange for a storage facility if you need one before you move.
  • Arrange for your pet(s) travel and any needed health certificates.
  • Make sure you bank has a branch at your new location.
  • Go to the post office and submit your change-of-address forms.
  • If you have any children in day care, give them notice of your child’s withdrawal.
  • Contact your children’s schools and arrange for them to transfer their student records.
  • Make an appointment with your doctors and get your medical records.
  • Speak with your insurance agent and update your policies.
  • Resign from any local organizations you are in.
  • Cancel your newspaper subscriptions. Submit address changes to any magazines you receive.
  • Make arrangements for any hotels, rental cars or temporary housing that you may need.

Two weeks prior to moving...

  • Go through your house and decide what you really need/want to take.
  • Donate unwanted items to charity.
  • Pick up dry cleaning.
  • Call your phone and other utility companies to let them know of the change.
  • Post Office: forward you mail at this time
  • Begin packing your least used items.
  • Contact your neighbors & friends to get back or return any items that have been lent out.
  • Clean out your kitchen cupboards & plan any remaining meals.

Two days prior to moving...

  • Make a list of any items, such as valuable and irreplaceable items, that are going with you personally.
  • Designate one box for sheets and towels.
  • Confirm all arrangements you have made.
  • Clean out and defrost your freezer and refrigerator.
  • Take apart any furniture or others items that you can.
  • Place all items from your yard and sheds in one area to be packed.

One day prior to moving...

  • Clean and defrost your refrigerator and freezer. Put a small amount of baking soda into it to remove any odors.
  • Purchase your traveler’s checks.
  • Reconcile and close your bank accounts, if necessary.
  • Final packing of all household goods.

The day you move...

  • Verify your delivery address, the directions and the delivery date with your movers.
  • Supervise the movers.
  • Clean and check the your house and grounds.
  • Check the thermostat and set the temperature appropriately.
  • Lock all windows and doors.
  • Turn off all appliances.

When you get to your new home...

  • Check that all utilities are on and working.
  • Supervise the moving crew and begin unpacking the necessary basics first.
  • Check the Bill of Lading from the moving company before you sign.
  • Check for damaged items first.