MOVING CHECKLIST TO
ENSURE IT GOES SMOOTHLY
Congratulations! Now that you have found your new home, the question is how you will be moving. Use this handy to-do list to make sure it goes smoothly.
TWO MONTHS BEFORE
Start a moving notebook: Keep track of everything related to your move: this checklist, price quotes/estimates, bills, receipts, photos/inventory of what you’re moving in a binder. If you find it difficult to keep track of a physical binder, try keeping notes on your phone or through a moving/organization app like Move Match (Free, Android), MyMove (Free, iPhone), Moving Day (Free iPhone), Moving List ($2.99, iPhone) or Moving Planner ($.99, Android).
Research moving companies. Get written estimates from each moving company. Make sure each estimate includes the company’s USDOT number (this will come in handy later). Questions to ask the moving company:
· Do you subcontract the move? Provide name and contact number.
· Do you charge additional fees? If so, provide details.
· Do you provide packing service? What is the cost?
· Do you transfer household goods from one truck to another?
· Do you provide binding or non-binding estimates?
· Do you provide insurance? Provide cost and what is covered?
· Please provide references
· Do you have an easy to access claims process? How many claims have you had this year? How many unresolved complaints do you currently have?
· Do you provide free blankets/padding/wrapping service?
· Do you offer packing materials at a reduced rate?
· Do you require special preparation for appliances, gas powered lawn equipment, etc.?
· Do you guarantee a delivery time, within a certain window?
· Do you have high-season rates? How do they differ from low-season rates?
Move-Donate-Toss. Go through your current home room-by-room and decide what to keep (“move”), give away (“donate”) or throw away (“toss”). If you don’t use it, it’s not worth moving.
Get medical records in order. Your doctor’s office should be able to give you electronic files that you can take to your new doctor.
Get school records in order. If necessary, contact your children’s school(s) to transfer records to their new school system.
SIX WEEKS BEFORE
Start getting moving supplies. Find/purchase boxes, specialty containers (like hanging wardrobe boxes), packing tape, bubble wrap and permanent markers. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly option, search for green pack & moving service alternatives like frogbox.com (http://www.frogbox.com/) or rentagreenbox.com (http://rentagreenbox.com/).
Use up your perishables. Use up items you can’t or don’t want to move, such as refrigerated/frozen foods and cleaning products.
Check measurements. Make sure the room and door dimensions of your new home can accommodate your furniture.
ONE MONTH BEFORE
Choose a moving company. Ask for written confirmation of moving date, expenses and any additional instructions or details.
Submit a change of address form. Visit your local post office to fill out and submit a change of address form.
Inform important parties. Notify utility companies (at old and new addresses), banks/financial institutions, credit cards, insurance, employer’s HR department and newspaper or magazine subscriptions that you’re moving. Make a list of every company you might need to contact, and create your own check list for those to-do's.
Start packing. Begin with items you rarely use. Make note of any items that need additional insurance from your moving company. Label the contents and destination of each box.
Securely pack valuables. Put jewelry, collectibles and important files, including the estimate from your moving company, in a fire or travel safe that you personally move to your new home.
TWO WEEKS BEFORE
Schedule a day off to move. Give supervisors and co-workers advanced notice that you will be taking a day off to move.
Confirm schedule. Contact your moving company to confirm arrangements.
THE FINAL WEEK BEFORE
Finish packing. Pack these items for your first few days in your new home:
· Suitcases with 3-4 days of clothing
· Bath towels and toiletries
· Medications
· Toilet paper
· Dish soap, cloth, towel
· Cleaners, sponges, rags
· Kitchen knife
· Toaster, coffee maker, etc.
· Dishes and utensils
· Pots and/or pans
· Pet foods, dishes, supplies
· Scissors
Get ready to pay. If you are paying your mover with something other than a credit card, get a money order, cashier’s check or cash for the agreed payment amount (plus tip of 10% to 15%).
Activate utilities. Call the utility companies to transfer utilities in your name at your new home, and have them turned off in your old home.
MOVING DAY
Check the USDOT number. Avoid moving scammers by making sure the USDOT number on the side of the moving truck matches the number on the estimate.
Check inventory. Sign the bill of lading/inventory list and keep a copy for later.
AFTER THE MOVE
Check utilities. Confirm that all utilities are operational. Take a meter reading at your new place and call the utility company to give it to them before you get your first bill to ensure that it will be accurate and that you’re not paying for usage that isn’t yours. Return any equipment (like cable boxes, etc.) quickly to avoid having to pay late fees. And be sure to review your last statement/charges from your old place to make sure you were only charged up to the day you left.
Conduct a home inventory. Inspect all boxes and furniture to make sure nothing was damaged in the move. If items are damaged, contact your mover and insurance company, and submit a claim as soon as possible.
Keep your receipts. Your bill of lading/inventory and payment receipt may be required to claim moving expenses on your next tax return.
Update your address. Make sure your driver’s license, IDs, bank accounts and insurance policies are updated with your new address.
Register everything. If necessary, register your children for school, register your vehicle, and register to vote.
Select new health care providers. If necessary, research and select medical, dental and veterinary care options in your new area.
Sources:
UPack.com
GoodHouseKeeping.com
RealSimple.com
About.com
