Moving into a new home can be exciting. New living spaces, new neighborhoods, and all sorts of fresh experiences are ahead of you. However, there is a lot of work to be done.
Filling out change of address forms, getting moving supplies, contacting and scheduling moving services — the moving list of to-do items just grows and grows. You can be overwhelmed with all the stuff that needs to be arranged or packed. You probably looked for some moving advice, but have trouble keeping it all straight inside your head.
The best way to make sure everything gets done is to have a “moving out checklist.” Having a move-out/move-in checklist will keep all your concerns written down and spelled out so you don’t have to stress about remembering what tasks need to get done.
Below is a chronological checklist for moving that organizes the best moving tips in the best order of completion. It’s a printable moving checklist, so you can simply print it out and have the satisfaction of checking off each item yourself.
Two Months Before Your Move
Research moving companies, if you think you need one. Get quotes from at least three different ones in order to get the best price. Make sure that if you do hire a mover that they give you an in-home assessment and put their quote in writing. If you plan on moving yourself, research rental moving trucks and make proper reservations/arrangements.
Measure the doorways and hallways of both your old home and new home to begin planning on how to get bigger furniture out and in.
Purchase packing supplies such as boxes, packing tape, and bubble wrap.
Sort through your belongings and see if there is anything you no longer want or need. Donate or sell any unwanted items. As you sort, determine whether or not certain items such as antiques need special packaging for the move.
Investigate and research your new community so you know what’s available to you. If you have kids in school, arrange for their school records to be transferred to their new school district.
Contact your insurer to tell them of your move in order to properly adjust your renters or homeowners insurance policy. Make sure that you will be covered while in transit.
Create a moving binder to log receipts and keep an inventory of all of your belongings so they won’t get lost during the move. Receipts for a move can sometimes be used as a tax write-off, so it is important to keep them.
Six Weeks Before Your Move
Start using up items that you don’t want to move such as frozen food, perishable items, and cleaning supplies.
Pack up items you don’t use day-to-day.
If you have a storage unit, notify them of your move and arrange for a transfer or pick-up of your items. Be sure everything there is also packed to move.
One Month Before Your Move
Choose a mover and confirm your moving date, costs, and other details.
Request the moving date off from work, if necessary.
Start packing.
Separate valuables from other items while packing.
Label any and all boxes.
Have medical records forwarded if you are changing physicians.
Alert health clubs and gyms
Fill out a change of address form and send it to the USPS.
Notify the following interested parties of your upcoming move and new address:
- Banks
- Credit card companies
- Insurance providers for car insurance, health insurance, etc.
- Your employer’s human resources department
- Utility companies
- Cable/satellite provider
- Magazines/newspapers and other subscriptions
- Family
Two Weeks Before Your Move
Continue packing. Try to have everything arranged to be quickly moved out of your home. Only keep essentials such as toiletries, two weeks worth of clothing, etc. unpacked.
Reconfirm your arrangements with the moving company.
Arrange any babysitting/petsitting needs for the day of the move. If your children and/or pets will be transported with you during the move, make proper arrangements for a comfortable and safe car trip/plane ride/etc.
Clean out your safety deposit box.
Take your car in for a tune-up. Make sure any necessary repairs are done.
Organize your sensitive documents such as passports, social security cards, tax returns, and other information into a binder for easy transport.
One Week Before Your Move
Change your drivers license and insurance cards to your new address.
Get a refill on any prescriptions at your current pharmacy and find a new pharmacy near your new home. Make sure you have arranged for upcoming prescriptions refills to be sent to your new pharmacy.
Use up any perishables, food, and other items.
Defrost the freezer and get the refrigerator ready to move.
Make sure any appliances you are bringing are cleaned and unplugged.
Pack suitcases for your family with enough clothing, entertainment, and toiletries for the move.
Reconfirm your arrangements with your movers again. Make payment arrangements along with having money to tip the driver, movers, etc.
Day Before Your Move
Take inventory of all of your boxes and packed items, double-check to make sure everything is properly labeled.
Double-check that everyone’s suitcase if properly packed.
Make sure you have plenty of water, snacks, entertainment, medicine, toiletries, pet food, and other items to last the entire trip to your new home.
Moving Day
Make sure the proper moving truck has arrived.
Have the moving address, your phone number, and maps ready to hand to the movers.
Do one last check of the house before you leave.
Try to be with the movers as they load their truck. You may want to take valuable/irreplaceable items and documents with you rather than packed in with the other items.
When you arrive at your new home and everything is unloaded, check your inventory.
Make sure everything is there and placed where it needs to be, read and sign the Bill of Lading carefully, and keep a copy for your records.
Make sure your utilities and other services are properly transferred.
Breathe. You’re in your new home!
While you are preparing for your upcoming move, it’s worth looking into a new renters or homeowners insurance plan through Freeway Insurance. Freeway has access to the top insurers in the nation, ready to find the best insurance policy for you and your wallet. Call Freeway Insurance today at (800) 777-5620 or get a free quote for renters insurance or a free quote for homeowners insurance online today!
