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Moving Checklist

For the smoothest move possible, planning ahead with a basic timetable and checklist is your best strategy. It's also a great way to spread the responsibilities between family members, including children.

We recommend the following steps leading up to moving day:

• Begin using up items which can't be moved, such as frozen foods and cleaning supplies.
• Accumulate sealing tape, bubble wrap, black markers, labels and sturdy boxes in the weeks ahead of moving day. Either purchased from us directly or at an moving supplies store.
• As for boxes, you'll often find markets, liquor and office supply stores are happy to give away their empty boxes on stock days - just ask a manager!
• Clear storage areas of unneeded items. Moves are ideal opportunities to evaluate all your possessions and discard unwanted items.
• Donate articles in good condition to your choice of charitable organizations or plan a garage sale. Non-profit organizations in many communities often pick-up goods at no charge.
• Arrange your contracted mover eight (8) weeks prior to moving day.
• Contact the following about your move 4-6 weeks prior to relocating to cancel service in your old residence and re-establish service in your new location:
• Post Office
• Utility Companies
• Telephone Company
• Cable Company
• Water Company
• Electric Company
• Internet Provider
• Banks and Financial Institutions
• Subscriptions
• Travel/Auto Club
• Contact your accountant and the IRS on which expenses may be considered tax deductible. Obtain an IRS Change of Address Form 8822 by calling 800-829-1040 or download most IRS tax forms (i.e. Form 3903 to help deduct moving expenses) at www.irs.gov
• Compile hard-copies of all motor vehicle registrations and insurance paperwork for autos, homeowners or renters, medical and life) for each family member.
• Obtain copies of important personal and legal records.
• Inform your child's school of your move and obtain a hard copy of their records.
• Ask doctors, dentists, veterinarians and pharmacies for referrals to their colleagues in your new area, when possible.
• Pre-arrange insurance coverage in your new home.
• Arrange special transportation or alternative homes for pets and plants.
• Begin packing items you won't need in the next month.
• Air/train/coach personal travel arrangements for all family members should be firmed up at this time. Allow for title/closing delays in booking the dates.
• Bring in automobile for service check of all necessary fluids.
• Advise building management of moving day if you'll be using elevators.
• Two (2) weeks before move, reconfirm arrangements with your assigned relocation consultant.
• Take pets to the veterinarian for immunizations and keep hard copies.
• Prepare specific directions to your new home for the movers, including your itinerary, emergency numbers, etc.

Finally, a week before the move, we advise you pack a box of personal items needed immediately for each member of the family. Carry this parcel(s) within (i.e. in your car, trunk) set aside from movers so as not to be mistakenly loaded onto the moving van.

On moving day, be sure someone is home to answer the van foreman's questions and sign all required paperwork. Write down utility meter readings (gas, electric, water) on the property you're leaving and defrost your freezer and refrigerator. Lastly, disconnect any other major appliances.

Once the moving van is loaded, read your bill of lading and inventory thoroughly before signing. Keep all related papers in a safe location until all charges have been paid.