Moving Guide

Plan Your Move – A Checklist

The challenging task of moving can be managed comfortably by planning well in advance. For a successful move the preparation starts before 2 months. Detailing out each and every phase of the moving event before hand helps you a lot and makes things easier. Here is a Moving Timeline for you to guide you through the different stages of moving. This is an exhaustive list of what should be done and when.

6 Weeks before

Is your company handling your moving? Then find out what really are covered and what exactly you’re expected to do.
Have a house to sell? Call a real estate agent and let the house go on the market.
Take an inventory of what you have. Categorize them into throw away, give away and can be sold.
Arrange for a garage sale if needed.
Get estimates from at least 3 movers. Consult your friends and relatives before deciding.
Take a trip to your new home town. When you are looking for a house or an apartment, look for schools also.
Consult real estate agents of the new area and the websites for more information.
Get a change of address kit from the post office.
Notify your move to friends, relatives, neighbors, schools, doctors, dentists, vets, creditors, newspapers, magazines etc. File the copies of the notifications.
In case you’re moving temporarily into a hotel, arrange for a General Post Office address. From the first delivery it is valid for a month.
Put a file for the move and file all the notes, receipts and details of moving in that.
Book the flight tickets if necessary. Arrange for the shipment of your car.

5 Weeks before

Start emptying the freezer.
Decide on the mover and approach him. Tell him the complete inventory that you intend to move.
Arrange for insurance coverage.
Cancel the magazine subscriptions or have them forwarded to your new address.

4 Weeks before

If you are doing the packing yourself, get the boxes, tape, packing paper and box markers ready.
Start the packing.
Essentials Box: Pack the necessities like towels, tooth brush, toilet tissue, can opener, coffee pot and few dishes in a separate box. You can open this right away after your arrival at the new home.
Chart out the moving route and book hotel rooms if you stop by en route.

3 Weeks before

Confirm with the post office about your address change.
Pack the things in the attic, basement and the garage.
Give away the things that can’t be packed.
On the moving day you may need a sitter for the children and the pets. Arrange for that.

2 Weeks before

Make arrangements for shutting off the utilities. Keep the phone service and the power till moving day.
Ensure that these utilities, phone service and power are available at your arrival of your new home.
Check the gas, oil and water levels of your car. Make it ready for the long trip.

1 Week before

Confirm the details like date, time, route etc. with the mover.
Keep the jewelry and other important documents with you.
Keep the checking account and the CDs active.
Get a cashier’s check for the movers.
Empty the freezer and refrigerator.
Return library books and movie rentals.
Complete the packing.

Moving Day

Arrange for someone to supervise the movers.
Read the bill of lading thoroughly before signing.
Make sure the mover has a number (Cell phone) in your new town.
Take a final checking before leaving. Be sure you have taken everything.
Keep the thermostat at proper setting.
Turn off the appliances.
Lock the doors and windows.
Give the keys to the right person, a friend or real estate agent as the case may be.
Inform the police that the house is vacant.

Move-In Day

Be there before the movers.
Ensure phone service and power is there.
Have the check ready for the movers.
When the movers unload supervise.
Check for any damaged items.
Review bill of lading before signing.