Moving Checklist

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There are so many things to think about when moving! Here's a comprehensive checklist to help you stay on track.

Relocation Checklist

By Relocation Property Services 1 MONTH BEFORE -- CHECK OUT YOUR COMPANY RELO PACKAGE

• determine what expenses will be paid by your company
• determine what expenses you will have to cover yourself
• start a log of moving expense receipts (some may be deductible)

1 MONTH BEFORE -- GET A WRITTEN MOVING ESTIMATE

• get estimates from two or more movers
• including written commitment of pickup and delivery dates
• get and check references
• check the limits of the insurance offered
• see if the insurance offered covers replacement cost
• purchase additional insurance, if necessary

1 MONTH BEFORE -- GIVE CANCELLATION NOTICES

• give day care center proper notice of withdrawal
• give notice to clubs, organizations, volunteer activities
• cancel newspaper subscriptions and regular deliveries

1 MONTH BEFORE -- HIRE A STORAGE FACILITY

• check the limits of the insurance offered
• see if the insurance offered covers replacement cost
• purchase additional insurance, if necessary

1 MONTH BEFORE -- INSTRUCT YOUR BANK

• arrange transfer of your accounts
• order checks with new address
• clean out your safety deposit box

1 MONTH BEFORE -- MAKE TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

• hotels / temporary housing
• rental cars / plane tickets
• transport service for pets and automobiles, if needed

1 MONTH BEFORE -- STORE IMPORTANT RECORDS IN FIRE-SAFE BOX

• school records / pet documents
• home purchase / sale papers
• wills / marriage / divorce papers
• financial records / stock certificates
• birth certificates / social security cards / passports

1 MONTH BEFORE -- SUBMIT A CHANGE OF ADDRESS

• turn in forms at the post office
• mail post cards to friends and creditors

1 MONTH BEFORE -- TRANSFER IMPORTANT RECORDS

• contact schools and arrange for transfer of student records
• contact doctors for medical records and referrals to new physicians
• change your insurance policies on property, auto, and medical

2 WEEKS BEFORE -- CLEAN OUT

• take a ruthless walk-through to determine what you want to take
• tag the rest of it and hold a garage sale
• or call a charity for pick-up

2 WEEKS BEFORE -- GET YOUR STUFF IN ORDER

• clean out club, gym, and school lockers
• pick up all dry cleaning
• retrieve and return all borrowed items from friends and neighbors
• return library books

2 WEEKS BEFORE -- PREPARE TO LEAVE YOUR HOME

• arrange for the disconnection or changeover of utilities
• begin packing less-used items
• clean out the cupboards
• plan remaining meals so you can pack what you don't need
• don't buy any more perishables than you have to

7 DAYS BEFORE -- CONFIRM MOVING ARRANGEMENTS

• dates / agreements with moving and storage companies
• agreements with auto and pet transportation companies
• hotel and temporary housing accommodations
• rental car and other transportation arrangements
• don't buy any more perishables than you have to

7 DAYS BEFORE -- LET PEOPLE KNOW HOW TO REACH YOU

• inform friends and relatives of your forwarding address
• if you'll be without phone service, get a temporary voice mail box
• some long-distance providers offer 1-800 voice mail numbers

7 DAYS BEFORE -- MAKE SURVIVAL BOX FOR MOVE

• paper / pens
• address book / stamps / envelopes
• cellophane and heavy-duty tape / scissors
• tape measure
• paper cups, plates, and towels / plastic utensils / ziploc bags
• facial and toilet tissue / soap / moist towelettes
• instant coffee or tea / bottled drinks / snacks / can opener
• aspirin / band-aids
• travel alarm
• flashlight / small tool kit
• trash bags
• children's games
• spare car keys
• phone books for the city you are leaving and your destination

7 DAYS BEFORE -- PREPARE BELONGINGS FOR PACKING

• make an inventory list of all items going with you personally
• keep valuable / irreplaceable items (jewelry, heirlooms) with you
• clean out and defrost the deep freezer
• disassemble furniture or other items
• check yard and shed for all items that need packed
• set aside box of cleaning supplies and the vacuum cleaner

7 DAYS BEFORE -- THINK ABOUT DECORATING YOUR NEW HOME

• take pictures of furniture / get fabric samples and paint chips
• create a "decorating reference file"
• have measurements taken of the rooms in your new residence
• use floor plans to determine where everything will go

JUST BEFORE MOVING -- CEASE USING THE REFRIGERATOR

• remove all perishable food
• store anything you still need in a cooler
• clean and defrost the refrigerator and freezer

JUST BEFORE MOVING -- FINISH PACKING

• complete packing of all household goods for the move
• make sure all boxes are clearly marked

JUST BEFORE MOVING -- RESOLVE FINANCIAL MATTERS

• conclude any arrangements relating to sale or lease of your home
• purchase traveler's checks for trip expenses
• reconcile and close or transfer bank accounts

MOVING DAY -- CONFIRM MOVING ARRANGEMENTS

• confirm delivery address, directions, and delivery date with movers
• make sure boxes are clearly marked
• make sure your instructions are understood

MOVING DAY -- PREPARE YOUR HOME TO BE VACANT

• make sure a relative, neighbor, or real estate agent has the keys
• make sure that person knows how to contact you
• notify insurance agent and police that the home will be empty

MOVING DAY -- VACATE YOUR HOME

• clean the home and check entire grounds before leaving
• check thermostat and make sure temperature is set appropriately
• make sure all windows and doors are closed and locked
• make sure all appliances are turned off
• leave forwarding address, keys, and garage door opener

WHEN YOU ARRIVE -- GET UNPACKED

• supervise moving crew on location of furniture and boxes
• begin unpacking necessary basics first (utensils, toiletries, etc.)
• give the kids a job to do -- let them start on their rooms
• set kitchen and bedrooms up first, to make you feel at home

WHEN YOU ARRIVE -- PAY AND SETTLE WITH THE MOVERS

• go over "Bill of Lading" with the moving company before signing
• check for damaged and missing items and make a note of them
• the Bill of Lading is usually binding once signed

WHEN YOU ARRIVE -- RELAX AND SETTLE IN

• check to make sure all utilities are on and working properly
• let family members or friends know that you have arrived safely
• check in with employer and real estate agent to confirm itineraries
• now relax, order dinner out, and take a hot bath...you deserve it!

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