Moving to consists of many tasks and can be very stressful. Here is a suggested schedule for moving from one home to another. Make sure to have a thought-out plan, write it down, and stick to it. Be sure to add any tasks to this list to cover your situation.
Print out this form. Put a check mark for items completed. Put an "X" for items that do not pertain to your situation. Assign someone to each item and follow up with them at the end of the week.
8 Weeks before Move
Assignment
Status
Task
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Strategy: Set a firm date for your move based on the close of escrow of you new home or other factors. Confirm the date with other deciding parties in the move.
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Documentation: Investigate the laws and requirements of the city you are moving to regarding licenses for a home-based business, professional tests, and other business needs or any other special laws that might pertain to you.
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Documentation: If you are renting your new home, try to obtain a current credit report to give to potential landlords. If purchasing a home, be sure to check on your credit report to make sure there are no errors!
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Moving: Consider using moving and/or storage insurance to cover your items during the move.
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Using a Mover: Call for estimates from moving companies. Shop around early to find the best rate. Watch for seasonal discounts. Write the estimates down for future reference.
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Self Move: Choose a rental truck to use. Be sure to reserve it well in advance since reservations fill up quickly at certain times of the year.
Overseas: Make sure your passport is current and valid. If you don't have one, be sure to get one well in advance.
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Overseas: Contact the consulate for the country you are moving to and insure that you have all proper paperwork prepared and available.
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Overseas: Obtain a visa if you will need one. Contact a consulate about the steps necessary to obtain one.
7 Weeks before Move
Assignment
Status
Task
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Moving: Create a "Moving File" to store receipts, records, and important papers related to your move.
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Using a Mover: Contact a moving company and set a date for the move. Fill out any necessary paperwork and secure moving insurance if you need it.
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Packing: Begin removing unwanted or unneeded items from your attic, garage, basement, or storage. Rearrange storages spaces early in the process and sell, donate, or throw away unwanted belongings to avoid dealing with them at the time of the move.
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Packing: Verify you have returned all rented, checked out, or borrowed items including video rentals, library books, or tools.
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Packing: Gather important documents (birth certificates, immunization records, insurance documents, etc…) and store them in a briefcase, strongbox, or other secure place to insure that they do not get misplaced during the move.
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Overseas: Research the customs and laws of the country you are moving to. If you haven't been there, try to visit before you move.
6 Weeks before Move
Assignment
Status
Task
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Documentation: Update your car registration and driver's license with your state's motor vehicle department. You may also need to notify your auto insurance.
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Packing: Make item donations. Remember to collect receipts for tax purposes.
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Packing: Sell your old and unwanted stuff online or hold a garage sale before you pack. http://www.ebay.com/
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Services: Notify your dentist and doctor of your move and ask for referrals in your new area. Be sure your insurance covers the doctor/dentist there. Obtain medical and dental records, ex-rays and prescription histories. Ask doctor and dentist for pharmaceutical referrals and transfer prescriptions.
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Pets: Arrange transportation for your pet.
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Pets: Notify your veterinarian of your move. Obtain any records for your pet, and ask for a referral.
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Kids: Select a school for your children and arrange to transfer immunization records and transcripts. If possible, try to visit the school before making a final decision. http://www.theschoolreport.com
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Overseas: Research the financial situation your new country. Open a new bank account and change your currency if necessary.
5 Weeks before Move
Assignment
Status
Task
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Moving: Reserve a local motel room for the night before moving day. You belongings will be packed and you will need a good nights rest and a shower. http://travel.yahoo.com
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Services: Transfer utility services to your new address. Inform service companies (i.e. electric, disposal, water, newspaper, magazine subscription, telephone and cable) of your move. Ask your real estate agent if their company assists with this step.
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Overseas: Research driving laws in your new country. You may need to apply for a foreign driving permit.
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Overseas: Make sure you have current vaccination records. Ensure you receive recommended vaccinations for the country you will be moving to.
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Overseas: Research insurance options in your new country. Your US insurance may or may not be valid after you move and you may need to buy new insurance in your new country.
Documentation: Notify all important business and personal contacts of your new address. Fill out changes of address for creditors and magazine subscriptions.
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Documentation: Leave a forwarding address with the next tenants of your home, if possible.
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Self Move: Buy boxes and packing materials.
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Packing: Start using-up food items, so that there is less to pack and possibly spoil
3 Weeks before Move
Assignment
Status
Task
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Packing: Begin packing. Start with rooms of the house you don't use as much and finish with the kitchen. Choose a room of the house to serve as a temporary storage area for packed boxes. Keep heavy boxes you will use as a "base" near the door you will be loading from and boxes that willbe stacked on the top in another area so you aren't walking around many boxes.
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Packing: Check into storage options for those items you cannot move immediately and may need to store temporarily. Consider using an affiliate company with your moving company or moving truck company so you can take advantage of discounts.
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Packing: Create an inventory of important and/or expensive items in your home as you pack. If possible, document the items by taking photographs. Record serial numbers of electronic equipment. You may need this inventory for insurance purposes in case items get lost or damaged in the move.
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Packing: Clean rugs and clothing and have them wrapped for moving
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Kids: Start involving your kids in the move. Make it exciting by having your kids pack some of their own things, and letting them figure out new layouts for their rooms. Plan ahead for special needs of infants
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Kids If you have young children, arrange for a babysitter on moving day. You can concentrate on the move knowing your kids are watched and safely out of the way.
2 Weeks before Move
Assignment
Status
Task
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Moving: If you live in a highrise apartment, condo, etc. be sure to reserve an elevator for the day of your move.
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Services: Investigate whether a branch of your bank is located in your new city. If necessary, close any local bank accounts and open new ones in your new location. Have your funds wired to your new bank. Before closing be sure there are no outstanding checks or automatic payments that haven't been processed. Try to get checks printed with your new address as soon as possible.
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Services: Check with your insurance agent to ensure you'll be covered through your homeowner's or renter's policy during the move.
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Services: Transfer memberships of churches, clubs and civic organizations. Forward or cancel any monthly services (i.e. lawn, etc.), subscriptions (i.e. newspapers, etc.) or memberships (i.e. gyms, tanning salon, etc).
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Packing: Drain fuel from any gas powered equipment before you pack it up. Try to make disposal arrangements for any oil, gas, or other hazardous substances you will not be able to move, use, or throw away.
1 Week before Move
Assignment
Status
Task
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Services: Service your vehicle(s), especially if you're traveling to your new place using that vehicle(s). http://autos.yahoo.com/
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Services: Locate the hospitals, police stations, veterinarian and fire stations near your new home.
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Services: Shop around for new insurance polices, especially auto coverage near the location of your new home.
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Packing: >Collect valuables from safe-deposit box and store them with other valuable items. Make copies of any important documents before mailing or hand carry them to your new address.
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Packing: Backup important files and data from your computer before packing it up.
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Packing: Find a way to use up perishable food items, beverages, and alcohol (i.e. have a get together or party). Donate food items you don't consume to a shelter or food bank.
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Packing: Have appliances serviced for moving. Some moving companies don't want the liability of disconnecting appliances for the move.
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Moving: Confirm any travel plans or reservations you may have made for moving day (flights, hotel, rental cars, etc). Give a close friend or relative your travel route and schedule so you may be reached if needed.
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Using a Mover: Confirm arrangements with your moving company.
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Pets: Confirm travel arrangements for your pet (i.e. travel case).
Week of Move
Assignment
Status
Task
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Moving: Have some cash on hand for the day of the move. You may need it to tip movers, buy snacks, etc. If you are moving out-of-state, keep in mind that many businesses do not take out-of-state checks.
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Moving: Begin cleaning your house. Make sure you defrost your refrigerator and freezer. Place deodorizer inside to control odors.
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Moving: Do a walk-through of your current residence, checking closets, drawers, etc. Turn off all lights, lock all doors and windows, and leave keys with your old property manager if applicable. Double check closets, drawers, shelves, attic and garage to be sure they are empty.
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Self Move: Pick up your rental truck and any moving equipment you may need (dollies, carts, furniture pads, etc.)
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Pets: Keep your pet confined on the day of the move. Make sure they are in a safe place away from the action of the move with plenty of food and water.
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Pets: Introduce your pet to your new home slowly. Be sure they won't be able to run back to the old house for the first few days.
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Packing: Carry important documents, currency and jewelry yourself, or use registered mail.
Once You Have Moved
Assignment
Status
Task
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Documents: Renew your driver's license, auto registration and tags
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Documents: Revise your will and other legal papers with current address and other information
NOTE: Information on this site is not guaranteed to be accurate. Some content is compiled from 3rd party sources. If you are aware of incorrect or outdated information, feel free to contact us.
