Moving Checklist and Relocation Tips

The following checklist will assist you in making the moving process more organized and less expensive.

 

What to do before moving day:
 

Schedule a rental truck and/or moving company at least seven weeks in advance of your move.

 

Begin gathering packing materials and start packing early.

 

If you are leasing, notify your landlord or management company in writing at least one full month in advance of your move.

 

Contact all utility companies and schedule shut off dates. These include water, electricity, natural gas, cable, trash service and possibly, telephone service.

 

Call your local phone company at least two weeks before your move to either transfer your number or request a new number for your new home.

 

Have gas, electricity and water services connected at your new residence the day before you move in. Have someone present if possible to make sure there are no leaks or other issues. Have services scheduled to be turned off at your old address the day after you move.

 

Arrange for cable installation at your new address.

 

Notify the post office of your new address and mail change of address forms at least one month in advance of your move.

 

The following will be forwarded at no charge for the period indicated:

 

  • First Class, Priority and Express Mail: 12 months unless otherwise requested.
  • Newspapers and Magazines: 60 days.
  • Packages weighing 16 ounces or more: 12 months locally. You pay forwarding charges if you move outside the local area. If you do not want this class of mail forwarded, contact your local Post Office.
  • Mail Address Change Notification cards to people and businesses who send you mail.

 

If you have pets and/or plants, you need to arrange for their transfer. Most moving companies will not move them for you.

 

Specific Tasks:

 

Use up frozen and refrigerated foods.

 

Make hotel reservations if you are traveling long distance or are unable to move into your residence immediately.

 

On moving day, carry hard-to-replace items with you, such as jewelry, family photos, etc.

 

Make sure to back-up your computer files.

 

Notify your insurance companies.

 

If you are traveling a long distance, have your car serviced two to three weeks in advance.

 

Last Minute Tasks for the Day of the Move:

 
 

Pack a survival kit with enough essentials to supply you and your family for at least 24 hours.

 

Personal needs such as eyeglasses, medication, and extra clothes.

 

Bathroom needs including towels, soap, and toilet paper.

 

Snacks, including drinks, disposable utensils, cups, and plates.

 

Cleaning needs including sponges, cleaners, a broom, dustpan, etc.

 

Basic tools including a hammer, screwdrivers (Phillips head and flat head), knife, tape, etc.

 

Keys and directions to your new home.

 

Payment for movers.

 

Health cards.

 

 

Responsibilities at your future address:

 

Arrange to register your children in their new school(s).

 

Familiarize your children with their new environment.

 

Identify new doctors and dentists.

 

Update or open new bank accounts.

 

Register to vote.

 

Find a church or synagogue.