Moving Tips

(If you want to stop by at this page as you go through the moving process and want to look at what you need to do on any given pre-move week, bookmark this page and click below on the appropriate week.)

• 6-7 weeks before the move
  
• 4-5 weeks before the move
  
• 3 weeks before the move
  
• 2 weeks before the move
  
• Moving week
  
• Moving day
  

8 Weeks Before the Move

• If you’re using a professional mover, use the Yellow Pages to get estimates from different companies, or ask family and friends for referrals. If you’re moving yourself, get estimates from truck rental companies. In either case, call early and reserve your movers or truck in advance.
• Draw a floor plan of your new house. This will help you decide what furniture you’ll take with you and what you need to sell or give away.
• If you haven’t already, contact the Chamber of Commerce of your new location and get information about your new home town.

6-7 Weeks Before the Move

• Inventory all of your possessions and determine what can be sold and what can be given away.
• Get copies of your medical, dental and optical records and contact your lawyer, personal banker and stock broker. Arrange to transfer your children’s school records.
• Contact your accountant about tax deductible moving expenses—and keep good records!

TIP: Change of Address Kit – The post office has a change of address kit that you can use to notify your local post office, magazines and even family & friends that you’ve moved. And the great thing is that the cards are free! If staying in town, don’t forget to also notify your employer that you’re moving to a new location so you’ll be sure to get your W-2 and other important employment information that may be mailed to you. 

4-5 Weeks Before the Move

• If needed, arrange for storage.
• As your credit card statements come in, complete the ‘change of address’ section on your bills.
• Clean or repair any furniture, curtains, appliances, holes in walls, etc. that need it.
• If moving yourself, figure out how many boxes you may need. And don’t forget to figure in those non-boxable items you’ll be moving and how much space they’ll take up. You may need to contact the rental company and adjust the size of moving van you’ll be renting and they may have tips on calculating space.

TIP: Hold A Garage Sale – Garage or moving sales are great ways to get rid of stuff you don’t want while making a little extra cash. Many times what you can’t sell can be donated to charitable organizations.

3 Weeks Before the Move

• Get moving supplies: Boxes (plan on more than you think you’ll need), furniture pads, dolly, packing tape, bubble wrap (for breakables such as mirrors and vases), labels, crumpled newspaper, scissors, utility knife, markers.
• Begin packing items you won’t need right away. Be sure to not “over pack” a box so that it’s too heavy to lift or may not stay together.
• Provide a cancel date for services and utilities at your current location, and a start date at your new location. Services could include newspapers, home security, garbage collection, cable TV, lawn or snow removal, cleaning services. Utilities you’ll need to contact include local and long distance telephone, electrical, gas / fuel oil, and water / sewer. 

TIP: Travel & Hotel Reservations – If moving a distance from your current home, you’ll want to make travel and hotel reservations.

2 Weeks Before the Move

• Arrange to transfer all of your bank accounts to a new bank or branch location. This includes canceling any direct deposits or automatic withdrawals. Don’t forget to empty & cancel your safe deposit box. Also close local charge accounts if moving to a new city.
• Make special arrangements to move your pets and notify your veterinarian.

TIP: Car Maintenance – Have your car serviced and checked out for the trip. Ensuring your tires are in good shape and fluids are at the right levels is important.

Moving Week

• Transfer all medical prescriptions to a pharmacy in your new town.
• If needed, arrange for a babysitter.
• Return borrowed or rented items, such as library books and videotapes.
• Clean your current home and don’t forget the oven and defrosting your freezer.
• If using a professional mover, they’ll pack your items for you. If moving yourself, finish packing.
• Set aside valuables, important papers, etc. for you to take with you so you can find them quickly. Don’t put them in a box, especially those you may need for your closing.
• Pack a small bag with toiletries, medications, and a few days of clothing.

TIP: Cash On Hand – Since you’ve cancelled your checking account, be sure to have cash or a cashier’s check on hand to pay the movers and other miscellaneous items as they come up. If paying in cash, insist on a receipt.

Moving Day

• Hopefully you have pre-signed your closing papers so you don’t have to attend one—if not two—closings. 
• If moving yourself, pick up the truck early.
• Number and make a list of every box and its contents so you can find things easily.
• Check your old house to make sure you’ve turned off water and no leave-behind appliances are running.
• Inspect basement, attic and garage. Lock windows and doors.
• Pack a “handy items box” for your first night and day in your new home. It should include: scissors, utility knife, cups, paper plates and towels, toilet paper, snacks and portable beverages, soap, pens and paper, local phone book, tape, bath towels, trash bags, toiletries, sponge and shelf liner.

Once at your new location:

• Check off all boxes on your list.
• If needed, install new locks.
• Make sure utilities are hooked up. 
• Unpack the kids’ toys.
• Answer movers’ questions, pay the driver and examine your goods.