8 WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE

• Organize: Start sorting your belongings into categories: Keep, Sell, Donate and Discard. Don’t forget about your basement, attic and storage areas.
• Perishables: Begin using up items you won’t be moving with you, such as frozen foods.
• Questions: Compile a list of questions for your movers. Every company does things a little bit differently. Be sure to ask questions about things like cancellation policies and liability coverage.
• Research: Begin your search for a moving company. Ask for referrals and look for companies with good reviews.

6 WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE

• Moving for work?: Check in with your employer to find out which expenses and responsibilities they will be covering.
• IRS/CPA: Gather information on what expenses you might be able to deduct on your taxes.
• Records: If you are relocating to an entirely new area, reach out to schools, medical/dental offices, and more to get copies of your personal records.
• Schools: Contact your kids’ schools to notify them of your move. Look into the enrollment process in your new school district.
• Supplies: Gather or purchase your packing material, such as boxes, tape, bubble wrap and markers/labels.
• Insurance: Follow up with your auto and home/renter’s insurance agents to make sure they have your new address and do business in that area.

4 WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE

• Forward Mail: Submit a Change of Address form with the Post Office.
• Hazardous Items: Your mover won’t be able to move hazardous or flammable items, and you won’t be able to dispose of them in your regular trash. Make a plan for moving or disposing of items like paint, aerosols, propane, guns, chemicals, etc.
• Utilities: Inform gas, electric, oil, water, phone, cable, trash, etc. companies for service disconnection and reconnection. Don’t forget to leave your essentials connected through the end of your moving day.

• Start Packing: Box up your items, starting with items you won’t be needing for the next month. Be sure to label boxes as clearly as possible to simplify and expedite your move- in.
• Book Your Movers: Call your moving company and confirm your move date and time. 3 Weeks Before You Move

• Service Providers: If you have any maid service, landscaping or maintenance providers, be sure to let them know you’re moving and see if they can transfer services to your new location.
• Travel Plans: Set up arrangements and reservations for your moving trip, whether that be plane tickets or hotels.
• Pro Tip: There are a lot of variables and unexpected situations when moving and closing on a home. Flying out on your moving day may add stress. You might want to reserve a hotel and fly out the next morning.

2 WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE

• Elevators and Parking: If you are moving out of or into a building with a loading dock or elevator, try to get an elevator reservation and pass that info along to your movers. If parking may be a problem, find out if you can reserve a parking space for your moving truck.
• Personal Vehicle: If you’ll be driving for your relocation, have your car checked and serviced before the move. Keep weather conditions in mind as well.
• Bank Records: Update your billing address. Most banks provide this service online or by phone.
• Time Off: Inform your employer about your move and request any time off needed. If you’re unable to take off work, arrange for a friend or family members to oversee your move.
• Insurance and Valuation: Decide what coverage you would like for your move. If you’re opting for coverage through your homeowners or renters insurance, give them a call to confirm what they will cover. If you want coverage through your mover, contact them to request added coverage.

1 WEEK BEFORE YOU MOVE

• Clean: Start cleaning up your current residence. Leave some cleaning supplies out for some post-move cleaning OR book move-out cleaners.
• Fuel: Prepare equipment like lawn mowers and snow blowers to be moved by draining gas and oil.
• Defrost: Start defrosting your refrigerator and freezer. Prop the doors open so that they don’t close on kids or pets.

• Appliances: Finish up last-minute loads of laundry. Disconnect and prep your major appliances for moving.
• Final Packing: Be sure to pack everything you’ll need in the first few days after your move into a suitcase or an easily accessible container or bag.
• Cash: If you plan on paying for your move in cash, be sure to prepare this ahead of time.
• Pro Tip: While tipping is not a requirement by any means, it is always appreciated, and like all service industries, cash is preferred. A good guideline is $5 to $10 per mover per hour.
• For a printable checklist, download our handy PDF.

MOVING DAY

• Point of Contact: Be sure to have someone available for your movers, whether that be yourself or someone else. Make sure your movers know who to contact!
• Moving Documents: Read your Moving Bill of Lading/Contract carefully before you sign. Moving Proz provides all of this for you to preview before you even book.
• Final Walkthrough: Be sure to complete a walkthrough at each location of your move. You don’t want to leave anything behind!