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Don't forget to notify your friends, family, and business contacts. Print out this form and use it as a reminder. Don't forget to notify businesses of your move. Print this list to help keep track of who you have contacted and when.
Back to Top Packing Timeline Checklist Follow this checklist and timeline to help make your move as smooth as possible. Check the box beside each task when completed Two Months Before Move Out Day Make appointments to see your dentist, doctor, and other medical professionals so you don't have to make these visits immediately after the move. For
more information, see Change
your address with USPS Make a
list of organizations and individuals you need to notify about your move. Don't
forget your magazine subscriptions and favorite catalogs. For more
information, see Move
your magazines Learn
more about your new neighborhood. For more information, see Community
Statistics Make
arrangements for moving help. To get started, read some helpful tips from the
American Moving and Storage Association. For more information, see Hiring
a Moving Company Check the box beside each task when completed Five to Six weeks Before Move Out Day Dispose of items that cannot be moved, such as flammable liquids. Toxic or environmentally-damaging items such as motor oil, paint, solvents, antifreeze, and gas in a grill may pose problems. Call your local Department of Public Works for suggestions. If you plan to move flammable/hazardous material, you must get permission from the Federal Highway Administration (toll-free, 1-800-688-9889). Check to see if you need any moving permits. Make any
travel plans necessary for your move, including finding maps and directions to
your new home. For more information, see Maps
& Directions Arrange
for special transportation of your pets. For more information, see Moving
with Pets Start using foods (in your cupboards, refrigerator, and freezer) and cleaning supplies that cannot be moved. Donate nonperishable items to a local food bank. Begin a running list of items you will need to replace when you relocate. This will save repeated trips to the store while you are getting settled. Start gathering unneeded items to donate, recycle, or throw away. Hold a moving/garage sale. Use up any local free passes or major coupons. Inform doctors, dentists and other medical professionals of your move and have your mammograms and medical records forwarded. If you'll be moving items of extraordinary value, look to see if you have sales slips for them. Have antiques, pieces of art, jewelry, collectibles, musical instruments and other valuables appraised. Take photos and/or videos of the items. Make
sure you're ready to notify people of your new address. For more
information, see Address
Stamps & Labels Check the box beside each task when completed Three to Four Weeks Before Move Out Day Apply for new memberships at clubs and other organizations in your new neighborhood to get a jump on waiting lists. Empty a room, the garage, or a large closet to store packed items. Arrange special transportation for plants, and any fragile or valuable items. Connect
utilities for service at your new home. Be sure to disconnect the day after you
leave and connect the day before you arrive. For more information, see Connect
your utilities Get a copy of the IRS publication relevant to moving. Obtain an IRS Moving Expense form from the library, Post Office, or IRS office. This will be easier to fill out now (versus waiting until next tax season). Stock
up on boxes, packing material, etc. for your move. Check with your insurance company to find out how your possessions are covered during transit. Hold your moving/garage sale. Check the box beside each task when completed Two Weeks Before Move Out Day Return any borrowed items (such as library books) and retrieve any loaned items. Transfer prescriptions and be sure you have an adequate supply of medications on hand. Find
local satellite providers and sign-up for service. For more information,
see Cable /
Satellite TV Coordinate donation/disposal of anything not sold at your moving/garage sale. Call local charities for pick-up, making sure you get a donation receipt for taxes. Books will normally be accepted at the local library. Make sure your car is ready to go on moving day by having it serviced now. Check the box beside each task when completed One Week Before Move Out Day Clean lawn mower and gardening tools & drain gas and oil from power equipment (such as lawn mower, snowblower, power tools, etc.). Disconnect any spark plugs. Confirm any travel reservations (rental cars, airfare, motels, etc.). Start
packing! Begin with jewelry and other valuables. As you pack, begin to take
inventory of your belongings. For more information, see Practical
Packing Check and close your safe-deposit box at the bank. Check the box beside each task when completed Two to Three Days Before Move Out Day Do a thorough cleaning, including emptying and cleaning trash cans and other household waste baskets. Collect the cleaning supplies you will need to clean the house or apartment after the boxes and furniture have been moved. Obtain cash or travelers checks for the trip if necessary. Make sure you have cash to tip professional movers if applicable. Take down any remaining curtains, blinds, shelves, and other removable items that you are taking to your new home. If applicable, have your landlord/superintendent look at your place to determine if some or all of the cleaning deposit can be refunded.
Disconnect and prepare major appliances for your move. For more
information, see Cleaning
Appliances All
packing should be done or nearly completed. Pack a box of items that will be
needed first at the new home e.g., toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning
supplies, bed linens etc. For more information, see Tips
on Packing Make
sure friends and businesses can find you at your new e-mail address. For
more information, see Update
your email address Check the box beside each task when completed Move Out Day Spend
time settling in your kids. Remember a new place may be tough at first for your
children. For more information, see Moving
with Kids Once the house is empty, do one last cleaning. Take out all of the garbage and make arrangements with a neighbor to make sure it gets picked up. Before departing your home, take one last walk through the entire house and make sure everything in the house has been packed. Check the attic and other spaces for any items you may have stored. Supervise unloading and unpacking if using professional movers. Check your belongings carefully and note on the inventory any damaged items. Make sure all lights and any remaining appliances are turned off. Leave a telephone number and forwarding address with a neighbor, in case of emergency. Check the box beside each task when completed | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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