I spent the first 18 years of my life in the same house. But since
I left my childhood home, I have moved 17 times and have lived in 4 states. My
first move was to college where I managed to get all my belongings in one car.
My last move took the largest United Van Lines trailer in its fleet. My husband
and I have accumulated a few things over the years even though I’m sure we pare
down our belongings with each move.
So print out this checklist, get ready for
an adventure and start humming Billy Joel’s song, “I’m Moving Out.”
Start a file for all your moving out paperwork and receipts
Create an inventory of the items to be moved
Clean out, donate or sell items (and reduce the cost of the move)
Inform a close neighbor of your moving dates; suspicious activities can be reported
Involve your children in the move out process
Plan for temporary storage if necessary
Plan meals for last week and use up food items (refrigerated items, fresh fruit and vegetables, perishable items)
Tip: If you plan to bring any fresh fruits or vegetables over state lines check restrictions.
Arrange for a pet sitter
Arrange for transportation of pets to new location
Arrange for child care if necessary
Make travel plans for your move (hotel, flights, etc.)
Obtain permission to use elevator if living in an apartment or condo
Have vehicle serviced if driving a distance to new location
Return borrowed items
If packing yourself, obtain boxes and packing supplies
Supervise packing and how boxes are identified so they will be easier to find at the new location; if packing yourself, begin well in advance, keep out only the most necessary items and mark each box
Tip: Load items that you will need immediately at your new place last on the truck
Tip: If you are moving into temporary housing, make sure items you will need are packed together and clearly marked
Pack travel kit
Items which are illegal for movers to take
Obtain rules for transporting firearms in all states you will be driving through
Put aside critical items like a checkbook, credit cards, personal phone book, ID, flashlight, keys, toiletries, tools, paper plates, cups, towels, travel alarm clock, aspirin, bandages and games for the kids; also, pack a suitcase with clothing and other personal items
Files you will need before you are unpacked at new home
Valuables you don’t want the movers to take
Plants you are keeping (check restrictions on transporting to other states)
Dispose of flammables, corrosives and poisons SAFELY.
Leave owner’s manuals on items remaining with home for new owners
Know tax ramifications of moving costs (income or tax deductions)
Tip: Company paid moves may create reportable income
Change of address with post office
Have cash on hand
Ask for referrals in your new area
Tip: Moving during the school year gives your children the chance to make new friends before the summer
Send change of address notifications
Throw yourself (and your kids) a farewell party with friends and family
Conduct a final walk-through of the home after everything has been removed
Records to obtain, transfer or close
Accountant
Bank accounts, financial institutions (including safe deposit box)
Beauty services
Cable/Satellite
Credit cards
Driver’s license (find out if you will be required to take a test for new location and obtain materials to study)
Drycleaner
Friends & family
Health clubs
Home cleaning company
Human Resources at work
Insurances (what affect will new home and area have on policies; what additional insurance might be required)
Lawn services
Lawyer
Tip: If you have a will or other documents verify whether any changes will need to be made to comply with your new state’s laws.
Loans
Medical (doctors, dentists, hospital) (Cancel any future appointments if moving out of the area)
Newspapers and magazines
Pest services
Phones
Prescriptions (and fill in advance of move)
Professional memberships
Schools
Social Security Administration (and other government administrations)
Tax bureaus
Subscriptions (newspapers, magazines)
Utilities (water/sewer, electricity, gas) (have meters read on move-out day)
