Research tells us that moving is usually one of the most stressful events in a person’s life. But, with the right kind of planning and care, you can make your move a lot less complicated.
One of the best ways to do that is to stay organized and use countdown checklists, such as the one below:
ONE MONTH BEFORE THE MOVE
- Review your moving arrangements
- Start a log of moving expense receipts
- Inventory all household items to be moved
- Get estimates from moving companies
- Arrange for a storage facility if needed
- Arrange for an estate sale of household items, if necessary Contact your bank to arrange transfer of accounts
- Submit change-of-address forms
- Contact your doctors. Get referrals for new physicians
- Change your property, auto, medical insurance policies
- Cancel newspaper subscriptions
- Change your address on magazine subscriptions
- Arrange for temporary housing, if needed
TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE MOVE
- Hold a garage sale to get rid of the things you don’t want to take, if necessary Arrange for disconnection and changeover of utilities
- Take measurements of rooms in your new home. Determine furniture placement
- Pack items that will not be needed until the move is completed
- Try not to buy any more perishable food items
- Make an inventory list of all items going with you personally
- Confirm arrangements and dates with moving and storage companies
ONE TO TWO DAYS BEFORE THE MOVE
- Clean and defrost the refrigerator and freezer
- Close bank accounts, if needed
- Finish all financial matters relating to the sale of your home
- Finish any remaining packing of personal belongings
MOVING DAY
- Confirm delivery address, direction, and delivery date with movers
- Be certain all boxes are clearly marked
- Supervise the movers
- Check the thermostat.
- Leave garage door openers and keys in the home (or per the instructions of your Realtor)
- Make certain doors are closed and locked
- Make certain your Realtor knows how to contact you while you are in transit
