MOVING CHECKLIST
Your moving checklist
8 Weeks Out
__ Set a definite date for moving.
__ Create your own “Move” file for records and receipts.
__ Figure out which of your moving expenses are tax-deductible.
__ Contact truck rental companies and professional moving companies for estimates and helpful moving information.
__ If it’s a company relocation move, make a list of all the moving expenses your employer will cover.
7 Weeks Out
__ Choose your moving company—and reserve your moving date well in advance.
__ Notify your dentist and physician of your move and get some referrals.
__ Make a veterinary appointment for your pets. Obtain a copy of your pet’s records. Check with your vet for vaccination requirements in your new location.
__ Take a serious look at what you own and figure out what you want to take, what you want to leave and what you want to store. Most moving companies have a minimum weight restriction—but the more you take, the more it will cost.
__ Contact all of your clubs or professional associations for information on updating your membership.
6 Weeks Out
__ Make a list of all the big household items you’ll be moving.
__ Either donate to charity or sell at a garage sale all the items that you don’t want to move. Collect the receipts for your tax return.
__ Set up an appointment with your financial advisor to discuss tax-related moving deductions, expenses and liabilities.
__ Complete your U.S. Postal Service change of address forms and mail them to people who need to know.
__ Get copies of all dental, school, medical, legal and accounting records.
__ Contact your insurance agent to transfer or update coverage.
__ Obtain all your automobile registration and licensing information.
5 Weeks Out
__ Check out auto insurance rates in your new location, and update our coverage accordingly.
__ Arrange for temporary storage.
__ Start packing materials and collecting boxes.
__ Let the mover know how much of your own packing you intend to do.
__ Find out what insurance the mover offers, and arrange for insurance to make sure your belongings are covered during the move.
__ Appraise all expensive items that the mover will be responsible for.
__ Make an itemized list of all moving related costs and review with mover.
__ Start closing or transferring all local bank accounts.
4 Weeks Out
__ Start Packing! Label your boxes clearly.
__ Measure your larger appliances and furniture to make sure they will fit into your new home.
__ Prepare to use or dispose of anything you can move.
__ Contact all current and new utility to set connect/disconnect dates. Many require at least 30 days notice or you will be billed for an extra month. Remember to keep all your current utilities hooked up until moving day.
__ Let your children figure out a layout for their new rooms. Start having your kids pack some of their things.
__ Check on transportation for moving your pets.
__ Schedule your professional packing day one or two days before the move.
3 Weeks Out
__ Review/improve the labels on your boxes.
__ Make a trip to your storage units, dry cleaners and repair shops to retrieve any items.
__ Make travel arrangements for family during the trip; allow for unexpected delays and cash needs that often occur in moves and house closings.
__ Collect all your important personal and financial papers (insurance,will,deeds,stocks,etc.) and put them with your valuables.
__ Prepare any gas-powered tools for the move by servicing and draining fuel and oil, to prevent a moving van fire.
__ Collect all your valuables in one place for moving day.
2 Weeks Out
__ Keep packing!
__ If you’re driving on moving day, map out the exact route that you will take to your new home, and arrange for lodging.
__ Update your work/personal email addresses with your contacts.
__ If you have young children, arrange for a babysitter on moving day.
__ Have all your automobiles serviced.
__ Terminate your current newspaper subscription and arrange to subscribe to your new local paper.
__ Prepare specific directions to your new home for your moving company, and include your emergency numbers and travel itinerary.
__ List essential things you’ll need on moving day.
1 Week Out
__ Clean thoroughly, or arrange for house cleaning after your move.
__ Back up your computer files before packing your computer system.
__ Defrost your refrigerator/freezer.
__ Plan simple meals for moving day to avoid using many dishes.
__ Separate the luggage items that you’ll need for traveling on moving day.
__ Pack a box of items you will need immediately upon arrival at your new home and clearly mark the box.
__ Set aside one room of the house for your movers to work in freely.
__ Fill any prescriptions you’ll need in the next two weeks.
__ Set aside all maintenance instructions for your current home to provide to the new owner.
Moving Day
__ Do a final walk-through of your old residence. Turn off all lights, lock all doors and windows and leave keys with your neighbor, Realtor, new owner or property manager.
__ Pick up your rental truck or be available when the moving truck arrives.
__ Collect your valuables and important papers and keep them with you.
__ Plan on spending the entire day at the house with movers—and don’t leave until the movers have gone.
__ Record all your utility meters.
__ Stay with the moving van driver to oversee inventory of goods.
__ Review carefully and sign bill of lading and inventory and keep your copy in a safe place until all charges
have been paid.
Once You’re Here
__ Make sure all your boxes have arrived undamaged before signing paperwork and letting movers leave.
__ Unpack your major necessities, and then keep unpacking each day. Focus on a room at a time, by grouping all items/boxes according to the room and then unpacking that room as a unit.
__ Arrange for furniture, appliances that your new home requires.
__ Welcome yourself to Atlanta by taking some time to relax! The hardest part is over. All you have to do now is finish unpacking.
