We will provide you with recommendations that might help you to prepare and have a successful move.
1-2 Months Before Move
- Plan your moving method (truck rental, hiring movers, etc.) and get cost estimates
- Research storage facilities if needed
- Schedule disconnection/connection of utilities at the old and new place
- Phone
- Internet
- Cable
- Water
- Garbage
- Gas
- Electric
- Plan how you will move vehicles, plants, pets, and valuables
- Plan how you will arrange furniture in the new place – use a floor plan or sketch
- Hold a garage sale, donate, sell, or trash unnecessary items
- Get copies of any records needed (medical, dental, etc.)
- Make any home repairs that you have committed to making
3-4 Weeks Before Move
- Separate valuable items to transport yourself – label as DO NOT MOVE
- Keep a box out for storing pieces, parts and essential tools that you will want to keep with you on move day – label as PARTS / DO NOT MOVE
- Notify your insurance and credit card companies about change of address
1-2 Weeks Before Move
- Plan to take the day off for moving day
- Find useful things for your children to do – involve them as much as possible
- Find someone to help watch small children on move day
- Begin to pack your suitcases with clothes and personal items for the trip
- Reconfirm your method of moving with those involved
- Schedule cancellation of services for your old place
- Check your furniture for damages – Take pictures if necessary
- Take furniture apart if necessary (desks, shelves, etc.)
- Make sure all paperwork for the old and new place is complete
- Get rid of flammables such as paint, propane, and gasoline
- Try and use up perishable food
2-4 Days Before Move
- Confirm all moving details and that you have the necessary paperwork
- Make a schedule or action plan for the day of the move
- Defrost your freezer and clean the fridge
- Make sure essential tools are handy (screwdrivers, wrench, pliers, tape, etc)
- Set aside boxes/items that you are moving yourself (make sure you’ll have room)
Moving Day
- Remove bedding and take apart beds
- Take movers/helpers through the house to inform them of what to do
- Walk through the empty place to check for things left behind – look behind doors
- Take inventory before movers leave, sign bill of lading
- Make sure your movers have the correct new address
- Lock the windows and doors, turn off the lights
At your new place …
- Verify utilities are working – especially power, water, heating, and cooling
- Perform an initial inspection, note all damages, take photographs if needed
- Clean the kitchen and vacuum as needed (especially where the furniture will be going)
- Direct movers/helpers where to put things
- Begin unpacking, starting with kitchen, bathroom and other essentials
Moving In – Weeks 1-2
- Check for damages while unpacking – be aware of deadline for insurance claims
- Replace locks if necessary and make at least 2 copies of your new keys
- Make sure your previous utilities have been paid for and canceled