moving checklist

Use the Moving Checklist to manage your move from start to finish.

Moving: Look into getting moving and/or storage insurance to cover your items during the move.
Using a Mover: Get estimates from moving companies. Try to shop around as much as possible to get the best rate.
Self Move: Choose a rental truck to use. Be sure to reserve it well in advance since reservations fill up quickly at certain times of the year.
Pets: Check on possible quarantine and/or vaccination requirements for your pet, especially if you are moving overseas.
Kids: If you have small children, be sure to research child care options in your new area. Asses the quality of school districts in your new area.
Overseas: Make sure your passport is current and valid. If you don't have one, be sure to get one well in advance. Contact the consulate for the country you are moving to to insure that you have all proper paperwork prepared and available. Obtain a visa if you will need one. You can talk to a consulate about the steps necessary to obtain one.

Moving: Make a Moving File to store receipts, records, and important papers related to your move.
Using a Mover: Get in touch with a moving company and set a date for the move. Fill out any necessary paperwork, and be sure to get moving insurance if you need it.
Packing: Start removing unwanted or unneeded items from your attic, garage, basement, or storage. Plan to donate these or sell them. There are a lot of NGO that would welcome donations and you would feel good. Check to make sure you have returned all borrowed items including video rentals and library books. Gather important documents (birth certificates, immunization records, insurance documents, etc…) and place them in a briefcase, strongbox, or other secure place to insure that they do not get misplaced during the move.
Overseas: Research the customs and laws of the country you are moving to. If you haven't been there, try to visit before you move.

Documents: Update your car registration and driver's license with your state's motor vehicle department. You may also need to notify your auto insurance.
Packing: Make item donations. Remember to collect receipts for tax purposes. Sell your old and unwanted stuff by holding a garage sale before you pack.
Services: Notify your dentist and doctor of your move and ask for referrals. Check whether sure your insurance covers the doctor/dentist in your new area. Forward or cancel any monthly services, subscriptions or memberships.
Pets: Make sure you have transportation arrangements for your pet. Notify your veterinarian of your move. Obtain any records for your pet, and ask for a referral.
Kids: Select a school for your children and arrange to transfer immunization records and transcripts. Try to visit the school before deciding if this is possible.
Overseas: Research the financial situation your new country. Open a new bank account and change your currency if necessary.

Moving: Make reservations for a room at a local hotel for the night before moving day. This is the best way to make sure you can get a good night's rest and a shower while all your things are packed up.
Documents: Contact utilities to cancel or transfer accounts.
Overseas: Research driving laws in your new country. You may need to apply for a foreign driving permit. Make sure you have current vaccination records. Make sure you receive recommended vaccinations for the country you will be moving to. Research insurance options in your new country. Your present insurance may or may not be valid after you move and you may need to buy new insurance in your new country.

Documents: Fill out an official change of address with the post office. Notify all important business and personal contacts of your new address. Fill out changes of address for creditors and magazine subscriptions. Leave a forwarding address with the next tenants of your home if possible.
Self Move: Buy boxes and packing materials.

Packing: Start packing. Start with rooms of the house you don't use as much and finish with the kitchen. Choose a room of the house to serve as a temporary storage area for packed boxes. Check out our How to Pack section for tips on how to pack like a professional! Check into storage options for those items you cannot move immediately and may need to store temporarily. Make an inventory of important and/or expensive items in your home as you pack. Try to take photographs of these items if possible. You may need this inventory for insurance purposes in case items get lost or damaged in the move.
Kids: Start involving your kids in the move. Make it exciting by having your kids pack some of their own things, and letting them figure out new layouts for their rooms. If you have young children, arrange for a babysitter on moving day. You can concentrate on the move knowing your kids are watched and safely out of the way.

Services: Close any local bank accounts and open new ones in your new location. Try to get checks printed with your new address as soon as possible.
Packing: Drain gas from any gas powered equipment before you pack it up. Try to make disposal arrangements for any oil, gas, or other hazardous substances you will not be able to move, use, or throw away.

Services: Service your car, especially if you're traveling to your new place by car.
Packing: Make backup copies of important files on your computer before packing it up.
Moving: Confirm any travel plans or reservations you may have made for moving day (flights, hotel, rental cars, etc).
Using a Mover: Confirm arrangements with your moving company.
Pets: Pack a travel case for your pet.

Moving: Be sure to have some cash on hand for the day of the move. You may need it to tip movers, buy snacks, etc… Begin cleaning your house. Make sure you defrost your refrigerator and freezer. Do a final walk-through of your old residence, checking closets, drawers, etc. Turn off all lights, lock all doors and windows, and leave keys with your old property manager if applicable.
Self Move: Pick up your rental truck and any moving equipment you may need (dollies, carts, furniture pads, etc…).
Pets: Keep your pet confined on the day of the move. Make sure they are in a safe place away from the hubbub of the move with plenty of food and water. Consider taking a dog or cat to the kennel for the day. Introduce your pet to your new home slowly. Be sure they won't be able to run back to the old house for the first few days.