Your Moving Checklist

Moving Checklist

At least 3 months before moving day: 

• Schedule your date with a moving company.
• Go through the basement, attic, shed, and garage. Have a yard sale for things you don’t need or want to take. Note: if you donate items to a charity, ask for a tax receipt.
• Talk to the vet for tips on traveling with your pets. Ask about shots or paperwork they may need. 
• Start a file for moving receipts.

2 months before moving day: 

• Did you know you can now change your address with the U.S. Postal Service online? Click here to see the page.
• Notify your bank, credit card companies, magazine subscriptions, and other businesses about your move. 
• Make a file for papers you’ll need during the move, such as school, dental, and medical records; contracts with movers and other service providers; agreements with new utility companies, your new housing information, etc.

6 weeks before moving day: 

• Start using up things that you can’t move easily, like frozen foods or bleach.
• Collect boxes and other moving materials. 1-800-PACK-RAT has a wide range of boxes and supplies.

1 month before moving day: 

• Set aside the clothes and toiletries you’ll need until you’re unpacked at your new address.
• Disassemble garden furniture, grills, and sports or pool equipment. 
• Make sure the utilities are scheduled to go on at your new location.
• Return library books or other borrowed items, and pick up any dry cleaning.
• Close your safe deposit box.
• Give away plants you’re not taking.
• Refill enough prescriptions to carry you through the move.

1 week before moving day:

• Defrost the fridge and/or freezer.
• Empty gas tanks on lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and other power tools. 
• Arrange for childcare, if you have little ones.