Moving Checklist

Summer is here and it is a popular time for people to sell their homes and buy new ones, which of course means that they will be moving. To many this is a much dreaded task. There is so much to do it can be overwhelming. Below is a checklist of final things to do before you move.

1. Turn off or change your phone number – Be sure to have the outgoing message let everyone know what your new number is (not just that your number has been disconnected)

2. Change your address - Send out change of address post cards and be sure change your address at your post office. To make the change of address run smoothly, contact your monthly billing places, such as credit cards, cell phone, banks, financial plans, subscriptions and any other company that sends you regular mail at least one month in advance of your move date.

3. Turn off utilities - Phone, gas, electricity, garbage, water, cable, internet, any food service provider (like a milk delivery or organic produce delivery service). Be sure to get a written letter from each company confirming that they have turned off your service. Give them the approximate time that you are moving (as well as your new address) so that they know where to mail your final bill.\

4. Check that your Home Owner’s Insurance covers moving damage –This is essential, so that if something is broken while you are being moved, it will be covered (after the cost of your deductible). While you are at it, contact all insurance companies that you have policies with and let them know of your change of address.

5. Defrost the freezer and clean it out (including the refrigerator) – While this task is easy, cleaning out the entire house is not when you are in the midst of a move. Instead, hire a cleaning service to do a deep cleaning of the house you are moving out of and the house you are moving into.

6. Disconnect any appliances you are taking with you.

7. Have the mover’s phone number handy and make sure they have yours – Be sure that they have a map of the area you are moving to, as well as a second phone number where they can reach you.

8. Arrange for a babysitter for your kids the day of the move – This will make everyone’s day easier!

9. Take photographs of everything you are moving – This is a great way to document your belongings for insurance in case any damage occurs during the move. I would also create an inventory along with the photographs.

10. Label the boxes – Put your name and address, along with the room that the box is going into on the box, so that there are no mix-ups. Sometimes the movers have more than one household in a single truck, so this can avoid any mishaps.

11. Have a “moving manager” on call - Make sure that someone is observing the move, so that all goes smoothly: think of them like a wedding planner. They are there to make sure that everything runs according to plan, that the movers are being careful with your belongings, and to answer any questions the movers may have.
If possible, don’t leave all of your moving tasks to the last minute. If you use this list as a guide for your next move you will find the act of moving a lot less disconcerting.