Moving Tips

Six to Eight Weeks Before

  • Use up things that may be difficult to move, such as frozen food.
  • Get estimates from professional movers or from truck rental companies if you are moving yourself.
  • Once you’ve selected a mover, discuss insurance, packing, loading and delivery, and the claims procedure.
  • Sort through your possessions. Decide what you want to keep, what you want to sell and what you wish to donate to charity.
  • Record serial numbers on electronic equipment, take photos (or video) of all your belongings and create an inventory list.
  • Change your utilities, including phone, power and water, from your old address to your new address.
  • Obtain a change of address packet from the post office and send to creditors, magazine subscription offices and catalog vendors.
  • Discuss tax-deductible moving expenses with your accountant and begin keeping accurate records.

Two to Four Weeks Before

  • If you’re moving to a new community, contact the Chamber of Commerce and school district and request information about services.
  • Make reservations with airlines, hotels and car rental agencies, if needed.
  • If you are moving yourself, use your inventory list to determine how many boxes you will need.
  • Begin packing nonessential items.
  • Arrange for storage, if needed.
  • If you have items you don’t want to pack and move, hold a yard sale.
  • Get car license, registration and insurance in order.
  • Transfer your bank accounts to new branch locations. Cancel any direct deposit or automatic payments from your accounts if changing banks.
  • Make special arrangements to move pets, and consult your veterinarian about ways to make travel comfortable for them.
  • Have your car checked and serviced for the trip.
  • Collect items from safe-deposit box.

One Week Before

  • Talk to your pharmacist about transferring important medical prescriptions.
  • Arrange for a babysitter on moving day.
  • Return library books and DVDs.

Two to Three Days Prior

  • Defrost your refrigerator and freezer.
  • Have movers pack your belongings.
  • Label each box with the contents and the room where you want it to be delivered.
  • Arrange to have payment ready for moving company.
  • Set aside legal documents and valuables that you do not want packed.
  • Pack clothing and toiletries, along with extra clothes in case the moving company is delayed.
  • Give your travel itinerary to a close friend or relative so they can reach you as needed.

Moving Day

Old Home

  • Pick up the truck as early as possible if you are moving yourself.
  • Make a list of every item and box loaded on the truck.
  • Let the mover know how to reach you.
  • Double-check closets, cupboards, attic, basement and garage for any left behind items.

New Home

  • Be on hand at the new home to answer questions and give instructions to the mover.
  • Check off boxes and items as they come off the truck.
  • Install new locks.
  • Confirm that the utilities have been turned on and are ready for use.
  • Unpack your “first day” box (see below for suggested contents).
  • Unpack children’s toys and find a safe place for them to play.
  • Examine your goods for damage.

Essential Packing Materials

  • furniture pads
  • handtruck or dolly
  • packing tape
  • bubble wrap

HANDY ITEMS INCLUDE:

  • Pack a “first day” box with items you’ll need right away.
  • scissors
  • utility knife
  • local phone book
  • coffee cups
  • teakettle
  • newspapers or packing paper
  • labels
  • instant coffee or tea, soft drinks
  • pencil and paper
  • soap
  • bath towels
  • trash bags
  • felt-tip markers
  • cornstarch packing “peanuts”
  • plenty of boxes
  • shelf liner
  • paper plates
  • snacks
  • toilet paper
  • children’s toys and books

Featured Agent

From The Windermere Blog