Home Moving Checklist

Preparing and organizing are two of the best things that you can do before moving into a new home. A comprehensive check list will allow you to stay on track as you look forward to moving day. Use the following guidelines to ensure that you are ready when it is time to move:

Six to Eight Weeks In Advance:

• Begin de-cluttering and organizing your home. Throw away, sell, or donate items that you no longer need or use.
• Gather all of the items you will need to pack up your home, such as boxes, packing tape, markers (to label boxes), and storage bins.
• Keep track of all the expenses related to your move- in some cases they may be tax deductible.

Two Weeks In Advance

• Contact your utility companies to arrange to have your services transferred. IF you are moving to a new area, find out which companies provide electricity, water, and gas, and talk to someone about establishing new services. If you have cable or internet service you should also arrange to have these services transferred or established at this time.
• Hire a moving company, or make arrangements to rent a moving truck.
• If your children will be switching schools due to the move, visit the new school to get them enrolled in their new classes.
• Review your homeowner’s insurance policy, and contact your insurance agent to transfer the policy to your new property. If you do not currently own a home and do not have a policy, shop around until you find a policy to suit your needs.
• Begin packing your possessions into boxes. Start by packing items that are not used regularly.
• Make a home inventory as you pack- this will allow you to keep track of all of your important items during the move.

Moving Day

• If necessary, meet utility company employees at your new property so they can turn on service.
• Have all tools needed to take apart furniture on hand- having to search for tools can slow down the moving process.
• If you are using a moving company, give clear directions regarding which items are going in the moving truck, and which items you will be moving yourself. You should plan to move valuable items yourself. Don’t forget to have cash available to tip the movers.
• Make sure that boxes are placed in the proper rooms; everyone helping with the move should consult the labels written on the boxes. This will make unpacking much easier.

Enjoy your new home! Moving is hard work, but you are sure to agree that it is worth it.

AS985