Movers’ Checklist

Making a movers’ checklist is the first thing to do when you’re moving. Yes, it feels like you have too much to do, and sitting down with a piece of paper to write out a moving check list is not as important as all the other things. But, as the old farmers used to say, "If you have only half an hour to cut down the tree, spend the first ten minutes sharpening your saw." Moving checklists organize the work, make sure nothing is missed, and speed the process considerably.

● Start as far ahead as you can. Set up a file for paperwork -- mover's estimates, utility acknowledgments, copies of letters you've sent, inventories, etc. You will have your "moving house checklist" in here as well.
● List moving companies or truck rental companies you might use. Get estimates.
● Begin getting rid of clutter. Moving is a great opportunity to lighten up! If you have stuff in the basement, attic or garage you haven't used in a year or more, chances are you never will. Sell it, give it away, or throw it out.
● Is the new place ready? If you can get painting or other work done before the move, it's much easier.
● If you can get a floor plan of your new place, you can lay out furniture and appliances on paper. Besides helping you know what to bring and what just won't fit, playing with the floor plan can be a lot of fun! This is an optional activity.
● List agencies, utilities, and companies that need to know of the move. Notify the school system, if applicable. Will you be changing medical and dental practices? Do you need referrals?
● Get valuable furnishings appraised, in case they are lost or damaged in the move.
● Check with your insurance company about coverage during transit.
● Try not to put anything into storage; most of us have too much stuff, so let it go by selling it or giving it away. If you must store, make arrangements now and inventory the items.
● Send out change-of-address notices to everyone, especially the people you see less often and are less likely to find out in regular conversation. Include phone numbers, if changed.
The Moving Checklist -- four weeks to go:
● Notify all utilities. Check each one off as you send out the letters. Have the disconnect at the old house set for one day after you leave and connect at the new house the day before or the day of your arrival.
● Write for refunds of security deposits. Remember to keep copies of all correspondence.
● Collect important papers in one place so you can find them.
● List vehicles: do you have all paperwork for transfer?
● Are borrowed and loaned items back where they belong? (Library books, for example...)
● List all prescriptions, so you can make sure they are current and recently filled on Moving Day.
● Put together a file of things the new owner or tenant at your old home will need to know.
● List the things you will need immediately when you arrive. (This is one reason a check list is a great thing; this particular list will grow as you think of things.) Put aside a box for these things and mark it clearly, "LOAD LAST."
● Don't forget to put arrangements for pets, plants, and child care on the list!
You will be packing what you can, cleaning the freezer, and canceling the newspaper. You will be trying to eat, use up, or get rid of what does not move well, such as flammable liquids, perishable food and cleaning supplies. You will be busy! With a good movers' checklist, you can put to rest the niggling fear that you are forgetting something.

Enjoy your new home!