Purchasing a new home is exciting. To help save you time, stress, and money, we’ve created this handy Moving Checklist. It provides you a detailed overview of what you need to do in the weeks prior to your move. Good luck.
As you start thinking of moving…
Create a “move file” to keep track of estimates, receipts, and other important information
Start researching your new community. The Internet is a great resource for finding online community guides and newspapers
Draw out a floor plan of your new home and start deciding which function each room will serve
Budget for moving expenses and start collecting estimates
7 weeks before moving
Start pulling together medical and dental records including prescriptions and shot records. If necessary, ask your existing doctors if they can refer you to a care provider in your new neighbourhood
If your children need to change schools, have school records transferred to their new school district and/or daycare
Get copies of any legal and financial records you need
If you have a pet, arrange for veterinarian records to be transferred
Call your insurance agent to see what changes to expect in your policies for changing locations. Ask if moving is covered and arrange for insurance for your new home
If you are a member of a gym or an organization, ask how you can end, sell, or transfer your membership
6 weeks before moving
Make a list of things that are valuable or difficult to replace. Plan on shipping these by certified mail or carrying them with you
Make a list of friends, relatives, and businesses who need to be notified of your move
Start working your way through each room taking inventory and deciding what to get rid of. Start planning a yard sale or contact your local charities
Think about subscribing to the newspaper in your new hometown to start learning about events and the local culture
5 weeks before moving
Start collecting boxes and other packing supplies
Start packing items you don’t use often. Also start disposing of the items you’ve designated for a yard sale, donation, or the junk yard. If you donate, be sure to get a receipt for income tax purposes
Plan ahead for parking for the move, making sure that your movers are able to easily access your home
Plan for short-term or long-term storage at destination if needed
4 weeks before moving
If you are not moving yourself, make a reservation with a reputable and reliable moving service
File a change of address
Schedule disconnection of all utility services at your old home, and connection of them at your new one. Be sure to disconnect the day after you leave and connect the day before you arrive. If you have “last month” deposits with services, such as the water or gas company, request your refund
If necessary, make travel arrangements for your pets
Advertise and host your garage sale
Call your newspaper courier and set a date to cancel your subscription
3 weeks before moving
Make sure all library books have been returned and all dry cleaning or items out for repair have been picked up. Also retrieve any items out on loan
Decide if you will keep your plants or give them away
Dispose of flammables, corrosives, and poisons
If you are moving out of town, have your automobile(s) serviced
Prepare auto registration to be transferred
If you are moving into or out of an apartment, arrange to use the elevator on your move day
2 weeks before moving
Contact your bank and/or credit union to transfer or close accounts. Clear out safety deposit boxes
Confirm travel arrangements for pets and family
Confirm parking for your mover
Notify any creditors of your move
Plan meals for the last week of the move to help empty the refrigerator and avoid using appliances that will already be packed
Assemble a folder of important information about the house for the new owner of your home
1 week before moving
Finish packing and prepare an “essentials” box. Designate several boxes and items as “last load” items. Pack your suitcases and valuables separately
Drain all gas and oil from your mower and other motors. Gas grills, kerosene heaters, etc. need to be emptied as well
Drain water hoses and waterbed
Empty, defrost, and clean your refrigerator at least 24 hours before moving day
Fill any prescriptions or medications you will need for the next couple of weeks
If necessary, make childcare arrangements for moving day
Notify friends and family of your new address and phone number
Moving out
Load your goods in a pre-designated order, saving “last load” items for the rear of your shipment. This might include your vacuum cleaner or bed sheets
Check every room, closet, and cabinet one last time before deciding everything is loaded
Take note of utility meter readings
Leave a note with your new address in the house so that future residents can forward any stray mail
Keep a friend or family member informed of your plans and “whereabouts” in case of an emergency or unforeseen event
Moving in
You are likely to arrive at your new home ahead of your shipment. Take this time to look things over and to ensure your new utilities have been connected
Check appliances and systems to ensure all are working properly, and arrange for repairs if necessary
Check to see if your mail is making it to your new address or pick up any mail being held
Consider drawing out your new floor plan and decide where you want furniture and appliances placed
After the move
Get your driver’s license and health card updated with your new address