There’s so much more that goes into a move than just your moving day activities. We know
moving is stressful and it’s our job to help! We’ve compiled a moving timeline so that you stay one step ahead.
Organize: Start sorting your belongings into categories: Keep, Sell, Donate and Discard.
Don’t forget about your basement, attic and storage areas.
• Perishables: Begin using up items you won’t be moving with you, such as frozen foods.
• Questions: Compile a list of questions for your movers. Every company does things a
little bit differently. Be sure to ask questions about things like cancellation policies and
liability coverage.
• Research: Begin your search for a moving company. Ask for referrals and look for
companies with good reviews.
Moving for work?: Check in with your employer to find out which expenses and
responsibilities they will be covering.
• IRS/CPA: Gather information on what expenses you might be able to deduct on your
taxes.
• Records: If you are relocating to an entirely new area, reach out to schools,
medical/dental offices, and more to get copies of your personal records.
• Schools: Contact your kids’ schools to notify them of your move. Look into the
enrollment process in your new school district.
• Supplies: Gather or purchase your packing material, such as boxes, tape, bubble wrap
and markers/labels.
• Insurance: Follow up with your auto and home/renter’s insurance agents to make sure
they have your new address and do business in that area.
Forward Mail: Submit a Change of Address form with the Post Office.
• Hazardous Items: Your mover won’t be able to move hazardous or flammable items, and
you won’t be able to dispose of them in your regular trash. Make a plan for moving or
disposing of items like paint, aerosols, propane, guns, chemicals, etc.
• Utilities: Inform gas, electric, oil, water, phone, cable, trash, etc. companies for service
disconnection and reconnection. Don’t forget to leave your essentials connected
through the end of your moving day.
• Start Packing: Box up your items, starting with items you won’t be needing for the next
month. Be sure to label boxes as clearly as possible to simplify and expedite your movein.
• Book Your Movers: Call your moving company and confirm your move date and time.
Service Providers: If you have any maid service, landscaping or maintenance providers,
be sure to let them know you’re moving and see if they can transfer services to your
new location.
• Travel Plans: Set up arrangements and reservations for your moving trip, whether that
be plane tickets or hotels.
• Pro Tip: There are a lot of variables and unexpected situations when moving and closing
on a home. Flying out on your moving day may add stress. You might want to reserve a
hotel and fly out the next morning.
Elevators and Parking: If you are moving out of or into a building with a loading dock or
elevator, try to get an elevator reservation and pass that info along to your movers. If
parking may be a problem, find out if you can reserve a parking space for your moving
truck.
• Personal Vehicle: If you’ll be driving for your relocation, have your car checked and
serviced before the move. Keep weather conditions in mind as well.
• Bank Records: Update your billing address. Most banks provide this service online or by
phone.
• Time Off: Inform your employer about your move and request any time off needed. If
you’re unable to take off work, arrange for a friend or family members to oversee your
move.
• Insurance and Valuation: Decide what coverage you would like for your move. If you’re
opting for coverage through your homeowners or renters insurance, give them a call to
confirm what they will cover. If you want coverage through your mover, contact them to
request added coverage.
Clean: Start cleaning up your current residence. Leave some cleaning supplies out for
some post-move cleaning OR book move-out cleaners. We recommend Margaret
McHenry Maids.
• Fuel: Prepare equipment like lawn mowers and snow blowers to be moved by draining
gas and oil.
• Defrost: Start defrosting your refrigerator and freezer. Prop the doors open so that they
don’t close on kids or pets.
• Appliances: Finish up last-minute loads of laundry. Disconnect and prep your major
appliances for moving.
• Final Packing: Be sure to pack everything you’ll need in the first few days after your
move into a suitcase or an easily accessible container or bag.
• Cash: If you plan on paying for your move in cash, be sure to prepare this ahead of time.
• Pro Tip: While tipping is not a requirement by any means, it is always appreciated, and
like all service industries, cash is preferred. A good guideline is $5 to $10 per mover per
hour.
Point of Contact: Be sure to have someone available for your movers, whether that be
yourself or someone else. Make sure your movers know who to contact!
• Moving Documents: Read your Moving Bill of Lading/Contract carefully before you sign.
• Final Walkthrough: Be sure to complete a walkthrough at each location of your move.
You don’t want to leave anything behind!
