Moving Checklist – A Simple Plan for an Easy Move
A move generally takes 8 to 10 weeks in all,
and with so many details to keep in mind -- packing,
cleaning, setting up utilities -- it can be an overwhelming
experience. But thorough planning is the key to an easy
move. The following week-by-week checklist, found on
a new Web site from The Home Depot, www.homedepotmoving.com,
will guide movers through the entire process, helping
them stay organized and on schedule for a successful
moving day.
Week #8
* Call for estimates from three
professional movers.
* Draw a floor plan of your new
home.
* Call the Chamber of Commerce
in your new town for its residential information packet.
Week #6
* Inventory all possessions now.
Decide what to move, sell, replace or donate to charity.
* Complete U.S. Postal change
of address forms, and mail to media, stores and organizations.
* Obtain copies of all of your
medical, dental, legal, accounting and veterinarian
records.
* Make arrangements for record
transfers between schools on both ends of the move.
* Ask a tax advisor to review
your potential moving-related tax deductions and potential
tax liability.
* Itemize moving-related costs
with your mover, including packing, loading, special
charges and insurance.
Week #4
* Repair, send out for re-upholstery,
or clean furniture, drapes and carpeting as necessary.
* Advertise a garage/yard/tag
sale to dispose of unneeded furniture, accessories and
clothes.
* If a professional mover is packing
your goods, schedule packing day(s) 1 or 2 days before
the move.
* If you move yourself, order
adequate boxes, packing materials and tape.
* Arrange for short-term storage
if you will need it.
* Make travel arrangements for
pets, including necessary medical records and immunizations.
Week #3
* Assemble a sufficient supply
of packing materials and equipment.
* Pack items you won’t use
immediately or that will go into storage.
* Contact utilities on both ends
of the move, and order termination or turn-on for your
occupancy date.
* Confirm final travel arrangements
for family and pets.
Week #2
* Prepare auto(s) for the trip
to your new home. Check tires and have car(s) serviced
before the move.
* Terminate newspaper and other
delivery services.
* Confirm new bank accounts by
phone and fax.
* Schedule an appliance service
firm for moving day to prepare major appliances for
the move.
Week #1
* Gather important papers, records
and valuables for protected shipment to your new home
or safe deposit.
* Notify friends and neighbors
of new address (and phone number if possible).
* Make plans for young children
to be cared for on moving day.
* Fill any necessary prescriptions
and medications needed for the next two weeks.
* Defrost refrigerator and freezer.
Give away all food in both units.
* Plan simple meals for moving
day (or take out food) to avoid using the refrigerator.
* Pick up cash for your trip and
a certified check for mover’s invoice.
* Pack items you need to take
with you including valuables, financial records and
personal papers.
* Pack signed bill of lading and
inventory where they can easily be located at your destination.
* Carefully mark LAST BOX PACKED-FIRST
BOX UNPACKED containing items you’ll need right
away, like tools and window shades.
* Give the mover a telephone number
and address where you can be reached in your new town.
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