Moving Calendar
Life can be busy enough without the added to-dos that come with moving. But instead of letting moving overwhelm you at the last minute, keep organized with this moving calendar.
EIGHT WEEKS TO GO:
Start the process of selecting a mover. Complete this step easily with our How To Choose A Mover checklist.
Check your mover’s record with the Better Business Bureau.
If you are being relocated by your company, verify what your company relocation policy covers and what you will be responsible for.
Start to inventory your belongings and decide which items to get rid of, which to take, where to put them in your new place, and which items (if any) need to go into short-term or long-term storage.
FOUR WEEKS TO GO:
- Mail change of address cards to:
- Post office
- Social security
- Insurance companies
- Credit card companies
- Credit bureau and/or other creditors
- Employer (to forward W2s)
- Car registration
- Broker
- Mail order accounts
- Department of motor vehicles
- Magazines
- Friends and relatives
Arrange to clean furniture, drapes, etc. if necessary.
Gather personal records (medical, dental, etc.)
Arrange to transfer children’s school records.
Check homeowner’s insurance policies to see if moving is covered. Be sure your new home is protected by transferring fire, theft and other personal-property insurance.
If you live in a home, start to pack. If you live in an apartment, you should start packing later on.
THREE WEEKS TO GO:
Make arrangements to discontinue current service/schedule start-up of new service for:
- Telephone service
- Telephone listings
- Cable TV
- DSL/Cable/Phone line for internet access
- Electricity (check for refund)
- Gas (check for refund)
- Fuel oil
- House cleaners
- Babysitters
- Diaper service
- Water
- Water softener
- Parking
- Other: ________________________
Have appliances serviced for shipment.
If you live in a large apartment, start to pack.
TWO WEEKS TO GO:
Arrange to transfer local bank accounts.
Ask doctor and dentist for medical records if you’re moving out of area. They may also be able to recommend a colleague near your new home.
Cancel newspaper delivery.
Return borrowed items. Collect items you’ve loaned, had in lay-away, cold storage, etc.
Refill all prescriptions.
Make arrangements to move pets. Confirm that mover will move houseplants; if not, make arrangements.
Start to disassemble any shelving, closet systems, etc. that you plan to take.
If you live in a small apartment, start to pack.
ONE WEEK TO GO:
Pack in separate boxes items necessary for first days in new home: Label “LOAD LAST.”
- Medicine (always keep prescriptions on your person)
- Comfortable clothes
- Linens and towels
- Toothbrushes and toiletries
- Paper goods
- Disposable plates and silverware
- Foil and wax paper
- Plastic containers
- Microwave
- Vacuum cleaner
- Garbage bags
- Tool kit
- Step ladder
- Extension cord
- Light bulbs
- Cleaning items (mop and pail, broom and dust pan, etc.)
If a mover is packing all or part of your goods, call to schedule/confirm.
Plan to use up most food items before the move. If you have any leftover food on moving day, donate it to Move For Hunger.
TWO DAYS TO GO:
Defrost and dry refrigerators/freezers to be moved.
Gather valuables and important documents from jewelry cases, safe deposit box, etc. to take with you in car. Do not pack these items with your other belongings.
MOVING DAY:
Moving Out
Arrange to be on hand for last minute details and to give directions to movers.
Leave the whole day for your move. Don’t plan to go back to work, arrange a dinner date, etc.
Have payment for movers on hand. Avoid having to run out to bank, ATM, etc. Have tips ready for movers, doorman, nanny, etc.
Before leaving, check each room and closet.
When you leave, turn off lights, close windows and lock doors.
Moving In
Supervise placement of boxes and furniture.
Check for damages. Inspect large items; look for boxes that are crushed or open. Inform the moving foreman and review the claims procedure with him.
Go back to the truck. Make sure nothing was left behind. Check all the compartments where fragile items are often kept for their protection.