Get Organized with the Daryl Flood Moving Timeline
Use this handy TO-DO list to remember all the things you need to do in the weeks leading up to your move.
- If you're moving at an employer's request, verify what expenses and responsibilities are theirs and which are yours.
- Contact the IRS. and/or your accountant for information
on what moving expenses may be tax-deductible. - Begin to inventory and evaluate your possessions. What can
be sold or donated to a charitable organization? What haven't you used within the last year? - Make a list of everyone you need to notify about your move: friends, professionals, creditors, subscriptions, etc.
- Obtain a mail subscription to the local paper in your new hometown to familiarize yourself with local government, social news and activities in your new community
- Locate all motor vehicle registration and licensing documents.
- If some of your goods are to be stored, make the necessary arrangements now. (Your moving counselor should be able to help.)
- Contact schools, doctors, dentists, lawyers and accountants and obtain copies of your personal records. Ask for referrals where possible.
- Obtain a change of address form from the post office and
begin filling out cards. - Arrange special transportation for your pets and plants.
- Contact utility and related companies (gas, electric, oil, water, telephone, cable TV, and trash collection) for service disconnect/connect at your old and new addresses. However, remember to keep phone and utilities connected at your current home throughout moving day.
- Contact insurance companies (auto, homeowner's or renter's, medical, and life) to arrange for coverage in your new home.
- If you're packing yourself, purchase packing boxes from your local mover. Pack items that you won't be needing in the next month.
- Plan a garage sale to sell unneeded items or arrange to donate them to charity.
- Make travel arrangements/reservations for your moving trip. Schedule plane reservations after you're move-out date. House closings are often delayed, and other unexpected situations can arise.
- Collect important papers (insurance, will, deeds, stock, etc.).
- Arrange to close accounts at your local bank and open accounts in your new hometown.
- Have your car checked and serviced for the trip. Also, make
sure that your automobile is prepared (filled with the necessary antifreeze/coolant, for example) to meet the weather conditions you'll be traveling in. - If you're moving out of or into a building with elevators, contact the building management to schedule use of the elevators.
- Contact your moving counselor to review and confirm all arrangements for your move.
- Settle any outstanding bills with local merchants.
- Don't forget to withdraw the contents of your safety deposit box, pick up any dry cleaning, return library books and rented videotapes, etc.
- Take pets to the veterinarian if immunizations are needed. Get copies of pets' veterinary records.
- Drain gas and oil from power equipment (lawn mowers, snow blowers, etc.).
- Give away plants not being moved.
- Prepare specific directions to your new home for your
moving company. (Include your itinerary, emergency numbers, etc.)
- Defrost your freezer and refrigerator. Block doors open so they can't accidentally close on pets or children.
- Have your major appliances disconnected and prepared for the move. (Again, your moving counselor can help with arrangements for a third party to provide these services.)
- Pack a box of necessary personal items for immediate use at your new home. Have this box loaded last or carry it with you.
- Organize and set aside those things that you're taking with you so they're not get loaded on the van in error.
- Contact your moving counselor to confirm arrival time of the moving van, as well as to notify him/her of any last minute details.
- Make sure that someone is at home to answer the van foreman's questions.
- Record all utility meter readings (gas, electric, water).
- Read your bill of lading and inventory carefully before you sign them. Keep these—and all related papers—in a safe location until all charges have been paid and all claims, if any, have been settled.
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