Moving Checklist

I've compiled some tips and ideas for making your move less stressful.

Four-Six weeks in Advance

  1. Make arrangements with the moving company: Set up time, place, and discuss payment and deposit.
  2. Research: What utilities will be transferred if any and which need to be canceled.
  3. Obtain medical records: Locate a new physician: change medical insurance in advance if needed.
  4. Obtain birth records for all family members
  5. Obtain school records for children
  6. Obtain legal records: Review your will, find out if you will need to obtain new council if crossing state lines. Notify Attorney of move, etc...

Two - Four weeks in Advance

  1. Veterans: Notify appropriate boards or VA office of change of address.
  2. Start Cleaning out unused areas of home. Looking at your total project pick out the places that are seldom used. Pack items that are less worn, things you can go without.
  3. Make sure attic and basement are clear: Empty out clutter in the basement, things you do not to bring with you to your new home.
  4. Reevaluate home for minor problems: check for clogs or slow drains, paint chipping in areas normally seen.
  5. Evaluate cleaning after emptying the house: Be sure to give yourself enough time to do last minute touch ups. Or if you are hiring a mover make sure you can have someone clean after items are removed.
  6. Fill out A Request for Medical Transfer Form: Make sure all forms are filled out so records can be sent to new physician of all members of the family. Give at least two weeks for records to be transferred. If on medication make sure new physician knows and the pharmacy is available where you will be living.
  7. Check with insurance agent on coverage of life, car, and household goods in route to new home
  8. Close Bank Accounts:
    • Checking
    • Savings
    • Safe Deposit Boxes
  9. Contact Credit Cards: Change Address
  10. Cancel Memberships:
    • Church
    • Clubs
    • Civic Organizations
  11. Documents and Other important papers: Make sure you have copies of all of your important papers. I will ensure that you have copies of all documents relating to your sale.
  12. Check Cleaning for New Home: About two weeks early you may want to evaluate the condition of the interior of your new home. Check for minor adjustments, windows, pipe damage, exterior problems that may need early attention. If you are moving out of state you may arrange for someone else to help you or hire a cleaning company to do this.
  13. Find out when Keys will be available: When will you get the keys for your new home?

ONE TO TWO WEEKS IN ADVANCE

  1. Fill out change of Address Form: Make sure that you contact postal office where you live to fill out form. Give them two weeks advance to make the change.
  2. Start filling boxes with items you are not using everyday: Over the next two weeks fill boxes with items from least used to most used within two days.
  3. Give notice to Utilities: Disconnect utilities, get refund for any deposits made and advise where final bills are to be sent. Find out if they have affiliates in the city to which you are moving.. If not contact the new utilities to have service connected. Give 1-2 weeks for new service connection.
    • Electric
    • Gas
    • Water
    • Telephone
    • Cable/Satellite/Internet
    • Landscaping, etc...
  4. Cancel Deliveries:
    • Magazines
    • Newspapers
  5. Gather things you need to take with you: Make sure that any item you need to bring with you is packed. Ensure all necessary prescriptions are filled and in an easy-to-find location, travel kits to ensure safety, etc...
  6. Check Your Traveling Vehicle: If you are moving out of state make sure in advance that your vehicle is checked for possible existing problems. Tune-ups, tires, brakes, etc... Waiting till the last minute can cause unnecessary problems.
  7. Let People know: Let relatives, friends, anyone you may have forgotten know about your move. Making a list to see names may help to ensure everyone is informed.

Charissa Pemper, Boston REALTOR®

Charissa Pemper
Lic. MA Real Estate Broker, REALTOR®
Charissa@HomesInBoston.com