Moving Checklist


Research shows that moving is one of the most stressful events in a person's life. Use this checklist to make sure you remember important moving dates and deadlines. We've taken the worry out of moving by thinking of nearly everything!

8 weeks before move
  • If you are planning a garage sale, set a date.
  • Arrange to transfer school records if you have children.
  • Discover schools in your new community by visiting www.theschoolreport.com on the World Wide Web.
  • Contact insurance companies to notify them of the move.
  • Start a "Move File" for all receipts, papers and estimates related to your move.
6 weeks before move
  • Select a van line or rental truck company you will use. Give them tentative pick-up and delivery dates.
  • If you are moving to a new city, be sure and ask your attorney, doctor and other providers for referrals and any necessary records.
  • If you have any pets, schedule a check-up and be sure to get a copy of their records from the veterinarian.
  • Set schedules with real estate agents and/or landlords.
  • Schedule a home inspection for your new home by calling AmeriSpec at 1-800-WE SERVE.
4 weeks before move  
  • Schedule disconnecting dates with your local utility company.
  • Notify new utility company of connect dates in the new home.
  • If you have a lawnmower or any other power equipment, drain them of oil and gasoline. Moving companies will not move them if they are full.
  • Cancel newspaper delivery and trash pickup effective on your move date.
  • Give your carpet a good cleaning before all of the furniture is moved into the new address by calling ServiceMaster Clean at 1-888-SMCLEAN.
1 week before move  
  • Clean out refrigerator and defrost freezer.
  • Have your car serviced if you will be driving a long distance.
  • Confirm connect dates for utilities in your new home.
  • Transfer or close your checking account.
  • Be sure to get all items from your safe deposit box.
Moving day
  • Spend the entire day at home with the movers.
  • Carry any valuables or family heirlooms with you. Specify a "Do Not Move" area where you place items you do
  • Right before the movers leave, take a final tour of your home, making sure nothing has been left in drawers or closets and that all doors and windows are locked.
At your new address
  • Obtain numbers needed in an emergency.
  • Check with post office to see if there is any mail that is being held for you.
  • Register your cars. Also, register to vote in your new area. Enroll children in school.

Outdoor Tips for Better Curb Appeal
It's frustrating if a potential buyer doesn't like the looks of the outside of your
house. Stand on the curb and look at your house objectively. Take care of the following outdoor things:

  • Clean the garage and keep the door closed until the buyer goes to inspect it.
  • Edge the lawn and trim shrubbery, making sure to remove all debris.
  • Make sure the front entrance sparkles. Scrub it or paint it if needed.
  • Fix broken doorbells, creaky hinges, ripped screens, cracked windowpanes
    or chipping and peeling paint.
  • Sweep the driveway.