Moving Checklists | Fillable PDF | Excel
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Using a moving checklist that staggers tasks over a number of weeks is a good strategy to make such a large process easier. Here is a good general moving checklist. Changing residences is a huge undertaking, so after you’ve completed the financial aspects, it is best to carefully plan how you will actually move all of your property to your new home.
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Moving Checklist Timeline
Six to eight weeks before your move-in date:
- Buy or rent moving supplies. This includes boxes, tape, markers, scissors, packing material, storage bins, newspaper, rope, and a hand truck.
- Research moving services and get quotes from them to see how much it would cost to move the items you cannot move alone. You may only need to rent a large truck however. Consider mover’s insurance as well.
- Keep records of your moving expenses, as they are tax deductible.
- Donate or sell old belongings you don’t need, perhaps with a garage sale, including clothing.
Four to six weeks before move-in:
- Begin packing items you won’t use before you move, such as extra bedding.
- Transfer school records if you have children, so their transition will be smoother.
- Notify doctors of your move and plan to transfer your records if need be.
- Determine which services or businesses you need to notify of your change of address.
- Confirm moving arrangements with a moving company if needed.
- Arrange to take time off from work on the dates you are moving.
One to two weeks before move-in
- Confirm that all your arrangements and transfers are final.
- Finish packing all items.
- Label all boxes correctly.
- Back up all your computer files.
- Dispose of cleaning materials, gas tanks, paints, and oils.
- Open a new bank account if necessary.
- Collect all keys and alarm codes.
- Prepare children for the move, and plan some easy meals to have on the dates surrounding move-in day.
- Plan for utilities to be shut off one day after you move out, and arrange for utilities to be turned on at your new residence.
Moving day
- Have tools that you need for breaking down any furniture.
- Have payment ready for movers.
- Inspect every room again to make sure you’ve packed every item.
- Clean your old residence thoroughly.
- Have snacks and water on hand.
Although parts of this checklist could seem repetitive, you will be glad you confirmed moving arrangements and other items. Moving can be very cumbersome, and just one or two things going wrong can really divert the whole process.
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