Moving Checklist. Moving checklists can save time and money when moving. Let's not forget the benefit of peace of mind at such a potentially stressful time.

When relocating, there's so much to do! Sometimes it's hard to know what to tackle first. A moving checklist presents a clear timetable and outlines your next tasks at each step.
This example checklist is provided by Relocation Central see the links for a direct link.

Moving Checklist

One Month Before Moving

• Pick up a Change-of-Address Kit from the Post Office and fill out:
• Friends and family
• Banks
• Insurance companies
• Credit card companies
• Magazines and newspapers - cancel local newspaper delivery
• Doctors, dentists and other providers - transfer drug prescriptions
• Take a look around the house. Start to think about what you don't want to take with you.
• Use up perishable foods
• Sell, donate or hold a garage sale for unwanted items
• Prepare a list of what you want to move.
• Large appliances?
• Outside furniture?
• For full service moves:
• What items won't they move?
• Get appraisals of high-value items in case of future claims
• For do-it-yourself moves, make arrangements for truck, storage, rental and moving help, and buy packing supplies:
• Boxes
• Packing and masking tape
• Markers
• Newspapers
• Twine
• Start packing boxes. Mark boxes clearly as to contents and room to be placed in. Mark "Open First" clearly on boxes containing important items to be unpacked first:
• Dishes
• Pots and pans
• Alarm clock
• Bedding
• Special toys
• Towels
• Lightbulbs
• Plates
• Tools - hammer, pliers, wrench
• Stop by and make arrangements for picking up your important records:
• Birth
• Doctor
• Dentist
• Legal
• Optician, optometrist
• School - make sure you get one with a raised seal
• Veterinarian
• Close out your bank accounts:
• Checking
• Savings
• Safe Deposit Box
• Start a new bank account in your new town.
• Transfer account from current bank?
• Contact your child's new school and notify them of your upcoming move to their area.
• Contact the Chamber of Commerce in your new town or city. Request a relocation package.

Two Weeks Before Moving

• Pack your vital documents in one place:
• Passports
• Military records
• Mortgage records
• Marriage license
• Birth certificates
• Vehicle titles
• Stock certificates
• Insurance papers
• Bank records
• School records
• Medical records
• Tax records
• Make arrangements to disconnect your utilities. Get refunds for any deposits made. Have meters read. Give new address for them to send their final bill:
• Cable - return box if necessary
• Electric
• Gas
• Internet access
• Telephone
• Water
• Make arrangements to connect utilities at your new residence.
• Make arrangements for cleaning
• Inquire about your new state's auto licensing procedure and auto insurance rates.
• Check with your insurance company about transferring coverage to your new home.
• Arrange to have a sitter watch your children at their house on moving day.

One Week Before Moving

• Dispose or drain any flammable items:
  • Lawn mower gas
  • Snow blower gas
  • Paint
  • Aerosol cans
• Plan what goes in the car with you:
• Toys and games for kids
• Special breakable items or collections
• Important documents and records
• Change of clothes and toiletries for your first day
• Vacuum cleaner - if you want to clean right away
• Toilet paper
• First aid kit
• Food kit with bottled water, cereal, bananas
• Make travel arrangements for your pets and plants.
• Purchase moving insurance if you have valuable antiques and collections.
• Have your car tuned up.

The Day Before Moving

• Defrost, clean and air out your refrigerator.
• Clean your stove.
• Make sure you have payment ready for the mover - they will not unpack without a check. Check your moving company's payment policies.
• Purchase traveler's checks for other possible expenses.
• Pack your former town's phone book for future correspondence.
• Get a simple breakfast ready for the next morning.
• Pick up ice and beverages for moving day.
• Take down curtains and curtain rods.
• Get a good night's sleep!

Moving Day!

• Strip your beds.
  • Moving company - will they disassemble?
• Show movers around. Make sure your possessions to be moved are inventoried with them.
  • Write "subject to further inspection for concealed loss or damage" on contract when you sign to protect yourself should you find damage while unpacking.
• Get all keys together. Put in a safe spot.
• Make sure moving van driver has correct address, phone number and directions. Confirm delivery date with him.
• Check all rooms one last time. Remember closets and cupboards, basement and garage! Make sure all windows and doors are locked.