Moving Checklist

Posted by David Piotrowski

Anyone who has moved in the past knows that moving involves a lot of work and some stress, even for those who have moved frequently in the past. The level of stress is often compounded for those who have moved infrequently. A successful interstate move with less stress will involve preparation, planning, and a good checklist to refer to as the moving date nears. The following is meant to be a non-exhaustive moving checklist for people who are planning an upcoming move.

• Get estimates from multiple moving companies. Be sure you are comparing apples to apples by asking for a detailed explanation in writing on what is and is not included in the estimate;
• Find out if the estimate is binding or non-binding;
• Order moving boxes and packing supplies as soon as possible;
• Compare your moving quotes. If all the estimates are much higher than you were expecting, consider moving yourself or not moving all your items. You may want to move only those items that you must keep while selling the rest in a yardsale or giving them away to friends, family, or charity;
• If you plan to move yourself instead of using a professional mover, get quotes from Uhaul and other similar companies. You will still need moving boxes and packing supplies.
• Keep all your moving quotes with your personal notes in an easily-accessible file or folder for easy retrieval at a later date;
• Read this household goods blog to learn about moving regulations and the household goods moving industry.

At Least One Month Prior to Your Moving Day, You Should…

• Decide if you will use a professional mover or move yourself;
• If you decide to hire a professional mover, you should make your reservation and get your final estimate in writing (whether it be a binding or a non-binding estimate);
• Contact your friends, relatives, subscriptions, credit cards, and anyone else who sends you mail and provide them with your new address;
• If your new home will not be ready by the time you need to vacate your old home, make arrangements with your moving company to temporarily store your belongings (an additional fee will likely apply), and find short-term housing for yourself;
• Gather copies of your health and dental records and look for new medical professionals in the area where you will be living;
• Use up perishable food items and minimize your purchases;
• Have school records and transcripts transferred;
• Contact your utility companies and schedule a disconnection at your old home and a connection for your new home;
• Begin packing items, but leave the fragile items for your movers to pack if you are hiring a professional moving company;
• Research rules and regulations about pets and plants in your new location. Some states and other local governments may have special rules on importing pets and plants;
• Contact your insurance companies for your automobile, homeowners, and others and let them know you will be moving;
• Gather all your important paperwork such as deeds, bills, credit cards, checkbooks, and wills, and move these items yourself;
• Secure all items of an extraordinary value such as antiques, paintings, and jewelry, and consider moving these items yourself.

• Go to your local post office and fill out a change of address. You may also use the post office’s online form (note that the post office may charge a fee to change your address online);
• If you have borrowed any items from friends or local resources such as a library, make sure all those items are returned to their rightful owner;
• Cancel your newspaper service and consider subscribing to the local newspaper in your new city or town;
• Transfer your bank accounts and any safe deposit boxes;
• Pick up any dry cleaning or orders you may have at local stores;
• Confirm what time your movers will be arriving on the moving day.

On Your Moving Day, You Should…

• Watch your movers closely to make sure they are packing the appropriate items;
• Make sure the moving foreman understands your wishes;
• Read your Bill of Lading, Inventory List, Order for Service, and other moving documents carefully and ask if you don’t understand something;
• Sign all copies of moving documents;
• If you don’t understand something, ask your foreman. If the foreman is not helpful, call the moving company (their phone number should be on the Bill of Lading);
• Be sure to store your moving documents in a safe place and move these items to your new home yourself.

On Delivery Day, You Shoud…

• Check the items being delivered against the inventory list;
• Note on the inventory any damaged or missing items and then sign the inventory list for your mover;
• You will likely be required to pay your mover for the balance prior to unloading the goods (100% of the binding estimate or up to 110% of the non-binding estimate);
• Have cash on hand. Many movers will not accept checks or credit cards at delivery;
• If you have any damages or missing items, contact the moving company as soon as possible, but no later than 9 months after delivery.

Special Deals…