Moving Checklist
Planning a move? The following moving checklist is designed to help make the move as efficient as possible. This checklist is broken down into three stages for move preparation: the weeks leading up to the move, the days before the move and the day of the move.
Three Weeks before the Move
Set a moving date. This date will be critical for scheduling the moving checklist around. Ideal moving dates are usually weekends, allowing for the move, time to settle in and cleaning out the previous residence. Once the moving date is set:- Schedule reservations with a moving truck or moving company
- Pick up packing materials
- Create a list of items that need special handling
- Organize rooms for ease of packing
- Book any alternative travel plans necessary (flights, hotels, rental cars)
- Make travel arrangements for pets (airplane, horse transport services, car)
- Have vehicle serviced
- Make an appointment for pets with veterinarian for health certificates (necessary for traveling commercially or across state lines)
- Make arrangements for new utilities and set shut off date for old utilities
One Week before the Move
- Avoid grocery shopping for perishables. Clean out the refrigerator
- Pick up disposable place settings in order to pack up the kitchen
- Pack up all exterior rooms, leaving kitchen last
- Confirm reservations for movers and/or rental truck
- Confirm travel reservations
- Go over travel documents necessary for the move (health certificates for animals, maps, directions)
Two Days before the Move
- Review moving checklist; verify all previous steps have been made
- Final packing; label boxes; wash any laundry
- Pack up all clothing not necessary for the next five days
One Day before the Move
- Dispose of any perishables not to be consumed on moving day
- Empty all trash; put out trash cans for collection
- Run any last minute errands
- Plan a solid meal for the morning of the move
- Get a good night’s sleep
- Walk the house; make sure nothing has been left unattended