Your moving checklist

Preparation

1. Clean out your old home

• Homeowners: Ensure that repairs and other maintenance agreed upon are complete.

• Renters: Complete checkout cleaning and any other steps necessary to get your security deposit returned.

• Terminate utilities and other home services in your old home.

• If you're moving a refrigerator or freezer, be sure to defrost them at least one full day before your move.

• Sell or donate unused or unwanted possessions.

• Get your automobile serviced before leaving.

2. Prepare your new home

• Research your choices for TV, Internet, and phone service.

• Arrange for your utilities and home services to be connected.

3. Organize your move

• Hire a moving company or rent a moving truck.

• Find a storage facility if needed.

• Start gathering essential packing items (boxes, labels, markers, tape, etc.).

• Set up a place to stay during the opening stages of your move and make contingency plans for pets, children, and senior citizens in your family.

4. Notify clubs and relevant institutions of your move

• Cancel local memberships. You may need to display proof of your move in order to receive a refund on the remainder of your contract.

• Fill out a Change of Address form at USPS.com. The USPS does not forward your mail unless you take this step.

Packing

5. De-clutter

• Purchase cleaning materials, garbage bags, and cardboard boxes.

• Start cleaning (sweep/vacuum flooring, clean oven, etc.) and sell or donate unwanted items.

6. Pack

• Create an inventory of your belongings in case something gets lost or stolen.

• Use this list to confirm that you've packed everything.

• Empty your local safe deposit box, ensuring you have all your important documents such as passports, birth certificates, and tax information. Return library books. Pick up everything from the dry cleaners. Retrieve the spare keys you kept at your neighbor's house.

• Create a kit with items you'll need the day of your move. Include items like medications, phone chargers, and toiletries, and remember payment for your movers.

Getting Situated

7. Learn about your new home

• Measure your furniture against the doorways of your new home.

• Locate important items like utility meters, smoke detectors, and alarm control panels.

• Identify local trash and recycling days.

8. Update your records

• Update your driver's license information.

• Relocate medical records, prescriptions, school information, etc.

• Inform the IRS of your new address.

• Research insurance options; you may be eligible for a lower insurance rate based on your new region.

• Inform your friends and family that you've moved.

9. Explore your new hometown

• Research local public transportation options.

• Enroll your children in school.

• Ask trusted sources, such as neighbors and co-workers, for recommendations for local contractors, day care centers, babysitters, cleaning services, etc.

• Start reading the local newspaper.