Moving Checklist

Directions: Use the following list to keep track of tasks when moving your loved one a facility (assisted living, nursing home, etc.) or to a new home.

Two months prior to moving day
If you will use a mover, get a few estimates from moving companies.
If you or family members will move your loved one, get estimates from at least two truck rental companies.
Create a floor plan of your new home for furniture and appliance placement. Assess what will not fit in the new space.
Make an inventory of all household goods and begin to remove clutter (start with the basement, attic, garage, and other storage areas).
Start a file for all moving paperwork (estimates, receipts, etc.).
Choose a mover (or truck rental company).
Get the new home ready, if applicable. Contact painters, carpenters, plumbers, roofers, etc., so the home is ready when your loved one moves in. Remember to change the locks on all the doors in the new home.
Six weeks prior to moving day
Obtain and fill out post office change-of-address cards.
Make arrangements for storage if necessary.
Ask your doctor or health plan provider for referrals, and obtain all medical records.
Have antiques, pieces of art, and other valuables appraised.
Clean all closets and drawers.
Start using foods and cleaning supplies that cannot be moved.
Four weeks prior to moving day
Schedule disconnection of all utility services at the old home, and connection of them at the new one, if applicable. Be sure to disconnect the day after leaving and connect the day before arriving. If you have "last month" deposits with services, such as the telephone company, request a refund.
If you or family members are moving yourself, reserve a rental truck.
If you or family members are packing yourself, obtain packing materials and start packing items you won't need until after you arrive at the new home.
Arrange for cleaning and repair of furniture, drapes, and carpeting.
Arrange for special transportation of pets and plants if applicable. It may be necessary to find new homes for pets and plants depending upon the situation.
Check with your insurance company to see how possessions are covered during transit.
Make any travel plans necessary for the move.
Check to see if you need any moving permits.
Plan a moving sale. Remember to check with local authorities about restrictions.
Determine which items can be given to family and friends. Discuss with your loved one before dispensing.
Collect important records - Gather personal and family records, including medical and dental, and veterinary records; legal and financial documents; birth certificates, passports and insurance documents.
Three weeks prior to moving day
Properly dispose of items that cannot be moved, such as flammable liquids.
If you are moving in or out of an apartment, arrange for use of the elevator.
Hold a moving sale.
Two weeks prior to moving day
Arrange for disposal of anything not sold at the moving sale.
Service the car in preparation for the move, if necessary.
Return any borrowed items (including library books) and retrieve any loaned items.
Cancel newspaper delivery.
Notify any creditors of your move.
Transfer prescriptions and be sure you have an adequate supply of medications on hand.
Assemble a file folder of information to leave for the new owner of your home.
Change your relative?s address - One week before your move, send change-of-address cards to everyone who will need to contact him, her or you.
Pick up laundry - Laundry tickets are easy to misplace, so ask for your things by name and not just by the receipts you have.
Pack a travel kit: Put aside critical items like a checkbook, credit cards, personal phone book, ID, flashlight, keys, toiletries, tools, paper plates, cups, towels, travel alarm clock, aspirin, and bandages. Also, pack a suitcase with clothing and other personal items.
Close and empty your safe-deposit box. Note: you may want to move the safe-deposit contents to another bank before the move or keep the box for safe storage during the move. Make a list of its contents and have your relative authorize access to a family member, trusted friend or attorney.
One day prior to moving day
Settle any bills with local businesses.
Drain power equipment of oil and gas. Drain water hoses.
Find new homes for plants that will not be moved.
Confirm any travel reservations.
Defrost refrigerator and freezer, propping doors open.
Let movers pack belongings (unless it's a do-it-yourself move).
Disconnect and prepare major appliances for move, if applicable.
Set aside anything that will travel in your car so it will not be loaded on the truck.
Pack a box of items that will be needed first at the new home. Clearly mark this box "Load Last."
Obtain cash or traveler's checks for the trip and to pay the movers.
Confirm arrival time of your moving van/truck.
If moving yourself, dismantle beds and other large furniture.
Moving Day
If using a mover, be sure someone is at the old house to answer questions.
Note all utility meter readings.
Read your bill of lading and inventory carefully before signing. Keep this paperwork in a safe place.
Delivery Day
Check belongings carefully and note on the inventory paperwork any damaged items.
On an interstate move, be prepared to pay the driver before possessions are unloaded.
Supervise unloading and unpacking.
Be prepared to pay your mover with cash, certified check, or traveler's checks unless other arrangements have been made in advance.

 

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