Begin Planning For Your Move
□ If you are using a mover, get a few estimates from moving companies.
□ If you are moving yourself, get costs from at least two truck rental companies.
□ Check with your insurance company to see how your possessions are covered during transit. (While you are at it, get a couple quotes for homeowner insurance to make sure you have good coverage and good rates.)
□ Make an inventory of your household goods and begin to remove clutter (start with basement, attic, garage, and other storage areas).
□ Start a file for all of your moving paperwork (estimates, receipts, etc.)
□ Find out the process of transferring school records, registration, etc. and note timelines.
□ Get your new home ready - contact painters, home and/or carpet cleaners, and any other services you want to hire so your home is ready when you arrive. Remember to change the locks on all the doors and reset the garage door codes in your new home.
□ Make arrangements for storage if necessary.
Three Weeks Prior to Moving Day
□ If you are moving yourself, reserve a rental truck. If hiring a mover, reserve with estimated dates of closing. You may not get keys until the END OF THE DAY on closing day. Decide how much prep you want to do prior to your actual moving day and make arrangements based on that timeline.
□ If you are packing yourself, obtain packing materials and start packing items you won’t need after you arrive at your new house.
□ Collect your important records to keep them safe and accessible while transitioning – Gather personal and family records, including medical and dental, veterinary and school records; legal and financial documents; birth certificates, passports and insurance documents.
□ Properly dispose of items that cannot be moved, such as flammable liquids.
□ Clean all closets and drawers.
□ If you are moving in or out of an apartment, arrange for use of the elevator (if applicable).
□ Hold your moving sale.
Two Weeks Prior to Moving Day
□ Arrange for disposal of anything not sold at your moving sale.
□ Start using foods and cleaning supplies that can’t be moved.
□ Return any borrowed items (including library books) and retrieve any loaned items.
□ Cancel newspaper or other subscriptions. Often times, these will not be forwarded to your new address.
□ Update your bank account, any creditors, insurance companies, retirement accounts, IRS, employers, etc. with your new mailing address.
□ Call your doctor or health plan provider to update your new address (if moving out of area, ask for referrals, obtain all medical records, etc.)
□ Be sure you have an adequate supply of all medications, during your transition.
□ Assemble a file folder of information to leave for the new owner of your home, if applicable.
□ Make child-care arrangements for moving day.
One Week Prior to Moving Day
□ Change your address–send change-of-address cards to everyone who will need to contact you, including the Post Office: go online www.usps.com
□ Prepare auto registration for transfer (if moving to another state).
□ 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, bandages and games for the kids. Also, pack a suitcase with clothing and other personal items.
One Day Prior to Moving Day
□ Disconnect and prepare major appliances for the move.
□ 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 house. Clearly mark this box “Load Last”.
□ Obtain cash 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.
□ Schedule disconnection of all utility services at your old home, and connection of them at your new home. Be sure to disconnect the day after you leave and connect the day of closing. If you have “last month” deposits with services, such as the water company, request your refund.
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 loading and inventory carefully before signing. Keep this paperwork in a safe place.
Delivery Day and After
□ Check your belongings carefully and note on the inventory paperwork any damaged items.
□ On an interstate move, be prepared to pay the driver before your 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.
□ Register vehicle and apply for a driver’s license within 30 days of move. For in-state moves, address must be updated within ten days. Visit www.dol.wa.gov for more information.