Moving Checklist

Moving Checklist

• Before Moving Checklist
• During the Move Checklist
• After the Move Checklist

Before Moving Checklist

• Create a moving budget and stick to it
• Research and choose a moving company
• Notify utility companies and change of address
• Create a list of items you want to take with you and items you want to leave behind
• Pack a moving essentials box
• Arrange for storage if necessary
• Make travel arrangements for yourself and your pets
• Pack and label boxes
• Take inventory of items being moved
• Confirm moving details with your chosen moving company

During the Move Checklist

• Supervise the loading and unloading of your belongings
• Check for damages before and after the move
• Keep important documents and valuables with you
• Keep a copy of the inventory and the bill of lading
• Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly
• Make sure to lock all windows and doors before leaving
• Be present during the entire move
• Keep all important contact numbers with you
• Confirm the delivery date and time with the movers
• Take pictures of the empty house/apartment before leaving

After the Move Checklist

• Check for damages and report them immediately
• Unpack and organize your belongings as soon as possible
• Notify utility companies of your new address
• Update your address with the post office and other organizations
• Check for any missing items
• Check the condition of appliances and furniture
• Take pictures of the new house/apartment after moving in
• Return the keys to the landlord or real estate agent
• Thank your movers and tip them if you were pleased with their service

Before Moving Checklist

Create a moving budget and stick to it

Creating a budget before your move can help you plan and prepare for the expenses that come with moving. Make sure to include all costs, such as moving company fees, packing materials, storage, and any travel expenses. Sticking to your budget will ensure that you don’t overspend and have enough funds for the move.

Research and choose a moving company

It’s important to research and choose a reputable moving company that fits your budget and needs. Look for reviews and ask for recommendations from friends and family. Make sure to also check for licensing and insurance. Choosing the right moving company can make a big difference in the overall success of your move.

Notify utility companies and change of address

Notifying utility companies of your move and updating your address with them can ensure a smooth transition to your new home. Make sure to notify companies such as the electric, gas, water, internet, and cable companies at least a week before your move. You can also update your address with the post office and other organizations for mail forwarding.

Create a list of items you want to take with you and items you want to leave behind

Creating a list of items you want to take with you and items you want to leave behind can help you stay organized and make the moving process easier. It’s also a good idea to sort through your items and declutter before packing. This can help you save on moving costs and make unpacking at your new home less overwhelming.

Pack a moving essentials box

Packing a moving essentials box is a great way to keep important items and documents easily accessible during the move. This box should include items such as important documents, medications, toiletries, and a change of clothes. It’s also a good idea to keep this box with you, instead of with the rest of your belongings, so you can easily access it if needed.

Arrange for storage if necessary

If you need to store some of your items before or after the move, it’s important to arrange for storage in advance. This can include renting a storage unit or finding a storage solution through your moving company. Make sure to properly label and organize your items in storage, and take inventory of what you have stored.

Make travel arrangements for yourself and your pets

If you’re moving to a new city or state, it’s important to make travel arrangements for yourself and any pets you may have. This can include booking a hotel or rental car, or making plans for a road trip. If you’re traveling with pets, make sure to research pet-friendly options and bring all necessary documents and supplies.

Pack and label boxes

Packing and labeling boxes can make the moving process much easier. Start packing as early as possible and pack one room at a time. Use quality packing materials and make sure to label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in. This will help keep your belongings organized and make it easier to unpack at your new home.

Take inventory of items being moved

Taking inventory of the items being moved is important for keeping track of your belongings and ensuring nothing gets lost or left behind. Make sure to take inventory before the move and compare it to the inventory provided by the moving company upon delivery. This can also help with any potential damage or loss claims.

Confirm moving details with your chosen moving company

Confirm the details of your move with the moving company you have chosen. This can include the date of the move, the cost, the number of movers, and any special instructions. Make sure to have a clear understanding of the services the company will provide and any additional costs that may come up.

During the Move Checklist

Supervise the loading and unloading of your belongings

It’s important to supervise the loading and unloading of your belongings to ensure that nothing is left behind or misplaced during the move. This can also help prevent damages to your items. Make sure to also check the condition of your items during the loading and unloading process, and note any damages that you see.

Check for damages before and after the move

Checking for damages before and after the move is important to ensure that you are not held responsible for any pre-existing damages or damages that may occur during the move. It’s also important to take note of any damages and report them to your moving company immediately so that you can make a claim if necessary.

Keep important documents and valuables with you

Make sure to keep important documents and valuables with you during the move, such as passports, birth certificates, and jewelry. This will ensure that they are not lost or misplaced during the move.

Keep a copy of the inventory and the bill of lading

Make sure to keep a copy of the inventory and the bill of lading, which is a document that lists all of the items being moved, and the condition they were in before the move. This can help ensure that all items are accounted for and can be useful in case of any disputes or damages.

Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly

Checking the weather forecast for the day of the move can help you plan accordingly and prepare for any potential issues. If there is a chance of rain or extreme heat, make sure to protect your belongings by covering them with plastic or moving them indoors. Also, plan for any other weather related issues that might arise.

Make sure to lock all windows and doors before leaving

Before leaving your old home, make sure to double check that all windows and doors are locked to ensure the safety of your property. This will also give you peace of mind knowing that your home is secure during the move.

Be present during the entire move

Being present during the entire move can help ensure that your belongings are handled carefully and that any issues or concerns are addressed in a timely manner. It also allows you to supervise the loading and unloading of your belongings and check for damages before leaving.

Keep all important contact numbers with you

It’s important to keep all important contact numbers with you during the move, such as the moving company, utility companies, and any emergency contacts. This will ensure that you can easily reach someone in case of an emergency or if you have any questions or concerns during the move.

Confirm the delivery date and time with the movers

Confirming the delivery date and time with the movers can ensure that your belongings will arrive at your new home on time. It’s also important to communicate any specific instructions or requests you may have for the delivery, such as where to place certain items in the new home.

Take pictures of the empty house/apartment before leaving

Taking pictures of the empty house or apartment can help provide documentation of its condition before you leave. This can be useful in case of any disputes with the landlord or previous owner about damages or cleaning.

After the Move Checklist

Check for damages and report them immediately

It’s important to check for any damages as soon as you move in, and report them immediately to the moving company. This can help ensure that the damages are properly documented and addressed.

Unpack and organize your belongings as soon as possible

Unpacking and organizing your belongings as soon as possible can help you settle into your new home more quickly and make it feel more like your own. Try to unpack the most essential items first, such as clothes, bedding, and kitchen essentials.

Notify utility companies of your new address

Notifying utility companies of your new address is important to ensure a smooth transition and to avoid any interruptions in service. This includes companies such as the electric, gas, water, internet, and cable companies.

Update your address with the post office and other organizations

Updating your address with the post office and other organizations can ensure that your mail is forwarded to your new home and that you continue to receive important communications. This includes updating your address with credit card companies, banks, and other important organizations.

Check for any missing items

Make sure to check for any missing items and report them to the moving company as soon as possible. Having a copy of the inventory and bill of lading can help ensure that all items are accounted for.

Check the condition of appliances and furniture

It’s important to check the condition of appliances and furniture after the move to ensure that they were not damaged during the move. If any damages are found, report them to the moving company immediately.

Take pictures of the new house/apartment after moving in

Take pictures of the new house/apartment after moving in, this will help you document the condition of the property before you move in and it will also be useful if there are any disputes with the landlord or real estate agent later on.

Return the keys to the landlord or real estate agent

Make sure to return the keys to the landlord or real estate agent after moving out. This will ensure that you are not responsible for any damages that may occur after you leave.

Thank your movers and tip them if you were pleased with their service

Make sure to thank your movers for their hard work and consider tipping them if you were pleased with their service. This can help ensure that you have a good experience with them in the future.