Moving Checklist - Tips for a Successful Move

Whether you are moving across town or to another state, moving a household can be an experience full of frustration, irritation, and confusion. Trying to remember all of the things that need to be accomplished before, during, and after your move can be daunting and chances are that in the heat of the moment, some items that need to be accomplished will be forgotten. That is why it is a good idea to use a checklist for a successful move -- and use it during the moving process. Here is a checklist can really help you stay organized and get things done!

For the New Community

Contact the Chamber of Commerce located in the city you are moving to in order to obtain a new resident's packet for the city.

Obtain medical, dental, and school records for all family members to be given to the new medical providers and new school district.

File a change of address form with the United States Postal Service alerting them to your new address and what date you are planning to take up residence in the new home.

Schedule dates to have utilities disconnected at your old home and connected at your new home.

Transfer or close all bank accounts and credit union accounts and clear out any safe deposit boxes for transfer to your new bank.

Fill any prescriptions that household members may need for the next several weeks.

Preparing for the Move

Begin by obtaining quotes from moving companies to budget the amount of money that will be needed for the move.

Determine what areas of the new home will be used for which function and which possessions will go into those areas.

Discard everything that will not be taken with you to the new location.

Begin collecting boxes and other packing supplies if you are packing your belongings yourself.

If you are taking the refrigerator with you, it needs to be cleaned out and defrosted at least 24 hours prior to loading it on the moving truck.

For the Actual Departure and in Transit

Be sure to pack valuable and irreplaceable items in separate boxes and transport them in the car with you instead of allowing them to be placed on the moving truck.

Have the moving truck loaded with the items that will be needed the soonest located at the back of the truck so that they can be off-loaded first.

After loading the moving truck and before it leaves, walk through each room and check each closet and drawer to ensure that you are not leaving anything behind.

Keep a friend or family member informed of your plans just in case there is an accident or emergency.

After the Move

Notify relatives, friends, and businesses of your new address.

Check all household systems and appliances in the new place thoroughly, to be sure that they are working properly and schedule repairs if needed.

Obtain a new driver's license and vehicle registration if you have moved to a new state.

Register to vote in your new community.