Moving into a new home is exciting, but the process getting there can be stressful. Having a plan and preparing in advance will reduce your stress level and help you better enjoy the process. Remember, you’ll be settled in soon and enjoying your new home.
6-8 Weeks Before the Move
- Get estimates for movers or rental truck
- Schedule movers or rental truck
- Determine furniture layout for new home
- Make inventory of household items
- Arrange for school transfer
- Ask for doctor and dental referrals; arrange for transfer of medical and dental records
- Fill out change-of-address card with post office
- Clean out all closets and drawers
4-6 Weeks Before the Move
- Get packing supplies: boxes, packing paper, tape, markers
- Use up or dispose of food, cleaning supplies, and hazardous materials
- Have garage sale/donate unwanted items
- Arrange for carpet and drapery cleaning
- Arrange for house cleaning
- Arrange for move of pets
- Arrange for move of plants
- Arrange for utilities (cancel old; start new): Electricity, gas, water/sewer, telephone/DSL, garbage/recycling, cable/satellite
- Arrange for transfer of homeowner’s/renter’s insurance
- Begin packing
- Make travel arrangements
- Request relocation package from Chamber of Commerce of new town
2-3 Weeks Before the Move
- Set aside critical documents and items you will keep with you
- Transfer prescriptions
- Notify of new address: Family and friends, newspaper, magazines, bank accounts, health, life, and auto insurance policies, credit card bills, employer
- Create a folder of important information and user manuals for the new owner of your home (if applicable). Include your contact information so they can forward any mail.
- Plan for child / pet care during your major packing and moving days
1-5 Days Before the Move
- Check in with your escrow officer, real estate agent, and lender to make sure your home sale and purchase are on schedule.
- Defrost freezer
- Empty ice maker and ice cube trays in case of power shutdown
- Clean refrigerator, stove, and oven
- Disconnect and drain appliances for move
- Drain fuel from power equipment
- Close out safe deposit box
- Confirm travel arrangements
- Confirm arrival time of movers/pick-up time of rental truck
- Confirm parking for your moving vehicle
- Have payment and snacks ready for movers
- Gather and clean outdoor furniture
- Return cable box, cable modem, DSL modem if necessary
- Organize keys
- Clean house
- Finish packing
- Prepare food for moving day
Moving Day
- Disassemble beds
- Double-check that all cupboards, closets, dishwasher and other appliances are empty
- Give movers tour and instructions for what is being moved
- Lock windows and doors, turn off furnace, turn off lights
Your New Home – Moving In & Settling In
- Inspect your new home before moving in – note any unexpected damage and take photos
- Clean anything that needs cleaning prior to unloading
- Verify utilities are working (power, water, heating, cooling)
- Unload your items and start settling in
- Assemble beds first so you have a place to sleep
- Move on to the kitchen and bathroom next
- Offer beverages and snacks to helpers
- Check for any damage to items while moving
- Replace locks and make copies of keys
Within 30 Days of the Move
- Change address
- Driver’s license
- Auto registration
- Voter registration
- Re-establish safe deposit box
- Enjoy your new home!
Source: https://www.amerititle.com/Resources/WebDocs/AmeriTitle%20Seller%20Checklist.pdf
