30 Days to a Successful Move!

If you are moving there will be countless things to remember, people to call, and steps to take. As you get closer to your moving date, each step becomes increasingly important to a smooth move. Use this handy 30 day checklist as a reminder of what needs to be done and, if possible, start early.
When moving day arrives, you'll be glad you did!

If you rent, you'll want to notify your landlord of your planned moving date, to ensure return of security deposit.

Start cleaning out closets to decide what to keep, give away or sell. Consider holding a garage sale to unload extra items and earn spare cash.

Now is the time to decide if you want to use movers or do it yourself. If you'll be using movers, speak with at least three companies, get estimates and select one. Review details with selected mover...cost, insurance, packing requirements, delivery and claims procedures.

Or, if you plan on moving yourself, arrange for a truck rental and/or reserve a storage space 15 to 30 days in advance.

Stop into your local self storage office for a full array of packing cartons and supplies. Then, begin packing a little each day.

As you pack, prepare an inventory, showing what you are moving and where it's packed. This will come in handy for future reference. See the inventory checklist.

Obtain all medical, dental and insurance records and arrange for transfer of school transcripts. Check auto licensing requirements if moving out of state.

Notify charge card companies and other lenders of new address and effective date.

Notify Post Office of your moving plans. They can also supply you with change of address cards to notify businesses, friends, etc. Notify magazines early, as they will need at least 4 - 6 weeks for uninterrupted service.

Make personal travel/hotel plans, if applicable. Don't forget to make arrangements for your pet.

Begin to use up food in your freezer and cabinets.

If you haven't done so already, reserve your truck and storage space now.

Arrange with your bank for transfer of accounts and release of safe deposit box.

Notify local utility companies of disconnect date. Arrange connect dates at new address. Don't forget phone, cable TV, and Newspaper delivery.

Make plans for any house plants. If moving interstate, check your moving company for applicable regulations. And remember, plants and other perishables can not be stored.

Drain all oil and gas from power tools and lawn care equipment for safe moving and storage. And, if traveling, service your car.

Return and retrieve items borrowed or loaned.

Check your insurance agent to see if items in storage will be covered by an existing insurance policy. If you are not covered your self storage organization can provide a month-to-month storage policy with your rental.

Remove any light fixtures, curtains, shelving television antenna, etc., that you will need to take with you. (Check your real estate agreement as to what you may need to replace.)

Continue packing non-essential items.

Defrost, clean and dry refrigerator and freezer. Air out for at least 24 hours. Clean and dry stoves and microwave oven. An open box of baking soda will help keep them smelling fresh.

Finish packing personal items. Leave out the alarm clock and simple items needed for breakfast on moving day. Don't forget to put aside any items that will be needed in the car (such as a map, toys for the kids, money, keys and a flashlight.)

Prepare a First Day in New Home Kit including soap, sheets and towels, coffee and coffee pot, canned goods and snacks, can opener, sugar, salt, paper plates and cups, utensils, paper towels, toilet paper, sponge, detergents, aspirin, flashlight, light bulbs, screwdrivers, hammer and nails. To avoid accidentally loading this Kit in the moving van, clearly mark this carton, "DO NOT MOVE", or better yet, put it in your car, now.

Get cash or traveler's checks for your trip and pay the mover, if needed.

Strip beds: leave fitted bottom sheets on mattresses. Store top sheets under fitted sheets so you will have them handy for your first night in your new home.

Plan to be on hand to answer the movers’ questions and give them directions to your new residence.

Before leaving, check all rooms, closets and garage to be sure nothing is forgotten, and make sure all windows and doors are locked and shades are drawn.