Moving Checklist

Congratulations you bought a new home!

Now the fun part begins, MOVING!!!

There is a lot to do to prepare, but don’t worry, The Lisa Jackson Team has got you covered! Just use this moving checklist that we have prepared to help you stay on top of your to-do list week by week.

You will be moved in and relaxing with your feet up before you know it.

• Create a moving expense budget.
• Consider creating a digital “MOVING” folder on Google Drive, Dropbox, or another online storage system.
  Google Drive | Dropbox
• Take pictures of quotes, receipts, & records related to your move & store them in your online storage system.
  (It's important to keep track of all your moving-related expenses to check with the IRS to see if you can deduct any of your expenses on your tax return.)
• If you are considering using a moving company be sure to schedule at least 3 in-home estimates. Make sure your moving company is licensed and insured by verifying their DOT number on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website.
  (Don't forget to read over all the important documents from your movers before signing anything.)
• Plan how to move fragile or unusual items, such as pianos, fine art, pool tables, guns, safes, etc.
• Find out what the movers you hired will and will not move. It might be necessary to hire a specialty mover for some items.
• Request time off work for moving day.
• Plan a yard sale and make some CASH!!! (Check out our blog: How to Have a Successful Yard Sale)

• Collect as many free boxes as you can from local businesses. If you can’t locate any, UsedCardboardBoxes.com sells quality inspected USED moving box kits.
• Label your moving boxes using different colored stickers or tape for each room. (Check out our blog: Ready-To-Use Moving Labels to download your own moving labels)
• Create an inventory sheet of your valuables before they go on the moving truck.
• Mark moving boxes that are fragile.
• Take photos of all electronics before unplugging them, so that it makes it easier for you to set them back up.
• Put all your furniture hardware in labeled baggies for easy reassembly.
• Use towels, socks, and t-shirts as free packing supplies.
• If you are moving into or out of an apartment, find out if there are any moving day requirements.
• If you are renting ensure that you get your security deposit back by addressing minor home repairs before moving out.
• If moving far, make sure you have your vehicle(s) serviced.
• If your move requires shipping your car, do not leave anything in it that could be stolen.
• Measure doorways, stairways, and elevators to make sure your furniture will fit.
• Start researching your new community to help find your new favorite local businesses, restaurants and things to do. Yelp, Foursquare, and joining a community Facebook Group to ask questions are great places to start.
• Every day pack a little, so you aren’t rushing around at the last minute.

• Notify your homeowners or renters insurance company of your upcoming move.
  (The most important thing to do before your move is to contact your insurance agent/company to discuss your upcoming move date, coverage, and insurance plan.)
• Sell or donate items you no longer want or need.
• Use up or donate items that you can’t pack or sell, such as frozen foods, bleach, and aerosol cans.
• If you are getting your own moving truck look into the cost of renting one. Also, confirm where to safely and conveniently park it. Depending on where you are moving to you may need a parking permit for moving day.
• If you’re moving long-distance, plan your moving route and book hotels.
• Purchase moving insurance.
• Gather all of your important documents in one place. Then, carry important documents on your person during your move.
  (eg. Financial and Legal Documents, Medical Records, Birth Certificates, Passports, etc.)
• If you’re moving out of town, now is a good time to find a new doctor, dentist, and veterinarian in your new neighborhood.
• If you’re moving out of the country and have pets, make sure your pets have all necessary vaccinations.

• Recycle or dispose of corrosives, flammables, and poisonous items properly.
• Use everything up in your refrigerator and freezer.
• Have you borrowed anything from your neighbors, family, or friends? Now is the perfect time to return it.
• Back up your computer. 
• Find cable and internet providers who serve your new address, order service, and schedule your installation appointment.
• Remove light bulbs from all lamps you plan to move.
• If you are changing banks, don't forget to empty your safe deposit box.
• Cancel or transfer your membership at the gym, yoga studio, etc. (If you have a locker, don't forget to clean it out.)
• Fill your prescriptions and transfer your prescriptions to a new pharmacy, if necessary.
• Prepare a list of emergency service technicians and preferred providers.
• If you have children, line up a babysitter or make arrangements for a play date during moving day.
• Find somewhere safe for pets to go during your move. 
• Send a moving announcement so that your friends and family will have your new address.
• Clean outdoor furniture before it’s moved.

• Transfer your utilities including water, electric, and natural gas.
• Donate unopened food.
• Clean your current home for the next resident.
• Unplug your fridge and freezer to defrost the night before. 
• Drain water hoses to your washing machine and ice maker.
• Empty oil and gas from grills, heaters, lawnmowers, etc.
• Check to make sure you didn’t leave anything behind on shelves or in closet corners.
• If renting prepare for your final walkthrough with your landlord. 
• Find out what the weather will be like on the day of your move and plan accordingly.
• Pack an essentials box with everything you may need during your first day in your new home.
• Take photographs of your empty place to prove it’s in move-out condition.
• Have cash on hand to tip your movers.
• Clean your new home.

Yay! It’s finally moving day. Make sure to get an early start. The earlier you move in, the more time you will have to start unpacking and settling into your new home

• Wake up early and eat a good breakfast.
• Don’t forget to protect your carpets and floors during your move.
• Tip your movers for a job well done. Moving is tough work.
• Once your movers leave, make your bed and unpack bathroom supplies and toiletries.
• Say hello to your new neighbors!
• Go grocery shopping.

Yippee! You're finally moved in. Only a little more left to do before you can have fun making your new home yours.

• Make sure your home address is visible.
• Update your driver’s license.
• Change your address with USPS either in-person or online. Click here to access the USPS Change-of-Address Form.
• Notify government offices, including the Social Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, and the IRS of your address change.
• Change your address for your auto insurance and car registration.
• Change your address with loan providers, credit cards, banks, and the payroll department at work.
• Start updating all your accounts and records with your new address.
• Also, remember to order new checks with your updated address.
• Update your voter registration!
• Update your address with Amazon and any monthly subscription boxes, newspapers, or magazines you receive.
• Make sure your pets have ID tags for their collars. 
• If you have any scheduled deliveries make sure you either canceled them or redirected them to your new address.
• Set up trash removal and recycling for your new home, and cancel your current service.
• Leave a review of your moving experience with your moving company.
• Post leftover moving boxes or unwanted furniture for sale on a local Facebook group or Craigslist.
• Clean the carpets.
• Sweep the chimney before using it.
• Consider installing a new home security system and security cameras.
• If you moved to Southwestern Pennsylvania don't forget to join our Facebook page, Greater Pittsburgh South & East to explore local businesses, restaurants, and things to do near you.
• Did someone help you move? Send them a thank you card. 
• Finish unpacking all of your stuff.
• Make copies of your new keys.

Now that you are finished, it's time to sit back, relax and enjoy a nice refreshing beverage.

Was our moving list helpful? Let us know in the comments if we missed anything.