There are so many things to think about when moving! Here's a comprehensive checklist to help you stay on track.

CONGRATULATIONS! You have closed on your new home and now you are ready to move!  The next few pages contain tips and checklists so that your move is as organized and effortless as possible.  Think about your move as a series of small projects that you can begin while your home is under contract.  Your move will progress as your contract and closing progress.  That way, when the day comes to physically move your belongings, most of the details will be taken care of.

Keep detailed records – some moving expenses are tax deductible!

Keep detailed records of all moving expenses if your move is job related.  Many expenses, including house-hunting trips, are tax deductible.  If your move is 35 miles or more from your home, you can deduct your family’s travel expenses, including meals and lodging; the cost of transporting furniture, other household goods and personal belongings; food and hotel bills for up to 30 days in the new city if you have to wait to move into your new home; and the costs associated with selling your old home or leasing your new home.

Note:      There is a ceiling on deductions which is outlined in detail in the IRS’s Publication 521, “Tax Information on Moving Expenses,” available free form the IRS offices

One Month Before Moving

• Pick up a Change-of-Address Kit from the Post Office and fill out:
  • Friends and family
  • Banks
  • Insurance companies
  • Credit card companies
  • Magazines and newspapers - cancel local newspaper delivery
  • Doctors, dentists and other providers - transfer drug prescriptions
  • Past employer - for W2 forms
• Take a look around the house. Start to think about what you don't want to take with you.
  • Use up perishable foods
  • Sell, donate or hold a garage sale for unwanted items
• Prepare a list of what you want to move.
  • Large appliances?
  • Outside furniture?
• For full service moves:
  • Get written estimates from several moving companies
  • Will the movers pack for you?
  • What items won't they move?
  • Get appraisals of high-value items in case of future claims
  • • For do-it-yourself moves, make arrangements for truck rental and moving help, and buy packing supplies:
      • Boxes
      • Packing and masking tape
      • Markers
      • Newspapers
      • Twine
    • Start packing boxes. Mark boxes clearly as to contents and room to be placed in. Mark "Open First" clearly on boxes containing important items to be unpacked first:
      • Dishes
      • Pots and pans
      • Alarm clock
      • Bedding
      • Special toys
      • Towels
      • Lightbulbs
      • Plates
      • Tools - hammer, pliers, wrench
    • Stop by and make arrangements for picking up your important records:
      • Birth
      • Doctor
      • Dentist
      • Legal
      • Optician, optometrist
      • School - make sure you get one with a raised seal
      • Veterinarian
    • Close out your bank accounts:
      • Checking
      • Savings
      • Safe Deposit Box
    • Start a new bank account in your new town.
      • Transfer account from current bank?
    • Contact your child's new school and notify them of your upcoming move to their area.
    • Contact the Chamber of Commerce in your new town. Request a relocation package

Two Weeks Before Moving

• Pack your vital documents in one place:
  • Passports
  • Military records
  • Mortgage records
  • Marriage license
  • Birth certificates
  • Vehicle titles
  • Stock certificates
  • Insurance papers
  • Bank records
  • School records
  • Medical records
  • Tax records
• Make arrangements to disconnect your utilities. Get refunds for any deposits made. Have meters read. Give new address for them to send their final bill:
  • Cable - return box if necessary
  • Electric
  • Gas
  • Internet access
  • Telephone
  • Water
• Make arrangements to connect utilities at your new residence.
• Make arrangements for cleaning
• Inquire about your new state's auto licensing procedure and auto insurance rates.
• Check with your insurance company about transferring coverage to your new home.
• Arrange to have a sitter watch your children at their house on moving day.

One Week Before Moving

• Dispose or drain any flammable items:
  • Lawn mower gas
  • Snow blower gas
  • Paint
  • Aerosol cans
• Plan what goes in the car with you:
  • Toys and games for kids
  • Special breakable items or collections
  • Important documents and records
  • Change of clothes and toiletries for your first day
  • Vacuum cleaner - if you want to clean right away
  • Toilet paper
  • First aid kit
  • Food kit with bottled water, cereal, bananas
• Make travel arrangements for your pets and plants.
• Purchase moving insurance if you have valuable antiques and collections.
• Have your car tuned up.

The Day Before Moving

• Defrost, clean and air out your refrigerator.
• Clean your stove.
• Make sure you have payment ready for the mover - they will not unpack without a check. Check your moving company's payment policies.
• Purchase traveler's checks for other possible expenses.
• Pack your former town's phone book for future correspondence.
• Get a simple breakfast ready for the next morning.
• Pick up ice and beverages for moving day.
• Take down curtains and curtain rods.
• Get a good night's sleep!

Moving Day!

• Strip your beds.
  • Moving company - will they disassemble?
• Show movers around. Make sure your possessions to be moved are inventoried with them.
  • Write "subject to further inspection for concealed loss or damage" on contract when you sign to protect yourself should you find damage while unpacking.
• Get all keys together. Put in a safe spot.
• Make sure moving van driver has correct address, phone number and directions. Confirm delivery date with him.
• Check all rooms one last time. Remember closets and cupboards, basement and garage! Make sure all windows and doors are locked.