We're Moving! - Moving Checklist and Tips

I despise moving.  I loathe the hectic atmosphere, and I always feel uneasy because I have a nagging feeling that I am forgetting something.  Even though I despise it, I have moved four times over the past six years, and it has become fairly systematic.  We are moving again in a couple weeks into another apartment about an hour away, in order to be closer to Chris' college.  I am a list person, so this time I wrote down a long checklist to ensure that nothing would be forgotten.  I realized that you might find my checklist, along with some tips, useful.  After all, this is the most popular time of year to move.

 

 

Services to Cancel/Transfer

• Electric
• Water & Sewage
• Garbage (if you are moving from/to a house)
• Cable & Internet
• Phone/Cell
• Gym

Change of Address Notifications

• USPS (They will forward all mail sent to your old address to your new address for one year.  This is incredibly helpful if you forget to tell somebody you moved.)
• Friends & Family
• Employer(s)
• Bank
• Credit Cards
• Insurance
• Driver's license
• Voter's registration
• Doctor/Dentist
• Subscriptions (magazines, monthly boxes, etc.)

Packing & Preparing

• Reserve moving van and/or movers.
• Pack infrequently used items early.
• Dispose/sell/give away unused items.
• Write on your boxes to describe what is inside.
• Pack personal and financial items in one box, and keep it close (birth certificates, passports, checkbooks, moving receipts, etc.).
• Eat the food that you have left in your pantry.
• Ensure everything is packed before your moving day. (Don't want to upset those helping YOU out...)

Moving Day

• Set out food and water.  After all the heavy lifting, you and/or your movers will require sustenance.
• Create and implement a moving strategy for your pets and young children.  You will need to keep them occupied and out of harm's way.
• Raise/lower thermostat.
• Turn off water heater.
• Lock windows and doors.

Inevitably, something unexpected will occur when you are moving, but hopefully this list will prepare you for most of it.  If you have more tips that have helped you move in the past, post them in the comments below.  I'd love to hear your thoughts.  Good luck and happy moving season!