Make Moving Easier
Step-by-Step Tips

Move with Confidence: Your Comprehensive Moving Checklist

Is your client ready to move?   Here is information that you are invited to copy/paste to share with them to make the move organized and less stressful.

Planning ahead is the key to a seamless transition. We understand the importance of a well-organized move, and that's why we've crafted this detailed moving checklist for you and your clients. Share it on your website to guide them through every step of the relocation process.

Eight Weeks Before

• Declutter your space: Remove unnecessary items from your attic, basement, and storage areas.
• Consume perishables: Use up frozen foods and cleaning supplies to lighten the load.
• Research the new community: Gather information about your new neighborhood and create a floor plan for your new residence.
• Inventory your possessions: Start a detailed list of household items you want to keep.
• Solicit moving estimates: Reach out to at least three moving companies for quotes.
• Check insurance coverage: Consult your homeowners insurance agent to understand coverage during the move.
• Organize important documents: Create a file to document all moving papers and receipts.
• Transfer school records: Arrange to transfer your children’s school records.

Six Weeks Before

• Tax-related tasks: Contact the IRS or your CPA for tax-deductible information.
• Reevaluate possessions: Consider donating items and notify friends, relatives, and service providers.
• Local familiarity: Subscribe to a local paper in your new community and familiarize yourself with local news and activities.
• Off-site storage: Initiate the off-site storage process if needed.
• Healthcare arrangements: Locate quality healthcare professionals and hospitals in your new location.

Four Weeks Before

• Start packing: Begin packing items you won't need in the coming weeks.
• Repairs and cleaning: Send furniture, drapes, and carpets for repair or cleaning as needed.
• Utility disconnection/connect: Contact service providers for disconnection at your old address and connection at the new one.
• Refunds and notifications: Request refunds, notify service providers, and cancel subscriptions.
• Outdoor services: Notify your gardener, snow removal, and pool services if applicable.
• Insurance arrangements: Contact insurance companies to arrange coverage in your new home.

Three Weeks Before

• Travel plans: Make travel arrangements for moving day.
• Bank accounts: Close current accounts and open new ones in your new locale.
• Motor Vehicle Bureau: Notify your state's Motor Vehicle Bureau of your new address.
• Childcare arrangements: Arrange for childcare on moving day.

Two Weeks Before

• Pet and plant transport: Arrange special transport for pets and plants.
• Car service: Service your car for the trip.
• Moving company review: Contact your moving company to review arrangements.

One Week Before

• Moving day preparations: Prepare detailed directions and an itinerary for your moving company.
• Settle outstanding bills: Pay any outstanding bills with local retailers.
• Pet and medication arrangements: Take pets to the veterinarian, gather medications, and buy necessary supplies.
• Final preparations: Defrost refrigerators and freezers, disconnect major appliances, and pack first-night and survival kits.

Two-to-Three Days Before

• Mover's final preparations: If not packing yourself, have your mover pack.
• Valuables and essentials: Consider gathering valuables and essentials to be held by family or friends until the move is complete.
• Appliance and utility disconnect: Disconnect all major appliances and make sure utilities are turned off at the old address.
• Packing essentials: Pack first-night items and a mover's survival kit.

Moving Day

• Be present: Be home to answer any questions your mover may have.
• Utility meter readings: Record all utility meter readings.
• Oversight: Stay until your movers are finished.
• Documentation: Complete information on the bill of lading and inventory sheets before signing.

At Destination

• Unpack essentials: Unpack first-night items and the mover's survival kit.
• Welcome the movers: Be at the destination to welcome the movers and answer any questions.
• Payment: After the job is completed, pay any outstanding amounts.
• Check belongings: Scrutinize the unloading of your items and account for each one on your inventory sheet.
• Document organization: Place moving and other important documents in a safe place.

Feel confident about your move with this comprehensive checklist. We believe in empowering real estate professionals with the knowledge they need to navigate the complexities of relocation.

For more valuable insights and strategies, connect with Karen Jones, Founder of Strategy4SuccessNow and Marketing Coach for Real Estate Professionals.