Planning for a smooth move out of your home and into your new home.
As soon as you have your new home under contract, it is a good idea to implement the following schedule.
The Mover
Call a variety or moving companies and obtain a written cost estimate from each. Moves of less than 50 miles normally is estimated on a per hour basis. Long distance moves generally are priced by weight and mileage. Select a mover based on your criteria then book them for the date that coincides with your closing and possession dates. If dates change in your contract along the way, call your mover immediately and rebook for the new date.
THE COUNTDOWN
THIRTY DAYS BEFORE....
Determine what you are going to keep and begin to dispose of everything else. Remember that Good Will, Salvation Army, Local Organizations can use a lot of what you don't keep i.e. clothes, toys, furniture...
Decide what item you are going to pack yourself and what you want the moving company to pack. Generally the mover is NOT responsible for item that they do not pack. Keep your eye out for a new neighbor moving into your area to see if they will give or sell their boxes and packing material to you. New materials from moving companies are costly.
Notify your post office of your upcoming new address by filling out their change of address cards.
For long distance moves, gather dental and medical records for all family members.
Notify schools and arrange to have transcripts and records forwarded to the new schools.
For long distance moves close local charge accounts
Start a possessions inventory. It is a good idea to video possessions as well as to have a written copy.
Solicit estimate from moving companies.
Create a file for documenting all moving papers and receipts.
TWO WEEKS BEFORE...
Start packing do a little bit each day.
Return borrowed items and reclaim lent items.
Arrange disconnect / connect dates with utility companies. Phone, cable, gas and electric, trash (water is normally handled through the title or escrow company)
Develop a floor plan to show the movers where you want your belongings placed in your new home.
ONE WEEK BEFORE...
Dispose of flammable materials
Dismantle outdoor play equipment
Transfer bank accounts and safe deposit boxes (be sure that bank account transfer will not disrupt your needs to have cash / good funds at closing)
Pack the items that you want to move yourself and mark the containers "DO NOT MOVE." Also indicate the destination room on the box.
ONE DAY BEFORE...
Empty and defrost your refrigerator and freezer: let appliances air out for 24 hours.
Finish packing personal items.
Get to bed early.
MOVING DAY...
Strip beds, but leave the mattress cover or fitted sheet on.
Be available all day to the movers so that you can answer questions and monitor things.
Accompany the movers around your home for an inventory of things they should and should not move. Once the moving truck/s are loaded, it can be a good idea to take a photograph of the contents just prior to the truck door being closed. Another picture should be taken once the truck has arrived at the new location immediately once the doors have been opened. This will document any shifting and will document that your items were not disturbed along the way.
Confirm with the movers the delivery address and schedule for arrival.
Do a thorough cleaning of floors, cabinets, windows, garage, and bathrooms so that the new owners can move in and enjoy!
Secure the windows and doors and head for ... Your new HOME! Back to Previous Page