Moving day can be very stressful, however it you are prepared then the day will be easy. We’ve put together a great checklist to make sure your big day goes smoothly.
- Prepare a folder to keep any important documents from your move
- Unplug all of your appliances before the movers arrive
- Take an inventory of everything you have packed to compare with your movers
- Put together a last minute packing kit with boxes, packing tape, packing paper, and markers in case you forgot to pack something
- Pack an overnight bag with any toiletries, medications, or foods you will need in your new home
- Pack an overnight bag for your children with any special items like favorite toys or blankets or medications
- Pack an overnight bag for your pets with foods, food dishes, leashes, or medications
- Clearly mark and set aside any items you don’t want the movers to take
- Clear a space for the moving truck to park outside your home
- Clear the walkway between your house and the moving truck, moving anything that can block the movers or create a tripping hazard
- Install any carpet, floor, or door frame protectors
- Take your movers through your home and show them what they will be moving
- Point out any fragile items or items that require extra care
- Point out any extra large or heavy items
- Make sure the movers load goods in a specific order so that the back of the truck is full of the items you will need last
- Be available during the move to answer any questions the movers have
- Once they are done and before they leave do a complete walk through to make sure they have taken everything
- Give your movers any information like your phone number, moving address, and a map to your new residence
- Check the inventory list, compare with yours, and sign it, keep a copy in your moving folder
- Carefully read and sign the bill of lading, keep a copy in your moving folder
- Carefully read and sign the high-value inventory form, keep a copy in your moving folder
- Make sure you have your moving company’s information, including the driver’s’ phone number
- Do a final cleanup and take out the remaining trash
- Check that all windows are locked and lights are off
- Turn down your thermostat to 15 degrees
- Turn off your hot water heater and any appliances you are leaving behind
- Leave a note with your new address so the new residents can forward any mail to you
- Surrender the keys to the new tenants, your real estate agent, or landlord
- If your former residence will be empty for a long time, notify the local police
12 Comments
Thank you for putting the list together. This is very useful. My husband and I are going to move to another state in three months, and we will definitely print this out!
Very well put together list! I always forget the fourth one, about keeping some packing essentials out. The only thing I would note is that if you’re leaving a home in a colder climate, you might want to only set the thermostat down to 45 f, that way it ensures that all areas of your old house stay above the freezing point of 32 f. It would be awful to get an unexpected bill for the repairs to burst pipes if you turn it down to far and the pipes freeze up before the new occupant gets in. Otherwise, absolutely great! Wish I’d had this on my last move.
Neat! Thank you! My husband and I are making our first ever big move where we’re going far enough that we need professional movers next month. I’d never even thought of the inventory or bill of loading and such. My hubby is so gonna hate me but I think I’m going to make him go through and inventory all the boxes we already have packed and in the pod. Hahahaha. Thank you!
Yes, those tips are very important and helpful. I also take pictures of high-value items just in case something happens. Usually, movers will also mark damaged items before they pack them so you will not wonder if they were broken while in transit. Just make sure you are informed before movers tag your items.
Moving is so hard and there’s a lot of things to do. This tips will definitely make moving day easier and less stressful.
Thank you for this comprehensive list! I’m looking to move to a new state during the fall and ugh, I’m a mess when it comes to packing! After reading this article, I realized that I still have so many things to do aside from packing my stuff. Very helpful indeed!
There’s just so many things to do when you’re moving. Sometimes we lose or break things in the process. But more importantly, we have to coordinate — with the movers, with the new tenants, etc. I’m glad this article included them on the list because we can sometimes be very selfish and just focus on our stuff and not even care to clean the house before leaving.
Now this is the ULTIMATE Moving Checklist! And I particularly like the reminder about pointing out any fragile items or items that require extra care. I alsways tend to forget this and things always tend to get broken lol…
I hate the hassle of moving. At least your list will help me to stay same during my times of relocation.
“Make sure the movers load goods in a specific order so that the back of the truck is full of the items you will need last”. Great advice! It can be an utter headache trying to wait until a full truck is unloaded just to get to the things you need quick, fast & in a hurry!
Thanks for this checklist. I am very forgetful so this will help to keep me in check!
This is smart to have a moving day checklist. I have moved several times before and I always scrambled at the list minute to remember things – and usually would up forgetting things – and this costs me a lot of unnecessary expense and inconvenience. So have a checklist is a lifesaver!
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