This is not a comprehensive list but we've tried to highlight some of the most critical items as well those that tend to be forgotten or neglected.

One Month Prior to Move Date

  • Book a moving company. One month out is probably the latest you'll want to reserve the services of a moving and storage company to ensure that sufficient trucks and workers are available. For a summer move, you should allow two to three months if at all possible.
  • Notify the U.S. Post Office with change of address information and designate forwarding dates.
  • Notify doctors, dentists, and other service providers. Get referrals and transfer records to new providers as necessary.
  • Notify your employer, including the HR and Payroll Departments.
  • Order moving supplies. Amazing Moves will deliver boxes to you so that you can begin a methodical packing process if you decide to pack some or all of your items.
  • Sort and discard (or donate) unwanted items. Many charitable organizations will pick up household items from your home. Don't pay to move things you don't want or need!
  • Confirm elevator, loading dock, and parking arrangements for moving day at both the origin and destination locations.
  • Begin packing rarely used items (e.g., china, books). Be sure to clearly label the boxes with your name, contents, and the destination of the contents (for example, "DR" for Dining Room and "MBR" for Master Bedroom).
  • Review requirements for utility and other service connections and disconnections at the destination and origin locations. Most of these providers offer on-line guidance regarding the timing and procedure for this.

Two Weeks Prior to Move Date

  • Notify utility companies and other service providers per their requirements.
  • Begin the process of disassembling bulky items such as pool tables, swing sets, etc.
  • Make arrangements for babysitters and pet sitters for moving day.
  • Arrange for time off from work in order to be present on moving day.

One Week Prior to Move Day

  • Confirm the moving date and time with your moving company.
  • Provide the moving company with your new telephone number, if applicable.
  • Remove fragile and loose items from drawers and pack them carefully in small moving boxes.
  • Remove all affixed items that you'd like to take from the walls and ceilings, such as drapes, light fixtures, and ceiling fans.
  • Notify subscription newspapers, magazines, and periodicals of new address information.
  • Alert family and friends to your new physical address, phone numbers, and email contact information.

One Day Prior to Move Day

  • Consolidate clearly-marked boxes of fragile items in one area of your home. Be sure to alert your moving crew about these boxes on moving day.
  • Identify furniture that is fragile or weakened and make a note to inform the moving crew about these pieces on moving day.
  • Separate and label the items that you do not want the crew to transport.
  • Set aside checkbooks, keys, passports, travel documents, cash, credit cards, and prescription medication. These should be handled by you personally on moving day.
  • Confirm that telephones and utilities are in working order at both the origin and destination location (unless there is a time lag before move-in).
  • Defrost, drain, wash, and dry refrigerators and freezers.
  • Drain waterbeds.
  • Drain gas and oil from lawn mowers and any other equipment.
  • Disconnect propane tanks from gas grills. Your movers will not be able to transport this tank on moving day.
  • Clear and clean your walkways and driveway.

On Moving Day

  • Double-check closets, drawers, shelves, attic space, and the garage to be sure nothing is left behind.
  • Carry important documents, currency, and jewelry yourself or use registered mail. Consider using traveler's checks for quick available funds.
  • After Arriving at your New Home
  • Renew/revise your driver's license and vehicle registration.
  • Shop around for new insurance policies, especially auto coverage.
  • Revise your will and other legal documents with new address and contact information.
Get your moving cost estimate today.