Moving Checklist
One Month Prior to Move
Book a moving company. Summer months as well as the ends of each month are a moving
company's busiest time, so be sure to book in advance to ensure availability for your desired
moving date.
Notify doctors, dentists, pharmacies, insurance agencies and other service providers.
Notify the post office of your change of address. An online change of address form is
available at the USPS website.
Order moving and packing supplies. Smart Moves has discounted supplies, so be sure to ask a
sales representative about our great deals!
Begin to set aside, donate, or discard unwanted items. Consider having a garage sale.
Confirm elevator, loading dock, and parking space reservations for current and destination
locations.
Begin packing, labeling each box clearly. Remember to pack a "trip kit" with essentials
needed during the move. See our information about what to pack in your trip kit. Also clearly
label any boxes that need to be available quickly after the move.
Begin to use up any canned goods, frozen foods, and other household items.
Two Week Prior to Move
Notify utility, government, and any other companies. This checklist will be helpful:
- Motor Vehicle Department.
- Telephone company.
- Electric company.
- Gas company.
- Alarm company.
- Cable company.
- Water company.
- Internet company.
- Credit card companies.
- Social Security Administration.
Make plans for disassembly of any difficult items such as swing sets, pool tables, etc.
Make arrangements to take time off of work for your moving day.
If moving long distance, reserve hotel rooms and airline tickets.
If driving, have your car serviced.
Don't forget any items that are being cleaned, stored, or repaired such as clothing, shoes, fur,
luggage, watches, etc.
One Week Prior to Move
Don't forget to confirm the time and date of your move with your scheduled moving company.
If you have booked with Smart Moves, a sales representative will contact you a few days
before your move to answer any last minute questions and confirm that everything is in order
for your move.
Provide your scheduled moving company with a new telephone number to reach you at.
Remove any breakable or fragile items from drawers and pack them, remembering to label
"fragile" on the box.
Remove any permanently affixed items from walls and ceiling, such as drapes, fans, light
fixtures, etc.
Notify any subscriptions of your new address, such as newspapers, magazines, etc.
Notify your gas company to schedule disconnection of dryers and stoves.
Start moving any uninsured and precious items such as plants, unpacked electronics, fragile or
breakable items, etc.
Dispose of flammable items such as fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, acids, aerosol cans,
poisons, etc as federal law requires. Also discard any partially used cans of oil, paint, thinner,
bleach, etc. See our list of items not allowed for the move.
Arrange for transportation and boarding of pets.
Arrange for a date for all utilities to be turned on at the new location.
One Day Prior to Move
Consolidate fragile boxes to one area, as well as the boxes that are needed immediately after
moving. Be sure to label these so the movers know to place them in a conspicuous area.
Separate any items you plan to move yourself.
Isolate checkbook, keys, passports, plan tickets, cash, credit cards, and prescription
medication. These should travel with you or be in your trip kit.
If paying for your move with cash, remember some ATM's have a maximum amount of
withdrawal per day, so plan ahead for this.
Confirm both telephones are working at current and destination locations.
Drain water bed.
Defrost and drain refrigerators and freezers.
Drain gas and oil from lawn mowers, weed-eaters, snow blowers, etc.
Disconnect propane tank from gas grill. The movers won't be able to move the tank.
Clear walkways and driveways for better access during inclement weather.
Make sure everything is packed and ready for the movers, as this will cut down on using up
unnecessary time.
Unplug all electronic appliances so they will be room temperature for the move.
Day of Move
Be on hand when the movers arrive to specify any special instructions.
It is your responsibility to make sure the movers load all items. Approve and sign the Bill of
Lading after loading is finished.
Smart Moves movers are experienced professionals, and will be able to disconnect any
appliances such as the washer and dryer, and also disassemble any furniture.
Make sure the van operator has the specific address of the destination location and a cell
phone number you can be reached at at all times, and is aware of any extra stops along the
way.
Take a last look around, looking out for such things as:
- Water shut off?
- A/C turned off?
- Lights off?
- Windows shut and locked?
- Keys surrendered?
- Have you left anything?
Be on hand at the new location when the movers arrive.
Check your items as they are unloaded. If there are any changes in condition from when they
were loaded, be sure to point them out to the movers as well as contact your sales
representative.
Smart Moves movers will connect your appliances and reassemble any furniture that was
disassembled for the move.
Smart Moves movers will arrange all furniture, rugs, etc as you request, so have an idea of a
floorplan when they arrive.
After unloading is complete, sign the contract stating the completion of services.
After Move
Check with your new post office for any mail being held.
Check the local and state requirements for auto registration and drivers licenses.
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