rockfordrealestate.comRelocation Checklist
- Start a log of moving expense receipts ( some are tax deductible)
- Get written estimates from moving companies, you can ask us for recommendations if needed. Make sure to check the limits of insurance they have to offer and purchase additional insurance if necessary.
- Arrange for a storage facility, if you need to store any contents.
- Arrange for transportation of your pets and addition automobiles if needed.
- Contact your bank and arrange to transfer accounts and order new checks with your new address.
- Submit change of address forms to the post office and notify friends and creditors of the change as well.
- Contact schools and arrange for transfer of school records
- Contact your doctors for medical records and possible referrals to new physicians
- Look into changing your insurance policies on property, auto and medical.
- Organize all important documents in a fire safe box. Make sure to include school records, home purchase/sale papers, will, marriage/divorce papers, pet documents, financial records, social security cards, birth certificates and passports.
- Give notice of resignation to clubs and organization
2 Weeks Before the Move
- Take a ruthless walk-through to determine what you really want to take.
- Tag the rest of it and hold a garage sale; or call a charity for pick-up.
- Clean out club, gym and school lockers; pick up all dry cleaning.
- Arrange for the disconnection or changeover of utilities.
- Have measurements taken of the rooms in your new residence and use floorplans to determine where everything will go.
- Begin packing less-used items. Number and label each box, and keep an inventory.
- Retrieve and return all borrowed items from neighbors & friends; return library books.
- Clean out the cupboards & plan remaining meals so you can pack what you don't need, and don't buy any more perishables than you have to.
1 Week Before the Move
- Make an inventory list of all items going with you personally. Keep valuable and irreplaceable items such as jewelry and heirlooms with you, not movers.
- Confirm arrangements and dates with moving & storage companies.
- Confirm arrangements with auto & pet transportation companies.
- Confirm hotel, rental car or temporary housing accommodations.
- Clean out and defrost the deep freezer.
- Disassemble furniture or others items.
1-2 Days Before the Move
- Clean and defrost refrigerator and freezer.
- Reconcile and close bank accounts, unless you will be using another branch of the same bank.
- Conclude financial matters relating to the sale or lease of your home. Movers or your family should complete packing of all household goods for the move.
- Make sure are boxes are clearly marked.
Moving Day
- Confirm delivery address, directions and delivery date with the movers.
- Carefully supervise the move. Make sure boxes are clearly marked and your instructions are understood.
- Clean the home and check entire grounds before leaving.
- Check thermostat and make sure temperature is set appropriately. Make sure all windows and doors are closed and locked, and all appliances are turned off. Leave forwarding address, garage door openers and any keys, if agreed to, for the new owners or renters.
- If your home is going to be vacant when you leave, make sure a relative, neighbor or real estate agent has the keys and how to contact you. Also, notify your insurance agent and police department that the home will be empty.
Arrival Day
- Check to make sure all utilities are on and working properly.
- Let family members or friends know you have arrived safely. Check in with your employer and real estate agent to confirm itineraries.
- Supervise moving crew on location of furniture and boxes. Begin unpacking necessary basics first - basic kitchen utensils, bath toiletries, etc.
- Give the kids a job to do - let them start on their rooms. Usually, the kitchen and the kids rooms are the best to set up first, as it helps them feel at home.
- Go over the Bill of Lading from the moving company very carefully before signing; check for damaged items first, as this is usually binding once signed.
