Besides packing, unpacking and the actual move, there are a number of things on the grand to-do list when you are moving. From the big, important items like changing your address with everyone to the little, fun items like starting a take-out menu file, this is the checklist that can help you stay on top of everything.
Before moving:
- Call gas, water, and electric companies and transfer service into your name.
- Connect TV & Internet services.
- Change your address: File a change of address with USPS and IRS. Notify credit card companies, bank, and investment companies of your new address. Update your license, registration, and voter card. Update passport.
- Gather important documents like titles, birth certificates, and passports, and hand-carry those because you do not want to lose them in a move. They are precious because replacing them is a real pain.
- Take photos of valuable items and consider moving insurance. Even the most careful mover has an accident now and then.
- Research local businesses: plumbers, painters, electricians, handymen, landscapers, etc. Your new neighbors can also help with their recommendations after you move.
- Schedule time off from work. The sea of boxes will not unpack themselves, unless you've hired a mover/packer to do that, and then a little oversight will ease moving stress.
- Schedule a deep cleaning of your new home (if we have not already done that for you).
- Schedule home improvements - new paint, new landscape, etc.
Post-move:
- Change your locks. You don't know who has a copy of the key.
- Set up your home security system.
- Test your smoke and CO detectors.
- Check your HVAC system and change the filters if needed.
- Find a spot for that fireproof box or safe and put those precious, important documents inside.
- Find out your neighborhood's designated trash days. Install outlet covers if you have small children.
- Develop a family escape plan in case of fire.
- Set up your earthquake kit.
- Locate main circuit breaker and water and gas shutoff valves.
- Start a ‘house book’ for things like appliance manuals, internet passwords, maintenance checklists, and names and numbers of painters, handymen, veterinarians, etc. This is also super-helpful if you have house-sitters in the future.
- Start a take-out menu file (we keep ours with the cookbooks)
- Throw yourself a housewarming party! (Setting a date for this gives you an unpacking deadline, which is more helpful than you know.)
Hopefully, this checklist helps you stay on track and eases some moving stress. We offer a concierge service that takes care of many of these checklist items. Let us know if you need help!
