There are so many things to think about when you’re relocating it’s hard to keep them straight. Unlike your regular move, you have one single day when everything needs to come together. If you’re not properly organized that day can turn into a nightmare. If you are, then it will be just a moving day like any other. Since I’ve done this more than a few times I figured I’d put together a relocation checklist to help you get organized. Try it out. Print this out and check things off as you go along. You may be surprised on just how much smoother things go when moving day rolls around!

Six Weeks Prior To Moving

• Make a list of what you will be moving with you and what you will not. Be ruthless! Go through each room and decide what does not need to make the journey to your new home. A good rule of thumb is that if you didn’t know you had it, then chances are you don’t need it!
• Collect everything that’s not making the journey for a garage sale or charitable donation. Goodwill is always happy to see donations. Or if you want to make some money, then there’s eBay or Craigslist.  If you don’t have time or the inclination to do that, then just put your larger items in the yard with a “FREE” sign on them. You may be astounded how quickly they disappear.
• If you’re relocating for employment purposes, generally your moving company is selected for you. Otherwise, now is the time to comparison shop.
• Once you have made your selection, ask specific questions about the length of time for delivery. This can vary greatly depending on where you are in the US, (or Abroad).
• Find out exact form of payment at destination (cash, check). Again, if your relocation is employment related, this may be taken care of by the Employer. (Ask – this is not something you want to assume!)
• Get cartons and packing materials to start packing NOW. Even if you have packing services, there will be some things you want to pack yourself.

Four Weeks Prior To Moving

• Check with doctors and dentist for all family records and prescriptions and get children’s school records.
• If you have pets, check with your Vet for pet records and immunizations.
• Remove all jewelry and other valuables to a safe deposit box or other safe place to prevent loss during move.
• Contact local utility companies to set turn-off date. As a rule of thumb, it’s best if you turn off a day after you move and turn on the utilities at your new home the day before your move.
• Speak to your Real Estate Agent about turning on utilities in your new home. They may be able to help. Some utility companies require the Homeowner to call personally to arrange the utilities. In this case, your Agent will be able to provide you with the correct contact numbers.
• Have you loaned anything out lately? If so, now is the time ask to have it returned and of course return everything you have borrowed. (Including library books – you’re not going to have much time to read now anyway!)
• Drain all gas or oil in power mowers, boats, snowmobiles, etc. that are to be moved, to prevent fire in the moving truck. (While I’m on the subject of draining, this also includes draining espresso makers of water in winter to prevent freezing as I found out too late one time).
• Start using the groceries you have on your shelves and the frozen food in your freezer.
• Plan to use most of what you have over the next few weeks. Try to avoid buying more – only books equal cans when it comes to weight when moving!
• Give away or arrange for your own transportation of house plants. They’re not going to survive a 6-8 week trip in a moving truck!

One Week Prior To Moving

• Transfer or close checking and savings accounts.
• Have your car serviced for the trip.
• Fill out Post Office change of address forms.
• Check and make inventory of all furniture for dents and scratches. See to it that the moving company has this list and compare notes before they start to load the truck.
• Dispose of all combustibles and spray cans (spray cans can explode or burn).
• Pack a separate carton for cleaning materials and tools.
• Pack a special box with essentials you’ll need for the first few days at your destination and make sure this box is marked clearly ‘DO NOT MOVE’.
• Cancel any recurring services you may have. Newspapers, cleaning services, yard care etc.

Moving Day

• Plan to spend the entire day at the house. Last minute decisions must be made by you. Don’t leave until after the movers have gone.
• If you have children, arrange for them to stay at a friend’s house for the day.
• Make sure you have somewhere safe for your pets too.
• Make sure packers and/or driver are aware of fragile or precious items.
• When they’re done, make a final check of the entire house including all closets and shelves. You’d be surprised what people overlook when they’re running a tight schedule.
• Be sure to approve and sign Bill of Lading and double check with driver to make certain the moving company records show the proper delivery address for your new house. Verify the scheduled delivery date, too.
• Give the driver phone numbers for both point of departure and destination to contact you in case of a problem.
• Make sure you have the contact number for a real person when the truck is en route. You want to be able to contact someone in case of a problem and not talk to an automatic messaging system.
  

Good Luck and Happy Moving Day… Relocating to the Iowa City area? Give me a call. I’d love to help you find the right home for you!