Moving Checklist

Two Weeks Before:

• Arrange to be off from work on moving day. Notify your office that you plan to supervise the move and therefore need the day off.
• Tune up. Take your car to a garage, and ask the mechanic to consider what services might be needed if you’re moving to a new climate.
• Clean out your safe-deposit box. If you’ll be changing banks, remove the contents of your safe-deposit box and put them in the safe box that you’ll take with you on moving day.
• Contact the moving company. Reconfirm the arrangements.

One Week Before:

• Refill prescriptions. Stock up on prescriptions you’ll need during the next couple of weeks.
• Pack your suitcases. Aim to finish your general packing a few days before your moving date. Then pack suitcases for everyone in the family with enough clothes to wear for a few days.

A Few Days Before:

• Defrost the freezer. If your refrigerator is moving with you, make sure to empty, clean, and defrost it at least 24 hours before moving day.
• Double-check the details. Reconfirm the moving company’s arrival time and other specifics and make sure you have prepared exact, written directions to your new home for the staff. Include contact information, such as your cell phone number.
• Plan for the payment. If you haven’t already arranged to pay your mover with a credit card, get a money order, cashier’s check, or cash for payment and tip. If the staff has done a good job, 10 to 15 percent of the total fee is a good tip. If your move was especially difficult, you might tip each mover up to $100. Don’t forget that refreshments are always appreciated.

During the Move:

• Valuable items. Separate valuable items from the rest to determine whether you feel comfortable packing them in boxes or taking them with you.
• Pack your suitcase first. This will ensure that you have what you need in your suitcase available and not packed in a box.
• Label one box per room to be opened first. For instance, if you have kids, here you can pack things that would make them feel at home at their new place, such as their favorite bedding or toys.
• Labeling. Make sure each box/bag is labeled on both sides so that you can see where it belongs from different angles. Also, don’t forget to label those containers that include fragile items. Label those boxes to be opened first as well. Labeling will also help the people who are helping you move to identify where each box belongs.
• Moving heavy furniture. Go to your local hardware store or home goods store and invest in sliders and moving pads. Or, if you have wooden floors, just use a piece of old carpet or a rag to put underneath each leg. This will make your life easier.
• Watch your back! Literally. Make sure you’re lifting using your legs and keep your back as straight as possible. This will save you unnecessary back pain down the road.