Moving Checklist
In our opinion, moving goes most smoothly when you start planning 6-8 weeks in advance. That’s why we have created this printable Moving Checklist. By starting your planning a month or two in advance of your move, you will be able to accomplish everything with ease! Begin by printing this out and checking off each item once you complete it.
6-8 Weeks Before Your Move
- Decide on your moving budget and obtain ballpark quotes over the phone - Moving companies can become booked pretty far in advance. Allow yourself enough time to receive multiple quotes and to not be rushed in your decision making. Start by getting a quote from StarCity Moving!
- Schedule in-home estimates with movers - Make sure you receive flat, “not to exceed” binding estimates. This way you will know exactly how much you will pay for the entire move- from start to finish.
- Create a file for estimates from moving companies - It’s a good idea to compare at least 3 companies. With 3 estimates, you should be able to see some consistency in pricing. If you don’t, get a few more until you do see a pattern. Try to also consider what you are getting for the quoted price as well as compare the reputation of the moving companies you are considering. Keep all the information you gather in a file.
- Show the estimator everything to be moved - Try to be as detailed as possible when getting a moving estimate. Make sure you alert them of fragile items, extra heavy items and anything else you think will be important. Don’t forget to show them the garage, attic, basement, shed, outdoor furniture, etc. Also, let the estimator know how much involvement you plan to have in your move. Let them know whether you will need moving supplies, need packing services, cleaning services,etc.
- Read up on our Moving and Packing Tips - There are many techniques for packing fragile belongings, organizing your stuff, and preparing for a move. By getting acquainted with our tips, you will be guaranteed to have a smoother moving experience!
- Contact the IRS and/or your accountant - Some moving costs are tax-deductible. Contact the IRS or your accountant for information on what you need in order to get a deduction.
- Research your future community - Look online for community guides, school guides, restaurant reviews, and more. Check out the local newspaper, phonebook, etc. Contact the local Chamber of Commerce and tourism bureau for information. It’s also good to know where the local police, post office, hospital, etc are.
- Draw out a floorplan of your new home - This will allow you to figure out what items will go where. It would also be a good idea to supply the movers with the floorplan- this will help them place your funiture where it belongs.
- Begin to inventory and evaluate your possessions - Figure out which items you may not want, or may not fit in your new house. Try to sell them online, give them to friends or family, donate them, or, if you have a lot of things that you no longer want, prepare to have a garage sale.
- Start compiling records - If you are moving a considerable distance away, you should ask your doctor, dentist, and/or other care providers to refer you to profesionals in your new community. Once you have picked new care providers, you should call your previous ones and request to have your files transferred.
4-6 Weeks Before Your Move
- Select a mover - Pick the moving company that you feel most comfortable with. Sign the estimate/ work order after you have a clear understanding of the contract. Make sure you understand the insurance options, what responsibilites the movers have, etc.
- Notify the Post Office that you are moving - An online change of address form is available on the United States Postal Service website.
- Make a list of everyone who needs to be notified that you are moving - This includes friends, family, your job, and other businesses.
- Have a garage sale, use online auction sites or donate to a charitable organization - If you have unwanted items that people may pay money for, try selling them on Ebay, Craigslist, or at a garage sale. Or, donate items to your local Salvation Army, Goodwill, or other charitable organizations. Make sure to hang on to your receipts showing the items’ approximate value for possible tax deductions.
- Make a list of small valuable items - Keep a list of all small valuable items, such as jewelry, small antique pieces, passports, birth certificates, various titles, etc. Plan to ship these by certified mail or carry them with you on the day of your move.
- Start arranging for moving supplies - Start figuring out how many boxes, rolls of tape, markers, rolls of bubblewrap, etc. you will need. Check out our wide array of moving supplies and moving kits in the StarCity Supply Store.
- Find out if either building needs a Certificate of Insurance (COI) - Many buildings require movers to send them COI’s before a move takes place. Contact your building’s management or use our COI Request Form as a guide for the information needed.
- Reserve the elevator - If you’re moving in or out of a building with an elevator, call your building’s managment and/or super to reserve a designated time slot for the elevator on moving day. Make sure the movers are aware of the reserved time.
- Plan ahead for parking - Some municipalities may require you to obtain a permit in order to park your vehicle. Contact the proper authorities in your area to ensure you understand the parking rules and regulations.
2-3 Weeks Before Your Move
Interaction With Your Movers
- Notify your movers of any changes - It’s possible that as your moving day gets closer, you may decide you need to add or subtract items from your planned move. Make sure to let your movers know of any changes in inventory, dates, times, etc.
- Verify that your movers have all the necessary information - Make sure that they have the correct addresses, phone numbers, contact information, etc.
Arrangements for Household Goods
- Return rented and borrowed items - Make sure to return library books, and other rented items. Don’t forget to pick up dry-cleaning, items out for repair, etc.
- Dispose of flammable items - According to Federal Law, moving companies are not allowed to transport things such as: cleaning fluids, matches, acids, aerosol cans, paint, bleach, propane tanks and other flammable or combustible items. You should acquaint yourself with the complete list of Non-Transportable Items.
- Set an appointment with a service technician - Have a service technician prepare and look over all of your major appliances for your move. Ask for paperwork showing that all the appliances are in good working condition and send a copy to your mover.
- Cancel or transfer subscriptions - Make sure to either cancel or transfer your newspaper, magazine, or other periodical subscriptions to your new address.
- Have rugs and draperies cleaned - Take your rugs and draperies to the dry cleaners to be cleaned. Keep them wrapped when they are returned from the cleaners.
- Obtain a writen appraisal of antique items - Verify the value of antique items by having them appraised by a professional. Consider buying additional moving insurance if deemed necessary.
- Avoid waxing or oiling wooden antiques - By waxing or oiling antique wood or fine wooden furniture, it could cause the wood to soften, making it vulnerable to imprinting from furninture pads.
- Avoid cleaning upholstered furniture - Avoid cleaning upholstered furniture- especially if being placed in storage, as moisture that is not allowed to dry quickly could cause mold.
Personal Arrangements
- Contact your bank and/or Credit Union - Transfer funds or close your account. Remove any items in safety depost boxes.
- Confirm travel arrangements for pets and family - Make sure you have arrangements to have your pet(s) and family members transported to your new location.
- Plan meals - Plan meals for the last couple of weeks prior to your move that will use up ingredients in your refrigerator and freezer.
- Put together a folder of important information - Include important information about your home for the new owners.
- Have a Going Away Party - Throw a party for your children and their friends.
1-2 Weeks Before Your Move
Pets and Plants
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Decide what to do with house plants - Moving companies cannot legally or safely transport plants because of the lack of light, water and variable temperatures within the truck. You may want to consider:
- Giving them to friends or relatives
- Donating them to a hospital or other organization
- Including them in a garage sale
- Take pets to the vet - Most states require health certificates and rabies vaccines for pets. Make sure your pet has up-to-date identification and rabies vaccine tags attached to its color.
- Arrange transportation of pets - Take them in the car or send them via air. Consider boarding pets either at the destination or at a kennel near your present home until you are settled in the new city.
Other Important Details
- Re-confirm moving date - Call your moving company along with the super and management of your buildings to confirm your moving date.
- Prepare an ‘essentials’ box - Designate a few boxes that will be packed last. These boxes should include toiletries, medications and other items used on a daily basis. Make sure to label them accordingly- this way you will be able to find them quickly amongst your other boxes when you reach your new location.
The Day Before Your Move
Working With the Packers
- Alert packers of items needing special care - Let the packers know of any items that are fragile, or in need of special care. Also set aside items that should not be packed or moved.
- Make sure everything is ready to be moved - If you are doing your own packing, make sure all your boxes are sealed and ready to be moved the day before. Also disconnect all electronic appliances at least 24 hours in advance of your move.
Last Minute Details
- Check your entire house - Check closets, cabinets, backyards, attics, etc for any items that you may have overlooked while packing.
Moving Day
Moving Out
- Supervising the movers - Make sure you or someone you know is present to supervise the movers on moving day. It is your responsibility to see that all of your goods are loaded, so make sure you remain present at all times during loading. After making a final tour of your house, check and sign the inventory list. Get your copy from the team leader and keep it in a safe place.
- Approve and sign the Bill of Lading/ Freight Bill - This states the terms and conditions under which you are being moved. This also acts as your receipt for the shipment. Be sure to complete and sign the Declared Valuation Sheet as well.
- Double-check that the movers have the correct destination address - Let the team leader know of your exact destination address. Be sure to include your new apartment number (if applicable) as well as the address of the service entrance (if there is one). Also give the leader your cell phone number so that they can get a hold of you if necessary.
- Contact Your Personal Moving Coordinator - If you have any questions or concerns, you should contact your in-office Moving Coordinator at any point before, during or after your move.
- Make a final inspection - After everything is moved out, make a final inspection. Check your basement, shed, closets, cabinets, etc.
- Make sure everything is locked - Check all windows and doors to make sure they are locked.
- Shut off all appliances - If you are leaving appliances behind, make sure they are in the off position. You should also turn off your furnace, air conditioner, light switches, water valves, etc.
- Leave a note - Leave a note with your new address and phone number on it so that the new residents can forward mail if necessary.
Moving In
- Get to the new residence before the movers - Try to look everything over in your new place. Make sure all of your utilities are connected.
- Payment - Unless paying by credit card, have a cashier’s check ready for the team leader and cash to leave as a tip.
- Keep Documentation - Keep all receipts and documentation relating to your move in a safe place. You may need this information when you file your federal income tax returns.
- At the end of your move, review the Bill of Lading - Make sure all boxes and furniture items have been accounted for before signing the Bill of Lading.
- Place signs near each room in your new house - Help the movers know what items go where by placing signs of each room name close to the rooms.
- Where to place boxes - Locate a place in your new home that will be out of the way of the movers to store boxes.