Moving Day Preparations
Before Packing
- Contact professional movers (if applicable) to make arrangements for pick-up. Get a written estimate before your move and have that handy for the day of. Be sure to save all moving receipts in case problems arise. About one week before you actually move, contact your mover to ensure everything is in order.
- Get all packing supplies: boxes, bubble-wrap, packing tape, permanent markers, labels.
- Start packing a little at a time so you aren’t overwhelmed trying to do everything at once.
- Purge all unnecessary items and give the rest to charity.
- Arrange for child care and/or pet care during the day of your move.
- Get addresses of any new schools your children may attend and have academic records transferred to the new locations.
- Set up disconnect dates and/or transfer services for: cable, internet, electricity, gas, water, and sewer.
- Cancel any gym memberships and inquire about transferring memberships in other areas.
- Forward magazine and newspaper subscriptions in advance since they can take a few weeks to forward to your new address.
- Contact insurance companies and inquire about any policies that may be affected by moving to a different state.
- Empty and safe deposit boxes.
- Purchase a brightly-colored basket that will be used to hold all your packing supplies such as packing tape, scissors, markers, etc., since these items can be easily lost in the shuffle.
- A colorful basket or box will be easier to among the cardboard boxes.
- Create a first day kit with supplies such as paper towels, bathroom supplies, cleaning supplies, trash bags, drinks, disposable cups and plates, snacks, and anything you might need your first night in your new home.
Moving Day Tips
- Take a final tour of the house to make sure nothing has been left behind.
- Leave extra keys and openers in a kitchen drawer.
- Pack a personal bag where you can carry your jewelry, medication, and any important documents.