Moving Tips

Here’s an 8 week schedule for preparing your move. Start early, as this process often takes much longer than anticipated.

Eight weeks before

Read our blogs on the real cost of moving and donations
Remove unnecessary items from your attic, basement, storage shed, etc
Use things you can’t move, such as frozen foods and cleaning supplies
Call your homeowners insurance agent to find out to what degree your move is covered
Create a file for documenting all moving papers and receipts
Arrange to transfer your children’s school records
Research and compare prices on a few moving companies

Six weeks before

Evaluate your possessions inventory. Can you donate anything? Do you need it all?
Notify your friends, relatives, professionals, creditors, subscriptions, etc
Begin the off-site storage process (if applicable). Read our storage blog for more information
Locate high-quality health-care professionals and hospitals in your new location
Complete post-office change of address cards for the following: banks; charge cards; magazines, accountant, religious organizations; doctors/dentist; relatives and friends, etc
Clean your closets
Hold a moving/garage sale or donate items to charities
Hire your moving company and inquire about insurance coverage
If relocating due to a job, contact your employer to see what costs, if any, they will cover

Four weeks before

Start packing!
Contact all utility companies (gas, electric, oil, water, telephone, cable TV and trash collection companies) for service disconnect /connect at your old and new addresses; also ask for final readings
Eversource is the most common electric (and gas) company in the area
Click here to start/stop service with Eversource, National Grid is another big contender for gas
Make sure your mail will be forwarded: Here’s a link to change your address
Request refunds on unused homeowner’s insurance and cable/internet service
Notify your landscape and snow removal services (if applicable)
Contact insurance companies (auto, homeowner’s, medical and life) to arrange for coverage in your new home

Three weeks before

Make your travel plans.
Arrange to close current bank accounts and open accounts in your new locale
(if necessary)
Gather car license and registration documents, medical, dental and school records, birth certificates, wills, deeds, stock and other financial documentation
Notify your state’s motor vehicle bureau of your new address
Arrange for childcare and/or pet care on moving day

Two weeks before

One week before

Prepare detailed directions and an itinerary with emergency numbers for your moving company
Settle outstanding bills with local retailers; pick up dry cleaning, and return library books
Take pets to the veterinarian and get copies of their records
Drain gas and oil from power equipment
Give away plants not being moved
Cancel newspaper delivery
Buy two weeks worth of medication and have your prescriptions forwarded to your new pharmacy
Make arrangements to pay for your move
Finish packing

Two to three days before

Consider gathering all valuables and giving them to family or friends to hold until the move is completed
Disconnect all major appliances
Contact your moving company for any updates
Pack a survival kit and keep in your car: sheets, towels, toiletries, phone, alarm clock, change of clothes and flashlight
Other items for moving include: scissors, utility knife, coffee cups, instant coffee/tea or a coffee maker, water and snacks, paper plates, plastic utensils, paper towels, toilet paper, soap, pencils and paper, access to the internet and cell phone chargers, masking and/or duct tape, trash bags, shelf liner and aspirin or ibuprofen
Pack and/or throw away perishable foods

Moving day

Be home to answer any questions your mover may have
Stay until your movers are finished
Carefully read the document and the inventory sheet before signing it
Keep your copies of the bill and inventory until your possessions are delivered, the charges are paid and any claims are settled
Take one final look around to see if you forgot anything
Give movers the directions to your new home, and an emergency number where you can be reached during the move

At destination

Unpack first-night items and mover’s survival kit
Be at the destination to welcome the movers and be on hand to answer any questions
Scrutinize the unloading of your items and account for each one on your inventory sheet
Check promptly and carefully for any damaged or missing items
Place moving and other important documents in a safe place
Go to the post office and collect held mail

Need more help?

A local moving company, Big Foot Moving, has some great tips.