Moving Made Simple: A Complete Checklist for a Smooth Transition
Moving can be overwhelming, even with the best planning. This checklist is designed to help you stay organized and make the process easier—whether you’re preparing for the move, during the move, or settling into your new home.
One Month Prior to Moving:
- Update Your Address: Notify the post office of your address change, either online or at your local branch. – click on this link Moving Made Simple: A Complete Checklist for a Smooth Transition
- Inform the IRS: Update your address with the IRS.
- Reserve Moving Services: Book your moving company or truck rental, and confirm the details.
- Transfer Medical Records: Transfer your medical records, along with those for your spouse to your new doctor. Request referrals if necessary.
- Update Insurance Information: Notify all of your insurance providers (auto, home, etc.) of your new address. Confirm if your belongings are covered during the move.
- Set Up Utility Services: Schedule cancellations for utilities at your old home, and arrange for services at your new home to start once you have the keys.
- Transfer or Leave Tech Device Codes: If your home includes tech devices like a smart thermostat, leave the reset codes for the new owners. If you’re moving into a home with devices, be sure to get those codes.
- Update Creditors & Subscriptions: Change your address with creditors and transfer subscriptions, such as magazines and newspaper deliveries.
- Buy Packing Supplies: Purchase packing materials or collect boxes from work or local stores.
- Plan Travel & Pet Care: Make travel arrangements for moving day and plan for pets.
- Begin Packing: Start packing non-essential items. Label boxes clearly, and keep daily essentials in a central location to pack last.
- Confirm Moving Reservation: Verify your reservation with the moving company or truck rental.
One Week Prior to Moving:
- Gather Important Documents: Collect your important documents (passports, tax records, birth certificates) and keep them in a safe, accessible place during the move.
- Transfer Prescriptions: Contact your pharmacy to transfer prescriptions to your new location.
- Update Bank Accounts: Move your bank accounts, and order new checks with your updated address.
- Notify Friends & Family: Send out your new address to family and friends via postcards or digital notifications.
- Update Social Security Information: Visit the Social Security Administration website to change your address.
- Return Borrowed Items: Return any borrowed library books, movies, or personal items.
- Update Legal Documents: If applicable, notify your attorney of your new address and request updates to any estate planning documents.
- Clean Your Current Home: Thoroughly clean your old home, including scrubbing walls, steam cleaning carpets, and cleaning appliances. If needed, consider hiring a cleaning service.
The Day Before the Move:
- Withdraw Cash: Have cash on hand for tipping movers or drivers.
- Stock Up on Snacks & Water: Purchase water and snacks to keep everyone hydrated and energized.
- Pack Final Items: Pack any remaining items, but leave a small suitcase with essentials—pajamas, clothes, and toiletries—accessible during the move.
Moving Day:
- Check Utility Meters: Record meter readings (water, gas, electricity) to compare with final bills.
- Supervise Movers: If you’ve hired movers, be available to supervise and provide directions for special items. Confirm delivery times and details with the moving company.
- Confirm Travel Plans: If your move takes multiple days, notify a friend or family member of your whereabouts and where you’ll be staying.
- Arrive Before the Movers: Aim to arrive at your new home before the movers to help direct them and ensure everything goes smoothly.
After the Move:
- Update Your Driver’s License: Visit the DMV to update your address and, if moving out of state, exchange license plates and register your vehicle.
- Update Voter Registration: Change your address with the voter registration office. In Arizona, you can do this on the Secretary of State’s website: Update Voter Registration.
- Notify Employers & Creditors: Finally, update your address with your employer and any creditors you may have missed.
By following this checklist, you’ll keep things organized and make your move as smooth as possible, ensuring you’re ready to settle into your new home without unnecessary stress.