Checklists
When it’s time to move, there is a to-do list that can sometimes seem to grow as your move gets closer. We’ve created three of what we believe to be the most important checklists when it comes to a long distance move.
1. Change of Address Checklist
When it’s time to move, there is a to-do list that can sometimes seem to grow as your move gets closer. One of the easiest things to forget is notifying all the proper people of your move. The U.S. Postal Service, simplifies things slightly by providing a change of address form that can be filled out at your local post office or online. Still, completing the form is only one step in the process of notifying the appropriate parties of your address change.
Here is a list of people and businesses you should notify of your new address.
Financial Institutions
Most financial institutions are right in your neighborhood, so updating your information is quick and easy. You may also consider submitting the changes online if your institution offers that option.
- Banks and Credit Unions
- Credit Card Companies
- Lenders
- Insurance Companies
- Investment Broker
Government Institutions
Notifying government agencies of your new address may not be as simple as notifying your financial institutions, but it is just as important. Depending on your situation, some of these may not apply.
- U.S. Postal Service
- Department/Bureau of Motor Vehicles
- IRS
- Passport Office
- Veteran Affairs
- Unemployment Office
School and Work
Keep your job and your children’s school informed about your move. There may be important records or notices they need you to have during your transition, and keeping them informed gets things in your hands in a timely manner.
- You and your spouses employment office
- Your child’s current and future school
Utilities
If your new home is in the same city, you will likely need to have your service transferred. But if you are making a long distance move, you will need to provide the date the service should be cut off along with a forwarding address for the final bill.
- Electric
- Gas
- Water & Sewage
- Waste Disposal
- Phone
- Internet
- Cable or Satellite
Healthcare Providers
Talk to your doctor and other healthcare providers before you make your move. If you aren’t moving very far, all you will need to do is update your address information. If your new home is hundreds of miles across the country, check with your doctor for references to other doctors near your new home. You will also want to notify your pharmacy and transfer any prescriptions.
- Family doctor
- Pharmacies
- Medical Alert
- Veterinarian
Service Providers
More than likely, you will notify those who come out to your home to provide various services such as housekeeping and babysitting, but we’ve added them to our list just in case.
- Housecleaning services
- Delivery services
- Accountants
- Childcare
- Lawn and gardening services
- Pool services
Memberships and Subscriptions
Memberships and subscriptions won’t be at the top of your mind during your move, but you don’t want to settle into your new home and realize you are missing your favorite magazine. Notify the appropriate parties to ensure your monthly mailings aren’t interrupted.
- Magazines
- Newspapers
- Movie Subscriptions
- Monthly clubs (books, music, wine)
- Social clubs
- Religious groups
- Rewards programs
2. Moving Supplies Checklist
In order to complete a successful move, you have to have the right moving supplies. Do you know all the different packing options that are available? There is more involved in selecting boxes than you think. Having the right box can be the difference between in-tact property and broken wine glasses. You want your moving boxes to be sturdy and to stack well for transporting.
You may require special moving supplies depending on the size of your home and the type of property you are transporting. Here we’ve compiled a list of the different types of supplies you may need for your move. Contact a Red Ball relocation specialist to assist you with additional questions regarding purchasing moving supplies.
Boxes
There are a variety of different types of boxes. Assess the items in your home to determine how many of each type of box you need.
- Small Moving Boxes: books, tools, CD’s and other small items
- Medium Moving Boxes: kitchen items, small appliances and toys
- Large Moving Boxes: clothing, stereo speakers and other lightweight or bulky items
- X-Large Moving Boxes: linens, comforters, pillows and towels
Specialty Packing Supplies
In addition to your standard boxes, you might also consider some specialty items to better protect your property. Specialty boxes are not required for your move, but may be an important addition to ensure your property arrives in the best condition.
- Wardrobe Boxes
- Electronics Boxes
- Dish Barrel Boxes
- Mirror/Picture Boxes
- File boxes
- Mattress Cover
Packing Wrap
Packing wrap can ensure the safe delivery of your items. There are numerous options to choose from. Some packing wrap is used to fill empty space so items do not move, while other packing wrap is used to wrap items.
- Brown Paper
- Newsprint
- Packing Peanuts
- Inflatable Bags
- Packing Foam
- Bubble Wrap
Miscellaneous
Here are a few other items you should purchase to complete your moving supplies checklist.
- Permanent Markers
- Sealing Tape & Dispenser
- Box Cutter
Remember to assess your home ahead of time to try and determine the types and amount of supplies you will need for a successful move.
3.Moving Checklist
At Red Ball, our goal is to make moving easy. To help simplify things, we’ve created a moving checklist to help you organize your thoughts and your treasures.
Two Months Before
- Begin the purging process.
Spend some time in each room of your home deciding which items are worth keeping, given away or sold in a garage sale, or need to be thrown out.
- Identify Special Packing or Shipping Needs.
If you have items that will require special attention, you want to outline the plans for those things ahead of time before your move gets too hectic.
- Compare and contrast some moving companies.
Don’t make the mistake of saying yes to the first quote you get. Shop around and make sure you are keeping your needs and values at the forefront of the conversation. Be sure to ask for a written estimate with a US Department of transportation number on it.
- Make a moving folder.
Start out by storing your written estimates in your moving folder and then build on that information with receipts for moving related purchases as well as an inventory of everything you plan to move. Your folder keeps all your important documents in one place so they are not misplaced during the move.
Six Weeks Before
- Get the supplies you will need.
If you are packing yourself, now is the time for bubble wrap, tape, boxes and permanent markers. You never want to wait until the last minute to get your supplies. Get them early enough in your moving process to give you ample time to pack. As far as boxes go, you may consider getting specialty boxes like wardrobe boxes or dish barrel boxes to keep you things better organized and simplify the packing and unpacking process.
- Pull out the measuring tape.
Don’t wait until moving day to find out your refrigerator is too large to fit through your front door. Measure the room dimensions of your new home to outline any obstacles you may have with your larger pieces of furniture and appliances.
One Month Before
- Select your moving company.
Go back to your moving folder and perform one last assessment to determine which moving company makes the most sense for your move. Once you select the company, make sure to confirm things like your moving date, the price and other details like additional fees or special items.
- Start the packing process.
Packing might be the most dreaded process of moving, but you have to do it. Start by packing things you don’t use frequently. For instance, if you’re moving in the summer time you can pack away things like coats, boots and other winter apparel. Use your permanent marker to clearly label each box with a name, number and the contents. For insurance purposes, you will also want to declare in writing all items that are valued at over $100 per pound.
- Purchase a safe box.
If you don’t already own a safe, moving is the perfect time to get one. You will want to use the safe for your valuables like jewelry and important paperwork. You will want to keep this safe with you throughout your move.
- Go to the Post Office and change your address.
These days you don’t even have to visit an actual post office location. You can log on their website and complete your change of address online at usps.gov. In addition to completing the change of address form, you should alert important parties like your bank, utility companies and your job’s human resources department of your new address.
Two Weeks Before
- Notify your supervisor that you will need to be off on moving day.
You will need to be at your home when the movers arrive, so make sure to square away your work schedule in enough time.
- Check in with the moving company.
At the two week mark, you still have time to make sure there are no misunderstandings with your moving arrangements. Use this time to reach out to the movers you’ve hired and confirm your plan.
One Week Before
- Pack your essentials and clothes for a few days.
Your goal should be to have everything packed up for moving day, but you want to make sure to leave out a few items and essentials to get you through a few days while everything else is packed away.
A Couple Days Before
- Defrost your freezer and unplug your washing machine.
You don’t want your appliances to leak water during your move, so make sure to take these steps 24-48 hours before moving day.
- Confirm moving details one last time.
We hate to advise you to be a pest, but we’d really hate for something to go wrong on moving day. Check in one last time with your moving company to make sure everything is still set and squared away.
Moving Day
- Supervise your movers.
You are present on moving day for a reason. Make sure to supervise your movers during the move. Go behind your movers to check every room and closet to ensure you leave nothing behind.
- Take inventory.
While the movers are in your new home, you will need to sign the bill of lading and the inventory list. Confirm that everything has arrived at your new home safely, and keep a copy of your paperwork.