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Moving Checklist

Moving entails a great deal of work. Even before you begin packing, there is lots to organize and prepare. An organizational tool which ensures you don't forget any of the moving related tasks is a detailed moving checklist. Commencing approximately two months prior to the scheduled move, the checklist will accompany you before, during and even after the Big Day.

In correlation to the specific nature of the move itself, an international moving checklist differs in some respects from a local moving checklist. Various documents, for instance, which are essential when you plan relocation overseas, are not required for local moves, and will therefore not appear on the corresponding checklist. If you're at a loss or confused about what your checklist should actually consist of, consult your NYC moving company.

Which 'to-do' items should be included in your moving checklist?

Before Moving:

6-8 weeks prior to the move:

Decide which of your items you plan on shipping to your new location, and which you plan on leaving behind.

Based on your decision, begin making an inventory of the items you will be shipping.

Find a moving company

If you've decided to be in charge of your own packing, begin acquiring suitable moving and packing supplies. All the necessary materials can be purchased directly from your moving company.

Familiarize yourself with your new location. There are various sources which you can use for this purpose, including online tools which (when moving locally) allow you to compare such parameters as cost of living and taxes in your current place of residence and in the city you are relocating to.

Take care of travel arrangements, be it hotel reservations, flights or car rental. Bear in mind that your schedule is liable to change, and should therefore remain as flexible as possible.
If you're moving internationally, find out exactly which documents and certificates are needed upon arrival (entry visas, for instance), and prepare them in advance for you and your family.

Ask your insurance agent to transfer your various insurance files to your new location.

If you have children, inform their schools that they are leaving, and register them to new schools. Arrange for their current school records to be transferred to their new school.

4-5 weeks prior to the move:
Obtain a Change of Address form from your post office, either directly through your local branch or by downloading it from the postal service website.
Notify all relevant authorities, family members and friends of your new address.

Begin your packing. Start with the items that are not used on a regular basis, and which can already be placed in moving boxes. Make sure you know how to pack your fragile belongings, and that you have adequate boxes for them. For organization and convenience purposes, pack one room at a time.

Contact your utility providers (telephone, gas, cable TV and electricity, to name a few), both at your old and new locations, and inform them of your upcoming move. Set up dates for service disconnection and connection, respectively.
Take care of all necessary bank arrangements in your old and new locations, including, if necessary, transfer of your funds from one branch to the other.

Check the driver's license and auto registration requirements in your new location.

If you or any of your family members (pets included) regularly take medication, get them refilled to last for the duration of the move.

Make necessary storage arrangements, if needed.

3 weeks prior to the move:
Arrange transportation for pets (reserve flights if necessary or book pet-friendly hotels if you plan on driving to your new home). Ask your veterinarian to give your pets all necessary shots and vaccinations, and ask him to supply you with your pet's health certificate, as you may be needing it in your new destination.

Start collecting all valuable belongings (jewelry, important documents) and store them in a safe place. Remember to collect these precious articles when you move, and make sure they are with you at all times.

Return borrowed items and pick up any articles that are being repaired or cleaned.

2 weeks prior to the move:
Clean out your safety deposit boxes.

Make sure you have back up for all your computer files.
Finish up your packing.

Make sure all your boxes are clearly labeled. The contents of each box should be explicitly specified on the boxes themselves and on a detailed list.

Discard those items that are prohibited from being shipped. Consult your moving company to find out precisely which items cannot be transported with the rest of your cargo.
Cancel newspapers and any other daily deliveries or subscriptions.

Ask your local post office to have your mail forwarded to your new address.

1 week before the move:
Confirm and finalize the various details of the move with your moving company.

Separate the items you're taking with you from the items the movers are transporting.

Pack a bag or a box with essential items you will be needing until your shipment is delivered.

Make sure your movers know how to reach you during transit.
Pay any outstanding bills in your current location.
Disconnect and disassemble your appliances, electronics and computer system.

Make sure all the documents associated with the move are available to you at all times.

Moving Day:
When your movers arrive, walk them through the house, and explain to them what you would like them to do.
Make sure the movers do not take any of the boxes or bags you intend to carry with you. Load everything you’re taking into your car.

Before the moving vehicle leaves, walk through the house to ensure nothing has been left behind.

Arriving at your new home, check that everything (i.e. gas, electricity) is functioning properly.

As the movers unload your belongings, direct them to the
appropriate rooms in the house.

After the Move
Begin unpacking, starting out with the essentials.

Reassemble your furniture.

Get all your electrical appliances ready for use.

Check your belongings for damages and, if necessary, file insurance claims with your movers.

Make sure your mail is being forwarded to your new address.

Make all necessary medical registrations, with a local doctor, dentist, veterinarian etc.

As per local regulations, update you driver's license and car details if required.

A checklist will help you put order into the chaotic moving and relocation process. It's an essential moving tool, which will enable you to leave one home behind and calmly head into another.

We would like to thank Mover New York for their professional guidance while building this site.

Registered in the American movers directory.