Stress-Less Moving Countdown Calendar

Checklist:

THREE MONTHS PRIOR TO MOVING

• If possible, plan your move outside of the peak season (late spring and summer months). Most movers are booked during this time, which makes it hard to hire the mover you want.

• Survey your house (don’t forget the garage, attic, shed and basement). Start making mental lists of items that will not be
  moving with you.

• Have a yard sale to get rid of items you will not be moving. Donate unwanted items to organizations such as The Salvation Army.

TWO MONTHS PRIOR TO MOVING

• Contact schools, doctors, dentists, lawyers and accountants to obtain copies of your personal records.

• Start interviewing movers. You’ll want to get up to five estimates for comparison. Make sure the mover is an AMSA ProMover.

ONE MONTH PRIOR TO MOVING

• Choose a mover and book your move. Order boxes and supplies to start packing if packing yourself.

• Submit a Change of Address form to the Post Office (USPS.com).

• Prepare an Inventory List of single-packed items that will be stored or moved.

• Contact your utility, phone, newspaper, and magazine subscription companies to discontinue/re-establish service at your old and new addresses.

• Secure insurance for your move. All movers provide a minimal level of valuation (buzzword for “insurance.”) But you’ll want to buy additional insurance from your mover to make sure you are covered.

• Order checks from your bank with your new address.

• Arrange for childcare or pet care on move day, if needed.

• Start packing items that you won’t need immediately.

TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO MOVING

• Dispose of items that cannot be moved. Dispose properly of hazardous waste.

• Order refills on prescriptions and contacts. It’s a crazy time – and you want to make sure you’ll have what you need.

• Contact the building management to schedule use of the elevators, if you live in an apartment or condo.

ONE WEEK PRIOR TO MOVING

• Pay your bills.

• Alert neighbors that the moving trucks are coming.

• Drain water hoses. Drain gas from lawn mowers, leaf and snow blowers, and prepare any major appliances for the move.

• Pack a “FIRST NIGHT” box including personal items, bedding and fun things for the kids.

• Confirm childcare, confirm movers, truck rentals, travel arrangements, etc.

• Obtain certified checks (if needed) for the movers.

ONE DAY PRIOR TO MOVING

• Pack any last minute items.

• Write down cell phone information to give to the head of the moving crew.

• Get a good night’s sleep!

MOVING DAY

• Make sure that someone is available at your residence to receive the moving company.

• If in a gated community or condominium, notify the management office of the mover’s anticipated arrival time.

• Record all utility meter readings (gas, electric, water).

• Review the bill of lading and inventory sheet one last time.