Moving Checklist for Moving into a New House

Moving Checklist

Contact moving companies. If you’ll be hiring a mover, obtain quotes from at least three moving companies. To get an accurate estimate, ask for an on-site assessment. You may want to contact the Better Business Bureau to make sure they're reputable.
Pare down and sort. Donate, recycle, or throw out what you don’t want to take with you. Have a garage sale or post items to sell online to make some extra money.
Organize records. Transfer school records, contact your insurance agent to update your address, and check that your auto, medical, and other documents are up to date.
Start your own moving manual. To keep all pertinent information in one place, start a binder that contains an inventory of your household items, moving estimates, or other important receipts.
Start looking for new service and medical providers. Research doctors, dentists, veterinarians, banks, landscapers, and more.

Order supplies and start packing. Order boxes and other supplies, such as tape, bubble wrap, and markers. Consider special containers for dishes or clothing. Pack items you won’t need first, ensuring that items are clearly labeled.
Contact utilities, cable, etc. Arrange to have services connected and disconnected to avoid date-and-time conflicts or lapses in service.
Obtain change-of-address forms. You can do this online at USPS.com or at your local post office.
Schedule routine medical appointments. Doctor, dentist, optometrist, or veterinarian visits may be difficult to schedule for awhile, so try to get them out of the way before you move.
Take measurements and map things out. Plan where larger items, like furniture, will fit in your new home—doorways included!
Make packing and unpacking plans. Determine which boxes will be most important to pack and unpack, first through last.
Arrange for pet care. Make sure your pets are taken care of during the move and when you are unpacking.
Use up your food. To avoid packing perishable food, try to use it beforehand.

Confirm details with the moving company. Make sure you have their contact information and that they have yours.
Organize key documents. Personally carry original passports, birth certificates, deeds, financial statements, and other critical documents. It may be a good idea to make copies of them, as well.
Refill prescriptions. Forward medical records, if needed.
Gather keys, alarm codes, and garage door openers. Keep all of these in one place for your real estate agent to hand over to the new owners.
Confirm closing and move-in dates. Reach out to your real estate agent and mover with final dates.
Clean out safety deposit boxes. Be sure to separate and carry any valuables (such as jewelry) with you.
Get a car tune-up. If you're moving to a new location with a different climate, ask your mechanic what additional services you may need.
Arrange for payments and tips for movers. Arrange payments and have cash on hand for tips.

Make a moving-day survival kit. These are items you'll need upon arrival at your new home, for a few days, until you have time to unpack the essentials:
- Bottled water
- Dishes or paper goods
- Toiletries
- Trash bags
- Pet food
- Toys for younger children
- Clothing for a few days
If you have movers, check and sign your moving inventory list. You should also read the Bill of Lading carefully before you sign it.
Complete a walkthrough with your real estate agent. Ask for all appliance manuals, warranties, and instruction booklets.

Moving Checklist