It’s a big deal selling your home, and it’s no small matter to prepare to move. I know that moving takes time and energy, but there are ways to make it go as smoothly as possible. Here are some tips as you anticipate and prepare for your move.
30 to 15 Days Before Moving
Sell or give anything away you won’t move. Maybe plan a garage sale, or donate items to charity.
Call several movers for estimates.
Consider insurance on movables
Gather and store dental, medical and pet’s veterinary records.
Start alerting friends ad companies that mail to you.
Contact children’s school and have transcripts forwarded to new school.
Go online and complete a change of address with the USPS.
For tax purposes (if you qualify for moving deductions), keep a record of all moving expenses and keep receipts of any items you donate to charity.
Arrange for disconnection of utilities and re-connect at new location. The title company will take care of water and sewer, you will do the rest.
14 Days Before Moving
Pack one room at a time and label all boxes as to what’s in them and the room in your new home they should go to. Label furniture as to the room it should go to. Colored duct tape can make labeling easier.
Make sure you return items you’ve borrowed from library and friends.
Resign membership to clubs.
Arrange the cancellation of newspaper and other home deliveries.
Ask bank to release safe deposit box and transfer account to new bank.
Arrange for cash, traveler’s checks or certified checks if need for movers, they often require cash or certified check.
Drain gas from your lawnmower, and properly dispose of flammable items and other materials that should no be put in the trash.
Arrange to have your phone disconnected.
Transfer your homeowners insurance so you will be covered at your new home
Day Before Moving
Make sure mover is properly informed of your new address.
Make sure you have payment ready before van/truck is unloaded at new address.
Confirm arrival date and time
Before you leave, check every room, closets and the attic a final time. And don’t forget the yard.
Check locks on doors and windows