Moving Checklist and Move Plan Guide

If you need help relocating to Phoenix or moving within Phoenix, I can help you with renting, buying or selling your property. My clients can also benefit from a 10% discount on moving and storage with PODS (Portable On Demand Storage). This is a smart way to help sell your home and, after the sale, move to your next one. They deliver a container, you fill it up and keep the only key, then they store the container at one of their many secure centers. After the sale, PODS will deliver the container to your next home.

6 weeks before the move:

• Decide what items you are taking to your new home. If you choose to get rid of unnecessary items, consider donating them to charity (tax deductible charitable contribution) or having a garage sale. Contact a local charity for collection or drop-off details, or select a date at least two weeks before your moving date for the garage sale. Advertise the garage sale locally with neighborhood signs and free internet classified postings on Craigslist. Perhaps team up with some of your neighbors who want to sell their old belongings too and plan a neighborhood street sale.
• Start collecting suitable moving and packing supplies if you plan to do some or all of your own packing (most people do). You could purchase these materials from an office supply store or a moving supply company. Or hit the area merchants and ask for any boxes they may be throwing away or check the dumpsters behind the buildings if you’re that ambitious.
• Think about your new home floor plan and start thinking about where you’ll place the furniture. Create a layout map of your new house to prevent some of the stress of making decisions when your furniture arrives off the moving truck and through the doors faster than you expected. Movers aren’t too happy holding a sofa while you try to figure out if it goes in the family room or upstairs in the bonus room.
• Get familiar with your new community by gathering information on schools, community programs, parks and recreation from the local Chamber of Commerce.
• If moving out of the city, all travel arrangements (hotel, flight, car rental) for your family should be made now for maximum savings.
• Keep receipts for moving-related expenses as many moving expenses are tax deductible. Obtain a Change of Address Form 8822 from the Internal Revenue Service. You will be able to print this and most other IRS tax forms, such as Form 3903 to help deduct moving expenses.
• Contact your insurance agent to transfer home and auto insurance.
• All medical and dental information should be stored in an accessible place. Be sure to include prescription, vaccination records and eyeglass specifications.

4 weeks before the move:

• Provide the United States Postal Service with an online Change of Address form to tell them of your move.
• Remember to give your new address to all utilities companies:

1. Telephone
2. Trash/Recycling
3. Cable/Internet
4. Water
5. Electric
6. Gas

• Don’t forget to notify others as well:

1. Insurance Companies
2. Banks and Financial Institutions
3. Creditors
4. Health Providers (doctor, dentist, veterinarian and pharmacist)
5. Schools
6. Subscriptions/Organizations 

• Organize lists of items your mover will take and items you will move yourself.

3 weeks before the move:

• Notify your mover if there are any changes to the dates of your move. Also inform them if you add or subtract items from your planned shipment (this will affect your moving quote as it based mostly on weight).
• Decide how much packing your will do yourself and inform the mover of any items you prefer them to pack.
• Whether you move your car with the same mover or a car carrier, you should make your final reservation for vehicle pick up.
• Make transportation arrangements for your pets. Take your pets to your veterinarian to ensure proper health certificates and rabies inoculations, as some states will require these documents.
• You will need to carry all valuable jewelry or rare items with you, so be prepared.
• Return any borrowed items from friends such as books or tools.

2 weeks before the move:

• Transfer all prescriptions to a drugstore in your new city. Call your financial institution to find out how best to close or transfer your accounts. Clear out your safety deposits boxes.
• Disconnect your computer before the move and backup all your files on an external drive or disc. Consider taking the backup files with you in the car.
• Make final packing decisions. Clean and clear your home, including closets, basement and attic, noting the items you will take.
• Properly dispose of items that represent a hazard and are not allowed to be shipped.
• Tape and seal all cleaning fluids that are non-toxic, non-flammable in plastic bags.
• Drain your lawn mower, snow blower and power tools of oil and gasoline to ensure safe transportation.
• Schedule appliance disconnection and shipping preparation with a service provider.
• Inform gas, electric, cable and telephone companies of your move. Arrange to have them disconnected from your present home the day after your scheduled moving date. Sign up for services at your new address and have them activated for your moving-in day.
• Have your vehicle serviced if your travel involves long distance driving.

1 week before the move:

• Make sure to clearly mark which items you are taking yourself, so the movers won’t take them or have any questions.
• Mark your boxes to be shipped with “Fragile”, “Do Not Load”, “Load Last” labels when appropriate.
• Empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator and freezer, then clean your stove, at least 24 hours before moving to let them air. Use baking soda to get rid of odors.
• Prepare items you will need while your belongings are in transit. Pack your suitcases and confirm travel arrangements for you and your family.
• Make sure your mover knows the address and phone number at your new home. You should also provide an address and phone number of where you can be reached until you get to your new house.

1 day before the move:

• Pack a box of things you’ll need as soon as you arrive at your new home. This might include disposable plates and cups, light tools, snacks, bathroom items and trash bags.
• Take this box with you or have the driver load it last and unload it first.
• Make sure all packing services have been performed before you sign for them.

The big moving out day:

• Be ready on time when the driver arrives and throughout the loading process. If you won’t be there, make sure someone will be there to direct the movers. Make sure the driver has (in writing) the name and phone number of that responsible person.
• Accompany the driver during inventory. Check the condition of your goods as they are loaded.
• Make a final tour of your home, seeing that nothing is overlooked.
• Sign the bill of lading, making sure your new address and phone number are correct.
• Lock all windows and doors and turn off all switches.

The big moving in day:

• Arrive at your new home a day ahead of time, if possible, to make sure all utilities are connected and to finalize placement of major items in your home.
• Be on hand to pay the driver with cash, traveler’s check, certified check or money order prior to your goods being unloaded. Remember to consider tipping the delivery men ($20 each is good) if they do a nice job.