Moving Day Checklist

Planning the move

1. Measure the clearance in doorways, stairwells, and elevators to make sure you can get large furniture through.
2. Reserve a moving truck 2-4 weeks in advance. Be sure to ask for rates and rental & mileage.
3. Reduce what you need to move by having a yard sale or donating items you don't need to charity. (it's also a pretty good tax deduction!)

Buy packing materials

1. Boxes: Some truck rental companies sell regular boxes, as well as specialty boxes for wardrobes.
2. Bubble pack.
3. Marking pens.
4. Packing tape and scissors.
5. Wrapping paper. Don't use newspaper as the ink will rub off on your possessions.
6. Furniture pads or sheets.
7. Rope or bungi cords.

Pack everything up

1. Pack one room at a time. Start by packing things that are not used as often or are off-season.
2. Pack and label one box of clothing, bathroom and kitchen items you think you'll need right away.

Kitchen:

1. Wrap plates and saucers in paper or bubble pack. Don't stack them flat, but on-end in well padded boxes.
2. Wrap cups, bowls, and glasses; nest them and cushion with towels, pot holders or bubble pack.

Clothing:

1. Leave clothing in drawers. Take advantage of the "cushioning" in the drawers and wrap fragile items loosely in clothing.
2. Use wardrobe boxes as "mini closets" - they're a lifesaver for packing.

Appliances and Electronics

1. Pack your appliances in factory boxes if possible. Cushion them with bubble pack, wadded paper or towels.

Furniture:

1. Beds: take apart and mark each piece for easy assembly. Tape bed rails together and protect mattresses with fitted sheets or mattress covers.
2. Chairs: wrap arms and legs with clean paper or bubble pack and cover with furniture pads.
3. Tables: remove table legs and pad and tie together. Put hardware in plastic bags and tape these under the tabletop.
4. Lamps: pack lamp shades in boxes with bubble pack. Wrap lamp bases in paper or bubble pack and pack in boxes

DO NOT PACK:

1. Valuable personal items like jewelry, checkbook, collectible, money, and important papers - these should be kept with you.
2. Paint, alcohol, solvents or insecticides. They are dangerous to move so dispose of them before you move.

Load the truck:

1. Load one quarter of the truck at a time, packing as solidly as possible from floor to ceiling.
2. Load the largest items first. Place the heaviest items forward in the truck. Put heavy boxes on the bottom and lighter ones on top.
3. Place mattresses, sofas, and tables on edge against truck walls and tie down.
4. Tie large mirrors and picture frames upright to truck walls or place between mattresses.
5. Place oddly shaped items along the walls or on top of the load. Roll rugs and place in the center of the truck.

Notifications and transfers
Change of address notification

1. Postal Service.
2. Credit card companies - when you next pay your bill.
3. Magazines & periodicals - some require 4-6 weeks notice.
4. Notify all utility companies for new or transferred services

Get Copies of:

1. Legal, medical, and insurance records and put in a safe place.
2. School records or have them transferred to your children's new school.
3. Pharmacy prescriptions or have them transferred to a local pharmacy.

OTHER ITEMS

1. Notify the Registry of Motor Vehicles of your new address. If you've moved from a different state, get a new driver's license and register your vehicle(s) in this state.
2. Cancel (or transfer) memberships to any clubs or facilities. Ask about partial refunds

Moving Day Tips

1. Have cash, credit cards, checkbook, & a phone card on hand for incidentals & emergencies during the move.
2. Pack a special box of things you will need immediately upon arrival - toiletries, medicine, first aid kit, and a phone.
3. Save your moving receipts. In some situations, moving expenses are tax deductible.

After the move

1. Register to vote. Call your local board of elections for information.
2. Locate the nearest hospital, police & fire stations. Write down their phone numbers and post near each phone.
3. Get Renter's Insurance to be sure your valuables are covered.