Top 100 Moving Checklist

1. Study company relocation policy to see what expenses are covered and which vendors are approved
2. Check which moving expenses will be tax deductible
3. Find out about schools in your new city
4. Obtain information about your new city
5. Find a REALTORŪ to market your home
6. Find a REALTORŪ in your new city
7. Estimate the amount you can spend on a house
8. Check out the different resources available for your mortgage
9. If you will need child care in your new location, start looking into this now
10. Research options for temporary furnished housing
11. Choose the van line for your move
12. Update your address book of friends and relatives
13. Make a list of people you need to notify
14. Begin sorting out those items you do not plan to move
15. Plan a date for a garage sale
16. Choose a new house
17. Look into auto insurance in your new city
18. Arrange house financing and set tentative closing dates
19. Check school schedules and enrollment requirements
20. Obtain information from area religious institutions
21. Check how to obtain new driver's licenses, license plates
22. Contact an agent for new home, auto insurance
23. Select a new bank, establish accounts and safe deposit box
24. Plan how you will arrange furniture in your new residence, and make a list of things you will need to buy
25. If you have not yet found a new residence, obtain a post office box for forwarding
26. Obtain names, phone numbers, and requirements (such as deposits) for utility companies
27. Arrange for transfer of school records
28. Schedule pickup and delivery dates with your mover and arrange storage, if needed
29. Sort belongings into those you will dispose of, take with you, and ship with mover
30. For high value items you will be shipping, obtain an appraisal and gather receipts
31. Make your travel arrangements
32. Hold your garage sale, give items to charity
33. Verify your schedules with real estate agents, landlords, and arrange interim housing if needed
34. Reconfirm with your mover dates for packing, pick-up and delivery
35. Send out change of address cards to post office, friends, relatives, magazines
36. Gather personal records from doctors, dentists, lawyers, accountants, schools, religious institutions
37. Notify current utilities--gas, phone, electric, water, Cable TV --of disconnect dates and forwarding address
38. Contact new utilities -gas, phone, electric, water, Cable TV - to tell them when to commence service
39. Notify your credit card companies of change of address
40. Apply for new bank cards and local store charge accounts
41. Plan where to spend your last night in current city
42. Transfer bank accounts and safe deposit box
43. Notify your stock broker or investment counselor
44. Settle any outstanding bills
45. Obtain veterinary records and licenses, get new tags if needed, and arrange for pets' transportation
46. If you are moving from a high-rise, reserve the elevator for moving day
47. Drain oil and gas from your power equipment
48. Cancel deliveries and services, such as newspapers, diaper service, and trash collection as of moving day
49. Arrange for someone to help watch children on moving date
50. Arrange for someone to watch pets on moving day
51. Order newspaper subscription for your new address
52. Defrost freezer. Get rid of perishable food you won't eat before moving
53. Give your plants a loving home
54. If you are driving, have your car serviced
55. Pack your luggage and anything you are taking with you
56. Use only those household items you absolutely need--everything else should be ready to go
57. Obtain traveler's checks for trip expenses and payment to movers
58. Return telephones to the phone company if they are leased
59. Before the movers leave, check through the house, including the attic, to make sure nothing was missed
60. Stay overnight in a hotel, or with friends or family. Leave next morning fresh for your new home
61. Prepare for the movers by taking doors off hinges, making sure paths are clear
62. If moving into an apartment/condo, reserve an elevator or parking space for the van
63. Be on hand to take delivery
64. Check each item off your inventory
65. Inspect your yard for any holes in the fence, etc. before letting pets out
66. Childproof Your Home
67. Make a fire evacuation plan
68. Test security and smoke alarms
69. Get local emergency numbers and post them
70. Take back rental truck with full tank of gas
71. Recycle or store moving boxes
72. Get a professional to set up appliances like a gas dryer, range, or refrigerator
73. Change locks on all doors
74. Buy or get a subscription to the local paper to keep up on local events
75. Set up cable or satellite service
76. Find the right cellular phone service
77. Get a service to set up your pool table or other specialty move items
78. Get a new safety deposit box at your bank
79. Get a local map and learn your way around
80. Send in claims for damages during the move
81. Submit moving expenses to your employer
82. Compile receipts of the move for tax purposes
83. Hang artwork
84. Feng Shui your home
85. Go to the DMV for new plates and registration of your vehicles
86. Get a new propane tank for the grill and fuel for gas powered tools
87. Check your home warranty coverage
88. Establish a file for all warranties
89. Keep a binder of all Real Estate documents
90. Start or join a neighborhood welcome wagon group
91. Enroll kids in school and learn how to find the right school
92. Buy new plants and flowers
93. Throw a house warming party
94. If you haven't already, find a new veterinarian, doctor, dentist
95. Transfer your RRSP or 401K to your new employer
96. Keep in touch with old friends
97. Do some home improvement projects
98. Take road trips and learn about your city and region.