The Ultimate Moving Checklist if You're Moving to Another State

Moving is considered to be one of the most stressful things you can do in your life next to the death of a loved one and divorce.  Although moving is usually a happy occasion, it’s still extremely stressful, not to mention the hassle factor.  So what can you do to help eliminate some of that stress and make sure you glide through the moving process like a well-oiled machine?  Well, the more organized you are, the less likely it is you will encounter any major problems.  And it all starts with a little forethought and a detailed moving checklist to help keep everything on track and moving in the right direction.

Should You Establish A Moving Timeline?

Yes, before you begin, you should take a few minutes to develop a timeline as it will work in tandem with your moving checklist and will also help you with deciding what to include on that checklist.  Once you have firmed up your moving details, such as when and where you are going to move, you need to begin working through your moving checklist.  Here is a preliminary timeline and checklist you can use to help get you started.  You can easily add to it to include any specific details that pertain to your particular move.

What’s Next?

Now that you are ready to begin the moving process, you will need to go through all your belongings and get rid of everything you don’t need.  This will help you assess what you are taking with you so you can intelligently communicate with your movers about your needs.  And remember, many moves are based on the weight of your job; therefore, the more you take, the heavier your load will be and the more you will pay.

One helpful tip.  If you have boxes of books you will be taking with you, have them sent via a ground service such as USPS media mail, etc.  This is usually much cheaper than what you would pay a moving company to move them, but this only applies if your moving costs are being calculated by the weight of your move.  Additionally, this will help avoid any under estimating on the movers part because they didn’t anticipate the extra weight of your books.

Two Months Out

• Contact several movers for job estimates and be very thorough with your vetting process before you sign anything.
• If you are moving yourself, you should begin collecting your moving supplies, such as:  boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, permanent markers, box cutters, etc.
• Once you have either a moving estimate or a moving supply estimate, you can now create a moving budget.  This will give you a guideline to follow so your expenses don’t get out of hand because you lost track of what you were spending.
• Put together a moving file to keep track of all your receipts and other important information so you can have that information right at your fingertips.

One Month Out

• Submit your change of address form to the USPS office or you can do this online as well.  You should also notify all your creditors and subscriptions of your new address.  Don’t forget to include:  your credit cards, banks, credit unions, doctors, schools, utility companies, insurance companies, magazines, newspaper, etc.
• Schedule all your utility disconnects and reconnects for each address.  And don’t forget to overlap the disconnection dates as you are going to want to make sure you have the utilities on at both addresses while you are moving.
• Take inventory of all your belongings and pictures of your valuables.  It’s also a good idea to take pictures of your furniture as well in case they are scratched or damaged in the move.  You will need proof of the damage if you expect the movers to pay for the damage.
• Compile an emergency file with your family’s medical, dental and shot records for your kids and pets, as well as any prescription information you might need. You should also include copies of your legal and financial records as well.
• Transfer school transcripts and vet records to your new location.
• Contact your insurance agent to make any necessary adjustments to your coverage’s

Two Weeks Out

• Now you should begin packing everything you don’t use on a daily basis.  Consider numbering your boxes in the order you want them unpacked to make it easier once you arrive at your new home.  Additionally, coding your boxes with colored labels according to room, or per family member, will also help with moving as you will know exactly where each box should go without having to guess.  Don’t forget to check all your secret hiding places in your house to make sure nothing is left behind.
• Refill your prescriptions and transfer them to your new location.
• Plan your meals for the next few weeks and begin to use up all your food.
• Notify the county tax assessor, state vehicle registration office, social security office, the IRS and the VA (if you’re a veteran) of your move.
• If you are moving a long distance, you should have your vehicles serviced.
• Determine if you will need a permit to park the moving truck at either location on your moving days.

One Week Out

• Confirm your moving plans with all involved parties.
• Contact the bank and credit card companies to discuss your move so they don’t suspend your accounts for unusual activity.
• Mow your lawn for the last time, then drain all the oil and gas from them because the mover’s won’t take them if they are full.  And dispose of any other toxic of flammable items that can’t be moved as well.
• Pack your trip-kit for your vehicles with necessities such as:  medications, toiletries, flashlight, toilet paper, pet food and water bowls, spare glasses or contacts, baby wipes, any other child care items you might need and plenty of games and toys, etc.
• Make arrangements for your kids and pets on moving day.  Your move will be much easier and less stressful for them (and you) if they are not present.
• Empty your safe deposit box.

Moving Day

• Remove and pack your linens and make a note on the boxes they are packed in as you will need these first once you arrive.
• Confirm you new address with the movers and make sure you have enough cash on hand to tip them when you get to your destination.
• Accompany the movers as they inventory your home and make note of the number of boxes so you can confirm you aren’t missing any of them once you get to your new home.
• After everything has been loaded, go through your home one last time to make sure nothing has been forgotten.
• Leave the extra keys (including any exterior storage keys), garage door opener remotes and alarm codes for the new owners.
• Leave a note along with a large stamped manila envelope with the new occupants and ask them to please forward any stray mail.

The Bottom Line

Developing a timeline and using a moving checklist to organize your entire move will greatly reduce the chances of encountering any major problems and will help you sail through the process like a seasoned pro.

2 Point Highlight

1.  Before you begin, you should take a few minutes to develop a timeline as it will work in tandem with your moving checklist and will also help you with deciding what to include on your checklist.

2.  Developing a timeline and using a moving checklist to organize your entire move will greatly reduce the chances of encountering any major problems and will help you sail through the process like a seasoned pro.