Moving takes a lot of planning and preparation. Starting early can save you from any added stress farther down the line. The best tip we can give you is to start sooner than you think you need to and use this ultimate moving checklist as a guideline to keep you on track for the big move.

Six to Eight Weeks Before Moving:

• Compile a list of everything you want to move to your new home.
• Research moving companies and request moving quotes.
• Go through your belongings and discard anything you no longer use/need. A yard sale or donation center are great ways to get rid of some items.
• Gather moving boxes and packing materials for your move. Use a Sharpie to label boxes.
• Contact insurance companies (life, health, fire, auto, etc.) to inform them of your new address.
• If you’re moving for work, you may be eligible for moving expenses. Contact your HR department for more information.
• Contact the new school district for information on the registration process and begin gathering the necessary documents needed to send to the school.

Four Weeks Before Moving:

• Contact utility companies to either set a turnoff or transfer date. If moving out of state, contact the new utility company to designate a turn on date.
• Collect your medical records. Contact all of your doctors to obtain these documents for your records and have them transferred to a new medical facility near your new home.
• Look in your pantry, fridge, and freezer and plan meals around the food you currently have, so you have less food to throw out or get rid of when you move.
• High-end jewelry and valuables should be transferred to a safety deposit box during your move.

One to Three Weeks Before Moving:

• Create an itinerary for moving day to ensure you are at the house when the movers arrive. Plan to have kids and pets stay with a family friend/relative.
• Change your address with USPS.
• Change your address with any bank accounts and credit cards.
• Moving long distance? Be sure to have your vehicles serviced and oil changed before the long trip.
• Cancel home services like the cleaning company, lawn services, pool services, etc.
• Wrap up the majority of the packing. Just leave out the essentials to be packed last minute.
• Collect items you will need for traveling and set them aside. Doing this will ensure you have everything you need until the moving company arrives at the new house.
• Give your furniture a once-over and jot down any scratches and dents; that way, you can compare notes with the movers at the end of your partnership. You may also want to take pictures of the larger furniture pieces/valuable items, just in case you need to submit a claim for any damaged or missing items after the move.
• Prepare a floor plan to designate where the furniture will go ahead of time. This will help the movers on move-in day.

Moving Day:

• Do a walk-through to make sure no items are left behind.
• Confirm your new address with the moving company and double-check that they have the correct contact information.
• Move out! Turn off all lights and utilities, make sure all windows and doors are locked, and notify your real estate agent you have left the property.

If you need more tips to make moving easier or if you’re curious about the Reno area, contact the David Morris Group. We’re always happy to share our knowledge of the area and the real estate market!