Moving Checklist to keep your next move moving!

Last Updated on April 23, 2021 by Kim Labriola

A helpful moving checklist to make your next move go smoothly

Are you planning a move in the next year? Do you need help downsizing or are you considering relocating out of state? A good moving checklist can be helpful when arranging a move.

6 months prior to a move:

Research your new community and schools.

Interested in buying or selling a home in Tucson? Contact us to go over your needs. 520-975-8956 or Hello@RealTucson.com

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60 days before move date:

Get quotes from three movers. Ask the mover if they can do an in-home quote which will be more accurate. You may get referrals from friends and family.
Research the policies of the different moving companies.
Make a move binder. Include an inventory of your items and photos or videos of special items.
Do you have expensive special such as artwork or antiques that need extra insurance? Will you need these items appraised?
Contact your insurance provider to see what you need to do to transfer your medical, property, fire and auto insurance and make sure you have adequate insurance for the move.
Check with you accountant to see if your move is eligible for tax write offs. If so, create a file for expenses. Be sure to obtain a change of address form 8022 from the IRS. Telephone 800-829-1040.
Make a designated move staging area in your home. Determine how many supplies are needed, boxes, foam, bubble wrap, tape, towels and blankets, and collect them in your staging area.
Do you need to schedule a car mover for your vehicle?
Make sure your car is serviced and ready for the trip.
Research any storage needs.
Make travel arrangements for your family and pets.
Notify old and new schools about the upcoming move and arrange record transfer and registration with the new schools.
Notify doctors, dentists and vets and ask for referrals in your new community. Make sure you have copies of your medical and dental records.
Transfer any memberships to your new town.
Pare down. Recycle, sell, donate, and discard any items you do not need.
Plan a garage sale. Craigslist can also be an effective way to sell unwanted items if you use it in a safe responsible way.
You may consider employing an estate sale company if you are downsizing. (Contact us for referrals for Tucson based companies)
Donate and discard additional unwanted items. (I have a local list of charities and disposal drop offs for chemicals and electronics. Please contact us for a copy.)

Interested in buying or selling a home in Tucson? Contact us to go over your needs. 520-975-8956 or Hello@RealTucson.com

Get Started Today!

14 days prior to the move:

Review this moving checklist so far and make sure past items are taken care of and that you are on track for the last stretch. This time can be stressful and planning and prep here can help keep things moving (pun intended).
Clean any emptied rooms and make sure no items were left unpacked.
Make sure you have moving supplies for plants.
Arrange for the utilities to be on and in your name. Have them active after your move in date. Arrange for any painting, cleaning, floor care, or projects be completed prior to moving in.
Make arrangements for your current home to be cleaned after you leave and any repairs you are required to make scheduled to be completed three days before you move.
Make sure you yard is in good shape and you have plants watered until your move out date.
Check your medication supply and see about transferring prescriptions to the new town.
Make copies of all your important documents such as deeds, titles, wills, passports, trusts, etc. and make sure you have originals with you.
Have you made arrangement for your pets move? Will you need a pet sitter?
Pick up your dry cleaning and return borrowed items to friends and family. Don’t forget to return any library books!
Discard/recycle electronics, paint, oil, fuel and weed and pest killers etc.

Interested in buying or selling a home in Tucson? Contact us to go over your needs. 520-975-8956 or Hello@RealTucson.com

Get Started Today!

One week prior to moving day:

Don’t put this stuff off. Really! The final week before the move can be stressful.
Pack all items except the ones you need daily prior to the move.
Label your boxes. Identify the room the belong in, and if they are fragile. Mark as load last if needed.
Confirm your move date, and any large item movers such as pianos and vehicles.
Arrange payment to the mover. A $25 tip to each mover is customary.
Confirm closing dates, storage dates and move in dates on your new home and the one you are leaving.
Back up your computer.
Do you have a contingency plan in case the movers are delayed?
Cancel scheduled deliveries to the home.
Update your address with your banks
Make a file for the current home for the new buyers. Include warranties, receipts, instructions for appliances, receipts, keys, openers.
Clean out desks and lockers at work, gym, and schools.
Use up perishable foods and donate any un-opened non-perishable foods that will not be moved.
Make sure utilities are set up in the new home and notify your current utility companies that about you move date.

Moving day:

Make an emergency kit with snacks, water, dishes, toiletries, towels, change of clothes, and TP in case movers are late.
Double check the bill of loading and inventory list with the movers before signing.
Clean your home before leaving. The property needs to be in the same physical condition as when the new buyer put in the offer.
Put out your trash and arrange for a bulky trash pick-up if needed.
Are you flying out the next day? If so you may need to make hotel arrangements for the night.

Interested in buying or selling a home in Tucson? Contact us to go over your needs. 520-975-8956 or Hello@RealTucson.com

Get Started Today!

After the move:

Did you get your deposits back?
Have the new home rekeyed before you move your items in.
Check the smoke detectors and fire extinguishers before moving in.
Update your information with voter registration, banks, car registration, drivers license, tax forms etc.

We hope this moving checklist is helpful for you. If you have a suggestion, please contact us at Hello@RealTucson.com or 520-975-8956

Also, if you need the help of a caring experienced realtor in the Tucson, Arizona area please get in touch with us
Hello@RealTucson.com or 520-975-8956

Get Started Today!

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