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If a move is in your future, there are a lot of items to take care of. Add a real estate closing to the mix and there is even more. Here is a step-by-step guide of what you will need to take care of so your closing and move go smoothly. Here is a printable list. For those of you that remember, I put together some emergency preparedness documents a couple months ago and I added this moving checklist to the folder so there are some other helpful, printable documents in there as well. One Month before closing/move: -Book movers- ask friends/family/Realtors for recommendations and get quotes. We've heard much over the years about movers and their quality and services seem to change over time. Do some online research and talk to a couple companies. -Request time off of work on your moving day -Gather/purchase packing materials. Think about special boxes you might need for art work, TVs, dishes, breakable items. -Start packing infrequently used items and make a pile for donations. Label boxes as you go- especially boxes with essential items you will need to find right upon moving into your new place. -Gather documentation and records in one place so you have it handy and so they don't get packed up. -Consider cancelling memberships to things in your local neighborhood (like gyms) and notify service providers of your move (gardeners, house keepers, pest control, etc.) -Will you need a new doctor, dentist, pediatrician, or veterinarian? If so, it might make sense to research these now. Transfer your medical records and pet's veterinary records. Two weeks before closing/move: -Keep packing a few boxes each day. -Schedule internet provider appointment so you have internet upon moving day. -Schedule babysitter for moving day if you have kiddos. -Update Amazon and other e-commerce platforms. -Transfer prescriptions to new pharmacy. Make sure you have enough of your prescriptions to get you through your move. -Schedule cleaners for home you are moving out of/home you are moving into. One week before closing/move: -Get rid of/use up leftover food -Cancel/re-route pending deliveries -Withdraw cash if needed (for tips for movers and other helpers) -Procure floor protection to cover carpets/hardwood floors so you don't scuff or damage floors during your move -File change of address form with post office -Take in donations or schedule pick up for donations. -Transfer of utilities- you will need to set up: -Electricity -Gas -Trash (might be covered by your new Homeowners Association.) -Cable -Don't forget to transfer things like Ring doorbells and security systems into your name. A note on transfer of utilities: When you are closing on a home, the title company will transfer water, sewer, and the Homeowners Association documentation into your name. The HOA will reach out after closing and send you a welcome packet with instructions and information about how to pay. It's a good idea to call the water/sewer provider the week after closing to make sure that the water and sewer definitely got transferred into your name. Every once in a while, that slips through the cracks. If you are selling a home, the title company will take out money from closing to pay your final water bill and you will get a refund from the title company. This refund will be mailed to you at your new home. Day before closing/move: -Go to final walk through at your new home. Make sure home is in the expected condition, utilities are on, hot water is working. Ensure you have access after closing via lockbox or keys you will receive at closing. -Prior to moving in, make sure you know where water shut off and electrical panel are. -Confirm trash and recycling pick up days. -Confirm mail box location and make sure you will get mailbox key upon possession of new home. Confirm if there is garage keypad code. -Pack up car with small knick-knacks, breakable items, valuables, things that don't fit in boxes. Day of closing/move: -Close on your home! The move begins! -Make sure pets are secured while move is in progress.
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Organizations who need to know your new address: -Insurance companies, life insurance company -Banks, investment firm -Your company's HR department -Magazine and newspaper subscriptions -Utility Companies -Doctors offices/veterinarian office -Schools -DMV -Voter registration |
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We hope this is a helpful tool for those of you with an impending move! Until next time! Allison and Ken |
