Moving Checklist

Sometimes the thought of moving can be overwhelming, but staying organized can help alleviate some of the stress and worry.  Use our handy checklist to stay on track and remember that Action Moving Services is here to help with every step of your move.  Don't hesitate to ask if there is anything you need assistance with.

                                                                                                                                                  Photo Courtesy of Jon-EricMelsæter 

6-8 Weeks Before Your Move:

• Contact several moving companies and arrange for an in-home estimate from each of them.  Use our handy "Get a Quote" tool to the left to begin this step.  Start a moving folder to keep track of estimates and all the other paperwork associated with your move.

• Think about what items you will be taking to your new home, and which items will not make the move.  Make a plan for relieving yourself of items that will not be coming with you:  donate to charity, have a yard sale, sell on craigslist, etc.  This might be a good time to sketch a floor plan of your new home to help you visualize where all your furnishing and belongings will go.

• Make travel arrangments for family members and pets if you are moving a long distance.  Consider whether you will drive your vehicles to your destination or have them shipped.   Buy plane tickets  and make hotel arrangementsif necessary.

4-6 Weeks Before Your Move: 

• Select  your mover if you haven't done so already and confirm date and details.  Remember that Action Moving Services offers guaranteed pricing and many options to fit your budget.

• Transfer school records if you have children.

• If you're going to pack yourself, order boxes and gather up the other supplies you will need.  Action Moving Services can put together a custom moving kit with everything you need.

• Begin using up items that you can't take with you such as perishable and frozen food items, aerosol cans and bleach.  See our complete list of "Do Not Pack" items.

2-4 Weeks Before Your Move:

• Start packing, beginning with items you use infrequently.  Storage closets and book/cd/dvd shelves are a good place to start.

• Empty safe deposit box and put contents in a storage container that you will personally transport to your new home.

• Fill any prescriptions so that you have enough of a supply to get you through until you get a new doctor.

• Make a list of all the people and businesses you need to notify of your move and begin contacting them: 

             Post Office: go to http://www.usps.gov/ to fill out a change of address form online

             Credit card companies

             Banks

             Brokerage firms and any other financial institutions

             Utility companies

             Cable and internet companies

             Phone company

             Cell phone provider

             Newspaper

             Car and home insurance companies

             Doctors

             Veterinarian

             Health club

             Magazine subscriptions

• Be sure to contact the utility, cable, phone and internet companies in your new community to get services set up as soon as possible in your new home.

• If you are moving to or from Spokane, check out our "Spokane Resouces" page where you will find most of the phone numbers and/or links to  the websites you will need listed in one place.

 The Week Of Your Move:

• Finish packing.

• Pack and clearly mark an essentials box (or two) with the following:

             Shower curtain

             Towels

             Toiletries

             Paper plates, plastic silverware

             Dish soap, dishcloths

             Paper towels, toilet paper

             Sheets, blankets, pillows

             Alarm clock

             1st aid kit

             Pet Supplies

             Trash bags

             Light bulbs

             Scissors, box cutter, work gloves

             Extension cords, batteries  

• Set aside items you will personally move:

             purses, wallets, cash

             jewelry

             important papers and files

             ipods, laptops, etc.

             suitcases w/ a few days worth of clothing for each family member

If you are driving to your new home, you may want to put these items in your car, so there are no mix-ups on moving day.

• If moving a refrigerator or freezer: empty, clean and defrost.

After Your Move:

• Register vehicles and get new driver's license if you have moved to a new state.

• Register to vote if you have moved counties or states.

• Send out a change of address card or e-mail to friends and family.

• Subscribe to the local paper.

• Have fun familiarizing yourself with your new community!