MOVING CHECKLIST FOR HOME BUYERS
Buying a home can be stressful…and moving is the one thing that your real estate agent can’t help you with. No matter how hard we try! I have compiled this list to help people buying a new home with the exciting, yet daunting, task of moving. This list has come from mentors, associates, the world wide interweb, and personal experience. Hopefully, you will find it helpful!
TWO MONTHS AHEAD
Have a garage sale or donate items you no longer need (keep receipts for tax purposes). Some local charities will pick up your donated items
Talk to your accountant about whether any of your moving expenses are tax-deductible, and start keeping records
Save all your last bills so you’ll have customer service and account numbers
ONCE YOU ARE PENDING
Get recommendations for movers and talk to them about their insurance, packing and delivery policies
Talk to your insurance agent about what your insurance will cover during your move
Take photographs of valuables and record serial numbers of electronic equipment
Get written appraisals of any antiques
Begin packing items you do not need often. As you pack, label each box with its contents and the room where it will go.
Order (or begin collecting) boxes.
ONCE APPRAISAL HAS BEEN APPROVED
New Address Notifications
Banks & Financial Institution
- Checking
- Savings
- Loans (car, student, other mortgages)
- Credit Card Companies
Employer
Insurance Company / Agent
Post Office
Schools
Government Agencies
- IRS
- Social Security
- Vehicle Registration
Magazines / Subscriptions
Memberships
Costco / Shopping Clubs
Health Club
Friends & Family
Health Providers
Doctors
Dentist
Pharmacy
ONE WEEK AHEAD
Contact utilities for your current home and notify them of your closing/moving date:
Water
Sewer
Garbage
Electric
Gas
Oil/Propane
Cable / Satellite TV
Phone
Home Security Monitoring
Some utilities need advanced notice to schedule a connection. Commonly they are:
Cable
Phone
Internet
Check the rules in the condo or apartment about restrictions in use of the elevator.
Pack a box of items you will need upon arrival in your new home:
Cleaning supplies
Disposable plates & cups
Tool box
Snacks
Bathroom supplies
Trash bags
MOVING DAY
Confirm all utilities have been transferred
Water
Sewer
Garbage
Electric
Gas
Oil/Propane
Cable / Satellite TV
Phone
Home Security Monitoring
Change the locks. You really don’t know who else has keys to your home, so change the locks. That ensures you’re the only person who has access.