In preparing for a move, it’s easy to get bogged down with all the things to do. Stay on top of all that with our checklists. Be sure to take care of all the items. If you’re one month away from your move and use these checklists for the first time, make sure you’ve already taken care of the items in the “Three Months Before Moving” and “Two Months Before Moving” checklists.
More Checklists: Military PCS Guide
- Get up early and be ready for movers to arrive.
- Do not have dirty dishes in the kitchen or dirty clothes in hampers or lying around the house.
- Take all trash out of the residence.
- Have coffee, cold drinks and snacks for yourself (and packers if you wish). This is going to be a very long day.
- Be sure that you or someone assisting in your move is at home at all times. Most moves are conducted during normal business hours.
- Make sure cash, jewelry, important documents, checkbook and other valuable items are secure (carry them with your personal belongings). Do not ship jewelry.
- Get pets under control before movers arrive. If necessary, ask a neighbor to keep them for you if you haven’t made boarding arrangements.
- Double-check closets, drawers, shelves, the attic and the garage to be sure you have packed everything.
- Have a marker handy to make extra notes on boxes. If you are hand-carrying any boxes with you, be sure to mark “DO NOT MOVE” on them clearly.
- Carry a box of “basics” you’ll need on move-in day (tools, paper products, housecleaning supplies, emergency kits, etc.).
- Verify that the mover’s inventory is detailed, complete and accurate.
- Watch loading and unloading, and examine all items carefully before signing a receipt.
- Accurately note the condition of belongings. If anything is marked “scratched, dented or soiled,” note the location of such problems.
- If the military is taking care of your move, be sure to obtain a copy of the household goods inventory from the packers before they leave the residence.
- Ensure the inventory is accurate and complete, and keep a copy with other important records you are hand-carrying.
- Check the entire house before releasing the packers, to make sure that nothing has been left behind. Leave all the old keys that are needed by the new tenant or owner with your realtor or a neighbor.
- Hand-carry finance, medical and dental records.
More Checklists: Military PCS Guide
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