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Preparation at Current Residence

• Get Moving Quotes
• Establish Budget
  • Movers or Rental Truck/Trailer
  • Boxes, Tape, Moving Blankets, Labor
  • Cleaning Companies
• Start Compiling Emergency Paperwork
  • Medical Records (Human & Pets)
• Schedule Disconnect of Current Utilities
  • Gas
  • Water/Sewage
  • Electric
  • Trash
  • Cable
  • Telephone
• Insurance Policies
  • Update zip code & residency information if necessary
• Donate Unnecessary Items
  • Find Your Nearest Goodwill
  • Salvation Army Locator
• Garage Sale? Time consuming, do you have stuff people would want to buy?
• Start consuming all possible perishables. Stop restocking these items while getting groceries
• Buy Boxes, Tape and Moving Blankets
  • Menards
  • Harbor Freight
  • Lowes
• If you’re taking your kids with you, contact existing and new schools.
• If selling house, create documentation for new owner as a courtesy. (Maintenance, quirks, etc.)
• Complete a USPS change of address form in person or online
  • For safety, leave new mailing address with new resident and/or property management
• Leave note with new mailing address for mail to be forwarded to

Packing Tips

• Pack the bathrooms the day of your move– you probably use most items on a daily basis
• Don’t pack all of your clothes, you’ll probably need something to wear as your move nears
• Use newspaper and/or towels instead of packing peanuts. You’ll save money and help the environment
• If possible, pack your absolute necessities (medicines, changes of clothes, toiletries, etc.) in a suitcase that you personally transport

Cleaning – See How to Get Your Security Deposit Back

• Hire a cleaning company (ignore below if this is the case)
• Kitchen
  • Oven (time consuming process, be careful with oven cleaner)
  • Sinks
  • Refrigerator/Freezer
  • Flooring
• Bathrooms
  • Shower/tub
  • Toilet
  • Sink
• Living Room
  • Vacuum
  • Clean Windows
• Dining Room
  • Vacuum, Carpet Clean if Necessary
• Bedrooms
  • Ceiling Fans
  • Vacuum
  • Clean Windows
• Basement
  • Mold/Mildew Cleaning
  • Carpet/Floor Cleaning
• Garage
  • Clean any Oil Spots
• Attic
  • Empty Stored Items
  • Check that Insulation Not Damaged

Preparation for New Residence

• Schedule Connection of New Utilities
  • Gas
  • Water/Sewage
  • Electric
  • Trash
  • Cable
  • Telephone

Moving Out Day

• Leave blinds open
• Lock all doors and windows

Moving In

• For apartments, take walk-through photos and/or video of apartment before moving in. Save digitally or in your documentation file.

After the Move

• Update Driver’s License
• Ensure Utilities Were Switched Over/Off