Moving checklist

Learn to love your lists

Forgetful, chaotic, or just plain preoccupied? Everyone can use a helpful list when it comes to moving home.

We’ve developed this one from nearly 50 years of experience, and though you’ll probably want to add something, it’s a good place to start.

Notify the following of your change in address (as applicable):

Post Office (to redirect mail)
Financial institutions (to transfer and/or close accounts)
County clerk/voter registrar
Department of taxation
Leasing company
Insurance company (to transfer or terminate household insurance)
Life insurance company
Car insurance company
Health insurance company
School principal (to obtain a letter regarding the status of your children in school)
Shops and stores where you have charge accounts
Relatives, friends and regular correspondents
Club memberships
Magazines, newspapers and other subscriptions
Doctor(s) and dentist (to obtain copies of your records)
Your lawyer
Your place of worship

Discontinue these services (as applicable):

Remember to:

Defrost your refrigerator/freezer and drain all water hoses.
Disconnect your washing machine and drain water.
Check with manufacturer to ensure all major appliances are correctly prepared for moving.
Arrange for electricity and gas companies to disconnect any fittings from the supply.
Dispose of items you do not wish to take with you.
Return books, videos, etc.
Remove your own fixtures and fittings from walls.
Put important items, such as identification and/or passports and tickets, in your personal luggage so they are not accidentally packed.
Arrange for someone to look after your children on the packing days. (This can be a stressful time for them.)

Dangerous Goods

The following are classified as dangerous goods and cannot be stored or transported:

A few don’ts:

Don’t forget to detail any high-value items (e.g., antiques, furs, paintings) in your transit protection declaration—a separate valued list is requested.
Don’t put breakables in drawers.
Don’t put liquid in drawers (sauce bottles, perfumes, etc.).
Don’t overload furniture with too many items (in drawers).
Don’t store perishable foods, such as cereals, flours, etc.
Don’t polish your furniture prior to your move. Polishing surfaces can cause furniture to condensate when wrapped.
Don’t store or transport jewelry, money, legal documents, taxation papers, insurance policies or other high-value/irreplaceable articles. (Keep these items with you.)
Don’t forget to check your home for any belongings the packing crew may have missed—before they leave.

One last look around…

Anything left in the attic, garden, garage or basement?
No clothes at the dry cleaners, shoes at shoe repair shops, sporting goods in lockers at clubs/schools?
Are the water heater, main power and gas connections turned off?
If possible, turn off air conditioners and use them only when necessary during packing. Furniture kept in a constantly cooled climate may condensate when suddenly exposed to hot air. Allowing your furniture to adapt to the warm air can be helpful in eliminating moisture problems during transit.
Pack your suitcases and move them (together with your valuables, passports, and tickets) to a safe place, such as a trusted neighbor’s home. This will prevent them from being accidentally packed with your goods.
Put your personal telephone and address book with your carry-on luggage for the flight. You may want to get in touch with people later.
Dispose of all remaining flammables, dangerous, or hazardous materials. Throw or give away bottles of nail polish, and liquids in glass bottles.
Are your windows and doors locked? Old house keys surrendered?

All done? Get a good night’s rest!

Jaminco