Full Moving Checklist Template (+Reminders)

Use this moving list to ensure that your move is as smooth as possible. These simple steps will keep your move stress-free!

Six to eight weeks before moving day

A. Decide if you will use a moving company or move. Get at least three estimates.

B. Create a file for your moving papers and receipts.

C. Make a home inventory list and start to remove clutter. Make it easy by using a free Green Van Lines Calculator.

Working with the mover:

A. Call Green Van Lines. Set a date for our estimator to visually survey your home and prepare an estimate.

B. If your company is paying for your move, refer to their moving policy to determine the services the mover will be authorized to perform.

C. Do you want to do any of the packings — or will you have it done by our experienced packers? Our Estimator will be happy to discuss packing services with you.

D. Show the estimator everything that is going to be moved. Any items you fail to disclose or that are added later to the shipment will increase the cost, even if you have been given a binding estimate.

E. Read the “Your Rights and Responsibilities Manual” (for full-service moves) to make certain that you fully understand the extent of the carrier’s liability.

F. Sign the Estimate/Order for Service after you are sure you have a clear understanding of each section. If you have any questions, ask your estimator to explain.

G. Keep the phone number and name of your salesperson or move coordinator handy.

Four to six weeks before moving day

A. Have a moving sale or donate items to charities.

B. Make arrangements and inquire about insurance coverage.

C. Complete change of address cards at the post-office or use an online service.

D. Obtain copies of all medical and dental records. Find quality medical professionals and hospitals in your new location. Your current providers may be able to provide you with some referrals.

Print a medical ID card for each person that is moving.

E. Obtain school records, pet records, legal and any other financial documents.

Places to notify:

A. Prepare a list of friends, relatives, business firms, and others who should be notified of your move. The following checklist will be helpful.

Utilities

A. Electric.

B. Gas.

C. Water.

D. Telephone.

E. Sewer District.

F. Trash.

G. Cable/Satellite.

H. Fuel (Oil/Propane).

I. Sewer District.

Personal Accounts

A. Pharmacy.

B. Dry Cleaner.

C. Lawn Service.

D. Bank/Finance Companies.

E. Credit Card Companies.

F. Laundry Service.

G. Auto Finance Company.

H. Health Club.

Professional Services

A. Doctor (s).

B. Dentist.

C. Accountant.

D. Lawyer.

E. Broker.

F. Insurance Agency.

Publications

A. Newspapers.

B. Magazines.

C. Newsletters.

D. Professional Journals.

Government Offices

A. Department of Motor Vehicles.

B. Social Security Administration.

C. State/Federal Tax Bureaus.

D. City/County Tax Assessor.

E. Veterans Administration.

Miscellaneous:

A. Begin to use up supplies of canned goods, frozen foods and other household items. Buy only what will be used before moving.

Two to three weeks before moving day

Working with the mover:

A. Notify us if you add or subtract items from your planned move or if there are any changes in dates. Be sure to supply your estimator with the destination address and phone numbers where you can be reached.

B. Confirm any extra stops required to pick up or deliver goods to a location other than the main pickup or delivery points.

C. If your car is being moved, be prepared to drive it to a suitable loading site. Also, be prepared to pick up your car at a suitable destination location.

Preparing the family:

A. Take the family for a farewell visit to some of the places that hold happy memories.

B. Have a going-away party for the children and their friends.

C. Have some fun for yourself…an open house or an informal dinner or barbecue. Keep it simple.

D. Make family travel plans. Reserve hotel rooms and airline tickets as needed.

E. If driving, have your car serviced for the trip (check tires, brakes, and windshield wipers, fluids, belts, etc.)

Preparing household items:

A. Federal law requires that you dispose of flammables such as fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, acids, chemistry sets, aerosol cans, ammunition, and poisons such as weed killers.

Drain fuel from your power mower and other machinery. Discard partly used cans of oil, paint, thinner, bleach, or any other substances that may be flammable or combustible or those stored in containers that may leak. Please read the complete list of non-allowable.

B. Discard propane tanks are used for barbecue grills.

C. Set an appointment with a service technician to prepare your major appliances for shipment – or have your estimator send someone out who is authorized to perform this service.

D. Set a date for having utilities disconnected. If possible, plan to keep utilities in service through moving day.

E. Have rugs and draperies cleaned. Leave both wrapped when they are returned from the cleaners.

F. Obtain a written appraisal of antique items to verify value. Avoid waxing or oiling wooden antiques (and fine wood furniture) before moving because some products might soften the wood, making it vulnerable to imprinting from furniture pads.

G. Do not clean your upholstered furniture before moving. Moisture could cause mold if furniture must be placed in storage.

One to two weeks before moving day

Pet and plants:

A. Decide what to do with house plants. Green Van Lines cannot safely move your plants because they may suffer from lack of water and light as well as probable temperature changes while in the van.

Alternatives:

A. Give them to friends or relatives.

B. Donate them to a hospital or other organization.

C. Include them in a garage sale.

D. Some states permit the entry of all house plants; others admit them in accordance with specific rules and regulations. Ask your agent for a copy of our “Moving With House Plants” booklet.

E. Take pets to the veterinarian. Most states require health certificates and rabies inoculations.

F. See that identification and rabies tags are securely attached to your pet’s collar.

G. Arrange for transportation of pets. Take them in the car or send them via air. Consider boarding pets either at your destination or at a kennel near your present home until you are settled in the new city.

Ask your estimator for a copy of our “Moving With Pets” booklet.

Other important details:

A. Collect all items that are being cleaned, stored, or repaired (clothing, furs, shoes, watches, etc).

B. Empty your locker at the club, bowling alley, or gym.

C. Return library books and anything borrowed from friends or neighbors, and collect things you may have loaned.

The day before moving day

Working with the packers

A. Point out to the packers any extra-fragile items needing special attention. Mark appropriately any items you do not want packing or moved, as well as cartons you will want first when the van arrives at your destination.

B. If you are doing your own packing, make sure everything is ready to go before moving day. Upon arrival, the foreman will check to see if the boxes have been properly packed.

C. Collect things you definitely want packing together, such as children’s toys, and place them in separate groups.

D. Unplug all electronic appliances 24 hours in advance of a move, except plasma televisions, so that they will be at room temperature on moving day. This includes home computers, stereos, and audio/video equipment.

Last-minute details:

A. Check closets, cabinets, and storage lockers for any articles overlooked.

B. Be on hand when the service representative arrives to prepare your appliances for shipment.

C. It is your responsibility to see that all mechanical and electrical equipment is properly serviced for shipping prior to the arrival of the moving van at your expense.

D. If you have failed to have an article serviced, the foreman may load and haul it but will mark the inventory sheet “Not Serviced.”

Request a copy of the “Moving Appliances & Other Home Furnishings” booklet for more information.

Moving day

Working with the mover:

A. It is your responsibility to see that all of your goods are loaded, so remain on the premises until loading is complete. After making a final tour of the house, check and sign the inventory.

Get your copy from the van operator and keep it.

B. Approve and sign the Bill of Lading. It states the terms and conditions under which your goods are moved and is also your receipt for the shipment.

Be sure to complete and sign the declared valuation statement.

C. Make sure the foreman has the exact destination address. Be sure to let the foreman know how you can be reached, including phone numbers, pending the arrival of your household goods.

Last-minute details:

A. Leave your phone connected throughout the moving day. After the truck leaves and you finish last-minute calls, be sure to pack the phone in one of your suitcases.

Take a last look around:

A. Water shut off?

B. Water shut off?

C. Furnace shut off?

D. Light switches turned off?

E. All utilities arranged for disconnection?

F. Windows shut and locked?

G. Old house keys surrendered?

H. Have you left anything?

Delivery day

Working with the mover:

A. Be on hand to accept delivery. If you cannot be there personally, be sure you authorize an adult to be your representative to accept delivery and pay the charges for you.

B. On the day of delivery, the driver will attempt to contact you by phone and/or will make an appearance at residence if he is unable to reach you.

If you are unable to accept delivery of your shipment within the free waiting time (i.e., two hours) after notification of arrival at the destination, you may request waiting time until delivery can be made.

C. Check your household goods as they are unloaded. If there is a change in the condition of the property from that noted on the inventory at the time of loading or if any items are missing, note discrepancies on the van operator’s copy of the inventory sheet.

By signing the inventory sheet, you are acknowledging receipt of all items listed. Personally report any loss or damage to your salesperson or move coordinator.

D. When unloading, each piece of furniture will be placed as you direct, including the laying of rugs and setting up any beds disassembled at origin.

However, mattresses will not be unpacked, and appliances and/or fixtures will NOT be installed. At your request and at an additional charge, your salesperson or move coordinator can arrange for this service.

E. The mover is not obligated to rearrange your furniture.

F. Place a floor plan of your new home by the entrance, which the movers can use to determine where each piece of furniture should go.

G. Keep all documents pertaining to your move in a safe place. You will need them for verification of moving expenses when you file your federal income tax returns.

H. To prevent possible damage, television sets, other electronic equipment and major appliances should not be used for 24 hours after delivery, allowing them time to adjust to room temperature.

One week after the move

Settling in:

A. Check with your new post office for any mail being held and ask for delivery to start.

B. Check state (and local) requirements for auto registration and a driver’s license.

C. You may want to select an attorney to discuss laws that pertain to your destination state, county, and/or city. Be sure to cover such matters as wills, transfers of property and investments, insurance regulations, inheritance laws, taxes, etc.

Most laws affect a family as soon as residence in the new state and city is established.

If you are moving your office, you can read our tips at this link.