Moving Checklist

You've found your perfect home (yay!), and now it's time to actually move houses. We've compiled an expert checklist of moving tips to keep you on track. 

Purchase a home: Check! Now it’s time to plan and organize for your move. When the countdown to closing starts, turn to this helpful moving checklist and don’t leave the day to chance.

Planning for Your Move

Once you’ve had a professional AmeriSpec home inspection and purchased your new home, it’s time to pack up and move. Moving day can be stressful, but planning ahead can help. We recommend starting about eight weeks out from your moving day.

• Start a “move file” for all receipts, papers and estimates related to your move.
• Contact a van line or rental truck company to get estimates. Be ready to make your selection and schedule pick-up and delivery dates about six weeks in advance.
• If you are moving to a new city, ask your attorney, doctor and other providers for referrals and necessary records.
• If you have pets, schedule a check-up and get a copy of veterinary records. And find arrangements for them on moving day.
• Have your car serviced if you will be moving or driving a long distance.
• Set schedules with real estate agents, landlords and other service providers as needed.
• Transfer or close your local bank account and be sure to get all items from your safety deposit box.
• Start using up frozen foods and other items in your freezer.
• Begin gathering boxes or schedule a moving container rental service. 

Organize, Donate and Start Packing

This is where the muscle comes in. At least six weeks in advance, begin to purge, organize and donate any unused, outgrown or extra items. This ensures you’re only packing and moving the items you need and use (and saves you time and money on moving day).

• If you have unwanted or unneeded items, plan a garage sale and set a date or arrange a pick up by a local charity.
• Clean out the refrigerator and defrost the freezer if necessary.
• Properly dispose of hazardous items, which can include paint, fertilizers, pool chemicals and more.
• Often moving companies won’t handle plants for you. So make a plan to either move them yourself or donate to friends or other family.
• Begin packing out-of-season items like sports equipment, clothing and other accessories since you won’t need access to these right away.
• Consider using towels to wrap dinnerware and other fragile items — you get to pack two things in one go.

Remember to Update Your Address & Cancel Services at Your Old Place

This is an important piece — and one that can be more time consuming than you think. Make sure you give yourself ample time to either submit changes online or via phone.

• Arrange to transfer school records if you have children.
• Schedule disconnect dates with your local utilities.
• Notify the appropriate utilities of connect dates in the new home.
• Cancel newspaper subscription and trash pickup effective on your move date.
• Check with your local post office for change of address information and forms.

It’s Moving Day

It’s finally here: Moving Day. And now all of the prep work you did pays off. 

• Pack a suitcase or small bag with your essentials — medications, chargers, changes of clothes, toiletries, etc. You don’t want to dig around in boxes for these necessities. 
• Spend the entire day at home with the movers.
• Carry any valuables or family heirlooms with you.
• Just before the movers leave, take a final tour of your old home. Make sure nothing has been left in drawers or closets.
• As you leave, be sure all windows and doors are closed and locked.
• In your new place, prioritize unpacking bedding and bathroom items. That way, you have a place to clean up and rest after a full day of moving.

After You’ve Cleared Some Boxes

Remember to tie up those loose ends and help get settled into your new home. 

• Check with the post office to see if there is any mail that is being held for you.
• Register your cars. Also, register to vote in your new area.
• Finish enrolling children in school. Remember to take prior school and medical records with you.
• Obtain numbers needed in an emergency, such as the fire and police departments.

Learn More about Our Other Services

Once you’re all moved in, turn to our ServiceMaster® family of brands to make your house a home. If you’ve noticed damage to your furniture, flooring, cabinetry or more post-move-in, your local Furniture Medic® technician can help repair and restore your items. For help cleaning and maintaining your home’s interior, turn to a Merry Maids® near you. 

AmeriSpec services are provided by independently owned and operated franchises. Availability of services may vary depending on location.