Checklist for Messes

MOVING HOME CHECKLIST
by Kimberly Grace Tan
(post at www.citimove.com)

Moving home is a major test of organization skills. Many times, most of us failed to do it right and ends up taking months to complete this task. The last time I came up with a moving list so I wouldn't forget anything. So here it is to simplify matters.

4-6 weeks
Find a moving company if you are planning to use one
Make a list of places to tell your change of address as you go through your mail
Have your w2's forwarded
Notify schools
Get medical and dental records
Check out churches in new community
Get boxes from grocery store or other places
Start to use up your food
Return anything you have borrowed
Put out a box for moving things like the mover telephone#, the measuring tape, packing tape, keys to the new place, important papers
Pack up your out of season clothes
Clean you curtains and blankets
Pack up your attic or basement
Make a survival kit for the first night- hammer, screwdriver, paper plates, can opener, snacks, cleaning supplies, garbage bags, scissors, first aid kit, tape, toilet paper, linens and towels
Order new address labels and checks
Pack up books ( Actually I stalled on this one so I was packing them the day before we move)
LABEL ALL BOXES!!!

2 to 3 Weeks
Go through possessions and give things you no longer want to charity
Notify the utility companies of your new place when you need everything turned on
Pack pictures and mirrors
Pack up CD's, tapes and video tapes
Tune up car
Discontinue paper delivery
Call your insurance agent for any changes
Give kids a box for their special things
Arrange to have your utilities turned off (Very important. We once had some people use our telephone line to call oversees after we had moved out.)

1 Week
Fill out forms at post office to forward mail
Send the change of address cards with your new phone number to friends
Get a babysitter to watch kids as you move
Decide where you want to put everything
Keep packing things in labeled boxes
Pick up any dry cleaning

2 Days
Tape up bottles like cleaners and shampoo
Get rid of any flammables
Pack up curtains and blinds
Spray your new house with bug spray if you can
Clean stove
The Day Before
Defrost freezer
Pack personal things
Moving Day
Defrost freezer
Strip beds and make sure bedding is one of the first things unloaded
Tape any screws you unscrew under the furniture they go to
Vacuum and do a final inspection
Leave keys with realtor
Lock windows and doors
After You Arrive
Take the family on a walk of the new neighborhood
Enroll children in school
Visit stores
Find out about public transportation
Change your address on your driver's license and your voter's registration
Put a list of local emergency numbers by telephones
Get some babysitter references before you actually need one
Get a phone book
Get information from the Chamber of Commerce about new city
Write out directions to your home so you are prepared when anyone asks how to get to your new home

Good luck on your move!