Two Months Before

•  Sort and purge
• Research moving companies. Many of my clients have had great luck with Thompson Movers (708) 687-4446 so I have included their number. Whichever service you use make sure to get an on-site estimate and check their past performances. Better Business Bureau 1-219-227-8400
• Create a moving binder (estimates, receipts & inventory of items you’re moving)
• Create a folder of appliance warranties etc. that can be shared with the new owners.
• Organize school, dental, & medical records to easily transfer to new district.
• Gather supplies (boxes, tape, bubble wrap, & permanents markers. Tip: Costco boxes are a nice size for all to carry, some come with handles and best of all are free! 

Six Weeks Before

• Use it – start using up frozen and perishable foods and cleaning supplies
• Make travel arrangements for pets and plants. Tip: check with moving company on what you can and can’t move. Often, they have a do not ship list.

One Month Before

• Ensure that your moving company has been selected and confirm date, cost & other details.
• Begin packing. Clearly label each box with the room it is coming from, a number & a brief description of contents. Tip: Make one box marked “Essentials” that you will carry with you and need right away such as medications, toiletries, cleaning supplies, paper products/utensils, pajamas, & even light bulbs, small tool kit, scissors, tape, a few rags & trash bags. A separate box with valuables is a good idea as well. You may even give to a relative or friend prior to move to ensure safe keeping.
• Do a change of address at the local post office or online at usps.gov
• Notify important parties: banks, brokerage firms, employer’s human resource department, magazines & newspapers, credit card, insurance and utility companies. 
  •  Electric        
  • Water
  •  Gas
  • Cell Phone
  • Sewer
  • Trash Collection
  • Cable/satellite, internet and landline phone
• Get automobile serviced.
• Update address. Fill out a change of address with Postal Service. Have mail held if necessary. Notify friends and family of your new address so you can stay in touch. Tip: If you wish to provide a mailing list of friends and family we will update them of your move.
• Notify other businesses. These service accounts should be aware that your address is changing. Tip: Keep track of incoming mail as a reminder of who utilizes your address.
  • Auto Finance Company
  • Insurance Company
  •  Bank/Credit Union
  •  Credit Card Companies
  • Health Club
  •  Home Care Service Providers (lawn, exterminator, snow removal, Home Owners Association, etc.)
  • Laundry Service
  • Magazines/Newspapers
  •  Monthly Memberships (Netflix, Book of the Month, etc.)
  •  Pharmacy
  • Any other service that would need an updated billing address
• Notify government offices
  •  Department of Motor Vehicles
  •  Social Security Administration
  • City/County Tax Assessor
  • State/Federal Tax Bureau (IRS)
  •  Veterans Administration
  • Arrange Parking. Make sure you know where your moving equipment will go and where any moving help will park. Obtain parking permits if needed.
•   Plan meals. Prepare meals that use up any perishable food during last weeks of move.
•     Prepare the House. Assemble the folder you created of important house information for the next home owner and complete any necessary repairs. Leave a note with your address so future residents can forward stray mail.

1 Week Before

•   Review moving plans. Call moving company to confirm moving plans
•     Prepare for payment. Contact bank or credit card company and mention move to avoid fraud alerts or declines from travel activity.
•     Pack essentials box. Finalize your essentials box with things you will need when you arrive at new house. Tip: Load essentials box last so that you can access immediately.
•     Pack for travel. Bring enough clothes and toiletries to cover the days of travel. Tip: Refill prescriptions and bring with as well.
•     Prepare appliances. Drain gas and oil from lawn equipment, gas grills, eaters, etc. Empty and defrost refrigerator and freezer at least 24 hours before move.
•     Measure furniture and doorways. Measure large items to determine if they will fit through the door or plan an alternate route.

Moving Day

•   Clear a path. Make sure nothing blocking walkway Protect carpet, floor and door frames from damage.
•     Do final walkthrough. Check every room & closet one last time to ensure nothing is left behind. 
•     Arrange for pick-up of any items not being moved by movers (dog, plants, etc.)

Moving In

• Clean and inspect home to prepare for new owners.
• Unpack. Load your items and begin organizing new home.
• Get settled. Pick up any mail being held, get a new driver’s license and automobile tags, register to vote, locate places such as gas stations, doctor’s offices & grocery stores. 

Any questions or something we should add to list? If you have any concerns contact me direct. Thank you for the opportunity. If I have done a great job please recommend me on your real estate site of choice. We value your opinion & want to ensure your satisfaction. If you have not already done so, make sure to add me in your contacts under Realtor and add our website https://www.mccattyrealestate.com to your home screen on your phone. This will keep us at your fingertips should a real estate need arise. We look forward to helping you and any referrals you may have for many moves to come!