Moving Checklist

Planning and Organization

• If your employer is moving you, verify what your company relocation policy covers and what you will be responsible for.
• Establish tentative dates for your move.
• Layout your planning calendar schedules.
• Put your home on the market, or notify your landlord of intent to vacate.
• Begin your mover selection process.
• Make a house hunting trip to your new town. Contact a real estate agent or get an apartment guide if you're renting.

• Select Bisson to handle your relocation.
• Make a list of everyone you need to notify. Update your address book of friends, relatives, and other contacts, including phone numbers.
• Obtain a change of address kit from the Post Office, and begin filling out the notification cards.
• Begin sorting out those items you do not plan to move. Plan a date for a garage sale.
• Contact the Internal Revenue Service or your accountant for forms and information regarding tax deductible moving expenses.

• Time for another house hunting trip. You will have a lot of research to do at this time, if you haven't already.
• Select your new home, and arrange financing. Establish tentative closing dates.
• Check school schedules and enrollment requirements.
• Obtain church or synagogue information for your new area.
• Determine requirements for new drivers' licenses and transfer of registration/license plates.
• Contact insurance agent to arrange for coverage on your new home and contents, and automobile insurance.
• Look for job opportunities for your spouse and children, if they plan to work.
• Sketch out a floor plan of your new home and get room measurements. Determine how your present furniture, appliances, and decor will fit, and make a list of things you will need to buy.
• If you still have not found a new home, secure a Post Office box for mail forwarding.
• Compile a list of utilities and their phone numbers. Determine any requirements to commence service (such as deposits or prepayments).

When you get back home

• Notify schools of when you are moving. Arrange for records to be transferred to the new school system.
• Schedule pick-up and delivery dates with mover. If you need storage, make arrangements with the moving company now.
• Continue sorting belongings that you will dispose of, items you are taking with you, and everything else that goes with the mover.
• If you have high value or unusual items that you expect to ship, obtain an appraisal and gather receipts.
• Make your travel arrangements. Remember that most airfares are most economical when booked at least 15 days in advance.

• Time to hold your garage sale, and/or give to charity items that you no longer need.
• Verify your time schedule with your real estate agents or landlords. If problems exist, arrange for interim housing.
• Reconfirm dates for packing, pick-up and delivery with your mover.
• Send out change of address cards to the Post Office, friends, relatives, and magazines.

Gather all your personal records

• Doctors
• Dentists
• Lawyers
• Accountant
• Church
• Schools

Notify utilities at your old home of your disconnect dates and forwarding address, and contact those in your new town to begin service:

Take care of financial arrangements:

• Notify your credit card companies of the change of address. Apply for new bank cards and local store charge accounts if necessary.
• Transfer bank accounts.
• Contents of safe deposit box.
• Notify your broker or investment counselor.
• Settle any outstanding bills.
• Take your pet to the veterinarian for immunization and preparations for the journey. Arrange for transportation, and obtain copies of your pet's records and licenses.
• If you are moving out of or into an apartment or high rise building contact the property manager and reserve the elevator for moving day.
• Drain oil and gas from all your power equipment.
• Cancel deliveries and services such as newspaper, diaper service, and trash collection.
• Consider a sitter for kids and pets for moving day.

3-4 Days before moving out:

• Defrost your freezer; give or throw away any perishable food you won't eat in the next two days.
• If you are driving, take your car in to be serviced.

1-2 Days before moving out:

• Pack your luggage and anything you are taking with you.
• Use only those household items you absolutely have to, like towels, sheets, pans, a coffee pot, and a few tools. Everything else should be ready to go.
• Have Bisson pack everything that you are not taking yourself.

Moving Day: relax and observe the Bisson professionals at work.

• Before the movers leave, check through the house with your driver to make sure nothing was missed. Remember to check the attic, basement, closets, cupboards and drawers.
• Consider staying overnight in a hotel, or with friends or family. Leave the next morning fresh for you new home.