Moving checklist

Learn to love your lists

Notify the following of your change in address (as applicable):

• Post Office (to redirect mail)
• Financial institutions (to transfer and/or close accounts)
• County clerk/voter registrar
• Department of taxation
• Leasing company
• Insurance company (to transfer or terminate household insurance)
• Life insurance company
• Car insurance company
• Health insurance company
• School principal (to obtain a letter regarding the status of your children in school)
• Shops and stores where you have charge accounts
• Relatives, friends and regular correspondents
• Club memberships
• Magazines, newspapers and other subscriptions
• Doctor(s) and dentist (to obtain copies of your records)
• Your lawyer
• Your place of worship

Discontinue these services (as applicable):

• Gas
• Water
• Electricity
• Telephone
• Cable/satellite/Internet television service
• Newspaper/publication delivery
• Internet service provider

Remember to:

• Defrost your refrigerator/freezer and drain all water hoses.
• Disconnect your washing machine and drain water.
• Check with manufacturer to ensure all major appliances are correctly prepared for moving.
• Arrange for electricity and gas companies to disconnect any fittings from the supply.
• Dispose of items you do not wish to take with you.
• Return books, videos, etc.
• Remove your own fixtures and fittings from walls.
• Put important items, such as identification and/or passports and tickets, in your personal luggage so they are not accidentally packed.
• Arrange for someone to look after your children on the packing days. (This can be a stressful time for them.)

Dangerous Goods

• Ammunition
• New or partially used cans of paint
• Linseed oil
• Bleach products
• Gas cylinders, turpentine
• Kerosene
• Gasoline
• Cleaning fluids
• Aerosols (any kinds)
• Vegetable oils
• Chemical sets

A few don’ts:

• Don’t forget to detail any high-value items (e.g., antiques, furs, paintings) in your transit protection declaration—a separate valued list is requested.
• Don’t put breakables in drawers.
• Don’t put liquid in drawers (sauce bottles, perfumes, etc.).
• Don’t overload furniture with too many items (in drawers).
• Don’t store perishable foods, such as cereals, flours, etc.
• Don’t polish your furniture prior to your move. Polishing surfaces can cause furniture to condensate when wrapped.
• Don’t store or transport jewelry, money, legal documents, taxation papers, insurance policies or other high-value/irreplaceable articles. (Keep these items with you.)
• Don’t forget to check your home for any belongings the packing crew may have missed—before they leave.

One last look around...

• Anything left in the attic, garden, garage or basement?
• No clothes at the dry cleaners, shoes at shoe repair shops, sporting goods in lockers at clubs/schools?
• Are the water heater, main power and gas connections turned off?
• If possible, turn off air conditioners and use them only when necessary during packing. Furniture kept in a constantly cooled climate may condensate when suddenly exposed to hot air. Allowing your furniture to adapt to the warm air can be helpful in eliminating moisture problems during transit.
• Pack your suitcases and move them (together with your valuables, passports, and tickets) to a safe place, such as a trusted neighbor’s home. This will prevent them from being accidentally packed with your goods.
• Put your personal telephone and address book with your carry-on luggage for the flight. You may want to get in touch with people later.
• Dispose of all remaining flammables, dangerous, or hazardous materials. Throw or give away bottles of nail polish, and liquids in glass bottles.
• Are your windows and doors locked? Old house keys surrendered?