Reduce your load
- Draw the floor plan of your new home to help you decide which furniture will be moved. Get measurements of doors and hallways.
- Disspose of flammable household supplies that can't be moved.
- Begin using up food in your freezer and refrigerator.
- Arrange for storage of boats or other items.
- Have carpets, furniture or curtains cleaned, if needed.
- Have a garage sale.
- Return or collect any borrowed items.
- Decide how to transfer or dispose of house plants. In many cases plants cannot be moved interstate. Consult your moving company about their policy on moving plants.
- Austin Energy will pay you $50 and pick up (and recycle) your old working refrigerator or freezer. 1-800-452-8685
Collect important records
- Gather important records (doctors, dentists, lawyers, accountant), and place in a safe place.
- Arrange to transfer children's school records to new school.
- Transfer, sell or close all association memberships.
- Keep all moving receipts, and related expenses. Moving expenses may be tax deductible.
- Collect automobile license, registration and insurance papers, and keep with your file of important papers.
- Arrange to open new bank accounts and safety deposit box at new locations.
- Purchase some traveler's checks to use for travel and the first few days at your new home.
- Change any direct deposit and automatic payment arrangements to your new bank.
- Transfer prescriptions to a pharmacy in your new location.
- Return library books and videotapes.
Mail change of address cards
- Get a change of address kit from post office and begin filling out the cards.
- Send cards to : Relatives, Friends, Accountant, IRS, All Insurance carriers, Banks, Clubs, Lawyer, Broker, Creditors, Magazines, Catalogs, Doctor, Dentist, Credit Cards, Newspapers, former Employer
Interview and select a mover
- If you are doing the packing, determine how many boxes you'll need, and where they may be purchased.
- See our Movers Page for Austin moving resources.
- Confirm with the moving company all moving arrangements.
- Check with the moving company prior to packing for any special requirements.
Schedule services or appointments
- Schedule appointments for haircuts, manicures, massage, etc.
- Arrange for hotel reservations, if needed.
- Arrange for pet travel. Purchase a plane reservation and travel container. Consult with your veterinarian about how to make the move easier for your pet.
- Service any automobile, boat, or trailer that will be moved. Make sure tires and fluid levels are in good shape.
- Have a service person available to prepare your appliances (washer, dryer, water bed, etc.) for shipment.
- Put a road map in your car.
- Cancel any delivery services. (water deliveries, newspaper, diaper services)
- Give instructions to services such as pool maintenance, yard mowing, etc.
- Have a fun going away party.
- Pick up dry cleaning, layaway, or any stored items.
- Plan to have a baby-sitter on moving day.
Begin packing
- Pack all items that you do not need. Use newspapers only for cushioning and outer wrapping only. Newspaper ink can damage fine china.
- Label the packing boxes according to the room where the items belong.
- Purchase packing materials to have on hand: tape, bubble wrap, scissors, labels, utility knife, garbage bags, etc.
- During the final two weeks, begin serious packing of items you will not need.
- Plan to have payment ready for the driver or truck rental company. Verify the form of payment with mover.
- Do not forget to pack the attic, closets, cabinets, and other storage areas.
- Make up a "Moving Day" box: First aid kit, paper towels, disposable dishes, trash bags, snacks, dish towels, camera, dish detergent, medications, toiletries, telephone book, tools, soap, road map, bathroom tissue.
- Keep a list every item and box that is loaded onto the truck.
- Let the mover know how you can be reached. Also give the phone number of an alternative contact person.
- Keep the moving company bill or rental receipt until your goods are delivered and charges are paid.
Final cleaning
- Start cleaning out early. Avoid having a lot of trash left in the garage on moving day.
- Clean out refrigerator, freezer, ovens and all appliances.
- Properly dispose of hazardous household items to avoid damage caused by leakage.
- Choose a "do not-move" drawer for warranty papers, keys, and instructions for new owner.
- Arranage for pool and yard service if your home is not sold or closing is more than 30 days away.
- Clean out drawers and cabinets as they are emptied.
- Have the yard mowed and edged.
- Have the garage, patio, and driveway cleaned.
- Empty the water from your steam iron.
- Run last laundry loads.
- Remember to take your old phone book with you.
- Use vacuum before it is loaded.
- Pay special attention to the area behind the refrigerator and washer/dryer.
- Touch up paint and scuffs that occur during the move.
- Spackle and paint all nail holes after pictures are taken down.
- Repair any sheetrock that has been damaged.
- Remove all trash to outside receptacles.
- Have the carpet professionally cleaned, if necessary.
Final walk through
- Make sure all faucets are off.
- Set thermostats to desired temperature.
- Make sure appliances are off.
- Lock all doors.
- Inspect all rooms, plus attic and storage places.
- Leave the garage door opener for new owner.
- Take trash bins to curb for pick up.
- Check lights.
- Label house keys for new owner.
- Set sprinkler system.
- Check pool settings.
- Leave a welcoming note for the new owner.
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