AAAA Self Storage Management Group

Moving Checklist

It is our goal to help make your moving and storage experience one that goes smoothly; and with proper planning, you can do just that. Utilize our moving checklist below to ensure you are on track and add to the list details that are customized for your move. Using a checklist customized for your move can remove a lot of undue stress for you and your family.

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6 Weeks before “Move Out Day”

Begin thinking about the details of your move and add them to this list so you don’t forget.
Create a “Moving File” that is brightly colored with pockets to store all your important information, phone numbers, calendar with due dates and receipts.
Contact the IRS to determine information on tax deductions for moving expenses and what records you need to retain for proper documentation.
Contact your insurance agent to discuss transferring of fire, auto and medical insurance.
Organize your filing records and determine what medical information you should make easily accessible like prescription refills, dental or optometrist.
Contact any business that you have an affiliation with for information on transferring, ending or selling your memberships.
Pull aside any items that are difficult or impossible to replace such as wills, jewelry, stock certificates, etc. and keep with you instead of packing them.
Research your new community. Contact the Chamber of Commerce for information on new schools, gyms, maps, daycares and so on.

5 Weeks before “Move Out Day”

Decide what you truly want to keep and toss or donate the rest. Adopt the rule: If you haven’t used it in over 1 year, it’s probably time to let it go. Remember, more items/weight costs more to move and store.
Begin to organize your move. Make 3 columns and list: items you can move by yourself, items to get rid of, and items for your movers to take.
Contact movers and give them a description of how many rooms you anticipate moving or by sq. footage of your home. Remember what you plan on getting rid of or moving yourself so you don’t include that. Shop around to find licensed, bonded movers that can be available when you need them and book now. Reserve a moving truck for your usage. Don’t wait until the last minute as they book quickly.
Begin saving your newspapers and set to the side to wrap knick-knacks in.

4 Weeks before “Move Out Day”

It’s always a good idea to let your movers do most of the packing; however, if you have to do your own packing, it’s time to start. Now that you’ve purged items that you don’t plan on keeping, it’s time to purchase a variety of box sizes as well as bubble pack, peanuts, tape, markers and additional newspaper.
Start packing on a room that has items that aren’t used regularly. Garages, guest rooms, and guest bath rooms are a good place to start. Save the kitchen and main bathrooms for last.
Involve your children on the move to make it exciting for them. Let them put all their toys in a box for you that they can do without for a while.

3 Weeks before “Move Out Day”

Make sure you notify your movers if you’ve added or subtracted items from their list or if there are any changes in the dates of your move. It’s always a good idea to get a final confirmation after you’ve set the date initially.
If you have younger children, getting a babysitter for a few hours will help you stay focused and make more headway.
Decide if you will need to board any pets or have a friend watch them during the move and make arrangements. It is much easier to not have to worry about them on such a hectic day as your move.
Plan on carrying your jewelry with you. If you’ve hidden any items around the house, account for them prior to leaving.
Contact your local utility company and give them the cut-off date for your electric, gas, phone, cable, water, etc. the DAY AFTER YOUR MOVE. You may need them on the day of your move. Transfer any services to your new address earlier as you may want to go in and update or make improvements prior to moving in.
Return anything that you have borrowed from the library or friends and collect anything outstanding from cleaners, accountants, friends, etc.

2 Weeks before “Move Out Day”

You should be more than halfway through your packing. Invite friends over for a “Packing Party”, offering pizza and drinks.
Don’t forget any hidden areas in your home to pack up (back of closets, basements, or attics)
Plan on using up the perishable food items in your freezer and refrigerator. The less of this you have to move, the easier it will be and you won’t risk illness.
Dispose of flammables such as fireworks, cleaning fluids, oil/gas, aerosol cans, matches, paint, ammunition and poisons such as weed killer.
Service your vehicle if you are travelling long distance.
Clear out your safety deposit box. Call your bank for details on how to close out accounts.
Drain the oil and gas from your lawn mower and power tools before transporting. See your owner’s guide for details on specific instructions.
Transfer all your current prescriptions to a drugstore in your new community. You may have to sign a release for them to forward all information to your new pharmacy.

1 Week before “Move Out Day”

Tie up loose ends. Check back through your checklist to ensure you haven’t skipped or missed adding anything.
Pack up the last remaining rooms with the exception of keeping out only what you need that you can put in a travel bag at the last minute. This pertains to the remaining bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchen. Keep a box open in each of these rooms for bedding, pillows, pots, pans, towels, and phone. Label them differently so you can quickly find the necessities after your move.
Double check rooms that have been emptied to ensure nothing is remaining in the back of closets, under the bed, under stairwells.
Pack your suitcases for an extra day in case of an emergency and arrange personal travel arrangements (flights, rental car, and hotel) for your family. Put a travel kit together for children to keep them entertained with games, snacks and drinks.
Empty, defrost and clean out your freezer and refrigerator. Stock the bare minimum with a mini-menu of what you’ll need for the next week. Clean out your stove as well to give it time to air out. Use baking soda to remove odors.
Give your friends and family emergency phone numbers so they can reach you if need be.

“Move Out Day”

Strip your beds and put in the box you’ve set aside. Double check you’ve not hidden any valuables under your mattresses as movers will be the ones who’ll pull them off.
Keep your vacuum to the side with a couple of cleaning products, rags and mop/bucket. Once the movers have all the items in the truck, you’ll want to do a final cleaning.
Be on hand when the movers arrive. It is important to give them a walk through, give direction on what goes in the truck; and what, if any, boxes or furniture needs to be accessed easily after the move or while in storage.
Be sure to be there so you can sign the papers necessary and should you have to leave, make sure there is another adult there able to handle any questions that may arise.
Have directions ready for the movers with address and contact phone numbers in the event they need to contact you. Discuss with them details such as delivery drop off times, access to your new home or storage unit (don’t forget to give them the unit # and gate code so they can drive to your unit).
It is your responsibility to make sure that all of your items are loaded, so stay on the property until everything is loaded. You’ll want to make a final inspection before leaving.

“Move In Day”

Make sure the utilities have been connected and follow-up on any miscellaneous issues.
Be sure you’re there when the movers arrive. Review your floor plan beforehand and have a general knowledge of the layout of your items. Give the movers a walkthrough so they know where the master bedroom, kids rooms, and so one are. Direct them on what room they should take items to as they unload. Plan to stay around to sign their papers and give payment.
If your pets weren’t boarded, try to confine them to keep them out of the way until everything has been brought in.
Set the most important rooms up first, bedrooms and kitchen. Then, stay focused on one room at a time to keep clutter to a minimum.
To prevent possible damage, allow your electronic equipment and major appliances to sit for 24 hours to adjust to room temperature.
Try to recycle your moving boxes or donate them when possible.