Sellers' Moving Checklist

1 Month Before The Listing
Create a "move file" to keep track of estimates, receipts and other important information.
Check with the IRS to see what expenses can be deducted on your next tax return.
Start researching your new community. Check the Internet to find online community guides and newspapers.
Contact your new Chamber of Commerce and ask for their new resident packet.
Start collecting estimates from moving companies to figure out your budget.

3 Weeks Before The Listing
Start pulling together medical and dental records - including prescriptions and shot records. Ask your existing doctors if they can refer you to a care provider in your new city.
Arrange to have school records transferred to your children's new school district and/or daycare.
Get copies of any legal and financial records you need.
Arrange for veterinarian records to be transferred.
Call your insurance agent to see what changes to expect in your policies for your new neighborhood.
Contact health clubs or other organizations you have joined. Ask how you can end, sell or transfer your membership.

2 Weeks Before The Listing
Make a list of things that are valuable or difficult to replace. Plan on shipping these by certified mail or carrying them with you.
Use a digital camera, borrow one if needed, to photograph furniture and valuables for insurance purposes that may arise later. Before and after photos speak volumes when proving fault.
Make a list of friends, relatives and businesses who need to be notified of your move.
Start collecting boxes and other packing supplies.
Start working your way through each room taking inventory and deciding what to get rid of. Start planning a yard sale or contact your local charities.
Use all items such as frozen foods, bleach and aerosol cleaners which cannot be easily transported.

1 Week Before Listing
Start packing items you don't use often. Remember, storing furniture prior to the sale will help your home get a better price by appearing more spacious to potential buyers.
Start disposing of the items you've designated for a yard sale, donation or the junk yard. If you donate, be sure to get a receipt for income tax purposes.
Plan ahead for parking if using a moving van or multiple vehicles. Ask about local ordinances to keep from being ticketed.
Plan for short-term or long-term storage at your destination if needed.
Assemble a folder of important information about the house for the new owner of your home. This can be displayed to encourage buyers to "get comfortable" and possibly make an offer.

Upon Inspection Approval From Buyer
Make reservations for a moving company if using one. If you will need other loading equipment, make reservations with a local equipment-rental service as well.
Draw out a floor plan of your new home and start deciding which furniture goes in each room.
Schedule disconnection of all utility services at your old home, and connection of them at your new one. Be sure to disconnect the day after you leave and connect the day before you arrive. If you have "last month" deposits with services, such as the water or gas company, request your refund.
Make travel arrangements for your pets, do not forget to include necessary medical and immunization records.
Call your newspaper courier and set a date to cancel your subscription.

3 Weeks Before Moving
Make sure all library books have been returned and all dry cleaning or items out for repair have been picked up. Also retrieve any items out on loan.
Decide if you will keep your plants or give them away. Some pet stores will give store credit for live fish; you could trade this for tank décor that can be packaged and shipped.
Dispose of flammables, corrosives and poisons.
Have your automobile(s) serviced.
Prepare auto registration to be transferred.
If you are moving into a large apartment building, arrange to use the elevator that day.

2 Weeks Before Moving
File a change of address. If you are unsure of your new address will be, ask the postal service to hold your mail in their office in your new city.
Confirm travel arrangements for pets and family.
Notify any creditors of your move.
Plan meals for the last week of the move to help empty the refrigerator and avoid using appliances that will already be packed.

1 Week Before Moving
Finish packing and prepare a box for essentials such as toiletries and a change of clothes for each family member. Designate "last to load" items. Pack suitcases and valuables separately.
Contact your bank and/or credit union to transfer or close accounts. Clear out safety deposit boxes. Pick up traveler's checks or cash for "on the road" expenses.
Drain all gas and oil from your mower and other motors. Gas grills, kerosene heaters, etc. need to be emptied as well.
Empty, defrost and clean your refrigerator at least 24 hours before moving day.
One or two business days before your move, contact your moving company to confirm the reservation.
Fill any prescriptions or medications you will need for the next couple of weeks.
Make childcare arrangements for moving day.
Notify friends and family of your new address and phone number.

Moving Out
Take note of utility meter readings.
Leave a note in the house to future residents on where to forward any stray mail. For safety, ask your real estate agent if they can provide this service from their office.
Keep a friend or family member informed of your itinerary in case of an emergency or unforeseen event.

Moving In Your New Home
Take this time to look things over and to ensure your new utilities have been connected. Take note of utility meter readings.
Check appliances and systems to ensure all are working properly, and arrange for repairs if necessary.
Check to see if your mail is making it to your new address or pick up any mail being held.
Keep track of your furniture shipment and work with the local terminal to schedule delivery.
Make a point to be present when the movers arrive. Show the driver where you want the trailer parked and sign for delivery. If you are unable to do this, work closely with a friend or representative to accept your shipment.
Shortly, after your goods are unloaded, inspect all items for damage or claims.

After The Move
Keep all receipts and documentation and store them in a safe place for tax time.
Get a new driver's license and new tags for your automobile.
Register to vote.
Contact the local paper for a new subscription.