Moving Checklist for Sellers
 

Moving can be a hectic time so it can be helpful to have a moving checklist on hand to help keep things organized.

• Provide the post office with your forwarding address two to four weeks ahead of the move.

• Notify your credit card companies, magazine subscriptions, and bank of your change of address.

• Create a list of friends, relatives, and business colleagues who need to be notified about your move.

• Arrange to disconnect utilities and have them connected at your new home.

• Cancel the newspaper, or change the address so it will arrive at your new home.

• Check insurance coverage for the items you’re moving. Usually movers only cover what they pack.

• Clean out appliances and prepare them for moving, if applicable.

• Note the weight of the goods you’ll have moved, since long-distance moves are usually billed according to weight. Watch for movers that use excessive padding to add weight.

• Check with your condo or co-op about any restrictions on using the elevator or particular exits for moving.  

• Have a “first open” box with the things you’ll need most, such as toilet paper, soap, trash bags, scissors,hammer, screwdriver, pencils and paper, cups and plates, water, snacks, and toothpaste.

If you’re moving out of town, be sure to:

Get copies of medical and dental records and prescriptions for your family and your pets.

• Get copies of children’s school records for transfer.

• Ask friends for introductions to anyone they know in your new neighborhood.

• Consider special car needs for pets when traveling.

• Let a friend or relative know your route.

• Empty your safety deposit box.

• Put plants in boxes with holes for air circulation if you’re moving in cold weather.

Plus, What to Have on Hand for the New Owners

• Owner’s manuals and warranties for appliances left in the house.
• Garage door opener.
• Extra sets of house keys.
• A list of local service providers — the best dry cleaner, yard service, plumber, etc.
• Code to the security alarm and phone number of the monitoring service if not discontinued.
• As a courtesy, you could provide numbers to the local utility companies.
• If it’s a condo, leave information on how to contact the condo board.

Keep this moving checklist handy and stay on top of the craziness!

Reprinted from REALTOR® magazine (REALTOR.org/realtormag) with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.