Pruitt Relocation and Corporate Services

RELOCATION CHECKLIST

Every move is different. Use this checklist as a guide when navigating through the relocation process.

1 MONTH BEFORE

            Check Out Your Company RELO Package

determine what expenses will be paid by your company

determine what expenses you will have to cover yourself

start a log of moving expense receipts (some may be deductible)

Get a Written Moving Estimate

get estimates from two or more movers

including written commitment of pickup and delivery dates

get and check references

check the limits of the insurance offered

see if the insurance offered covers replacement cost

purchase additional insurance, if necessary

Give Cancellation Notices

give day care center proper notice of withdrawal

give notice to clubs, organizations, volunteer activities

cancel newspaper subscriptions and regular deliveries

Hire a Storate Facility

check the limits of the insurance offered

see if the insurance offered covers replacement cost

purchase additional insurance, if necessary

Instruct Your Bank

arrange transfer of your accounts

order checks with new address

clean out your safety deposit box

Make Travel Arrangements

hotels / temporary housing

rental cars / plane tickets

transport service for pets and automobiles, if needed

Store Important Records in Fire-Safe Box

school records / pet documents

home purchase / sale papers

wills / marriage / divorce papers

financial records / stock certificates

birth certificates / social security cards / passports

Submit a Change of Address

turn in forms at the post office

mail post cards to friends and creditors

Transfer Important Records

contact schools and arrange for transfer of student records

contact doctors for medical records and referrals to new physicians

change your insurance policies on property, auto, and medical

2 WEEKS BEFORE

Clean Out

take a ruthless walk-through to determine what you want to take

tag the rest of it and hold a garage sale or call a charity for pick-up

Get Your Stuff in Order

clean out club, gym, and school lockers

pick up all dry cleaning

retrieve and return all borrowed items from friends and neighbors

return library books

Prepare to Leave Your Home

arrange for the disconnection or changeover of utilities

begin packing less-used items

clean out the cupboards

plan remaining meals so you can pack what you don't need

don't buy any more perishables than you have to

7 DAYS BEFORE

Confirm Moving Arrangements

dates / agreements with moving and storage companies

agreements with auto and pet transportation companies

hotel and temporary housing accommodations

rental car and other transportation arrangements

don't buy any more perishables than you have to

Let People Know How to Reach You

inform friends and relatives of your forwarding address

if you'll be without phone service, get a temporary voice mail box

some long-distance providers offer 1-800 voice mail numbers

Make Survival Box for Move

paper / pens

address book / stamps / envelopes

cellophane and heavy-duty tape / scissors

tape measure

paper cups, plates, and towels / plastic utensils / ziploc bags

facial and toilet tissue / soap / moist towelettes

instant coffee or tea / bottled drinks / snacks / can opener

aspirin / band-aids

travel alarm

flashlight / small tool kit

trash bags

children's games

spare car keys

phone books for the city you are leaving and your destination

Prepare Belongings for Packing

make an inventory list of all items going with you personally

keep valuable / irreplaceable items (jewelry, heirlooms) with you

clean out and defrost the deep freezer

disassemble furniture or other items

check yard and shed for all items that need packed

set aside box of cleaning supplies and the vacuum cleaner

Think About Decorating Your New Home

take pictures of furniture / get fabric samples and paint chips

create a "decorating reference file"

have measurements taken of the rooms in your new residence

use floor plans to determine where everything will go

JUST BEFORE MOVING

Cease Using the Refrigerator

remove all perishable food

store anything you still need in a cooler

clean and defrost the refrigerator and freezer

Finish Packing

complete packing of all household goods for the move

make sure all boxes are clearly marked

Resolve Financial Matters

conclude any arrangements relating to sale or lease of your home

purchase traveler's checks for trip expenses

reconcile and close or transfer bank accounts

MOVING DAY

Confirm Moving Arrangements

confirm delivery address, directions, and delivery date with movers

make sure boxes are clearly marked

make sure your instructions are understood

Prepare Your Home to be Vacant

make sure a relative, neighbor, or real estate agent has the keys

make sure that person knows how to contact you

notify insurance agent and police that the home will be empty

Vacate Your Home

clean the home and check entire grounds before leaving

check thermostat and make sure temperature is set appropriately

make sure all windows and doors are closed and locked

make sure all appliances are turned off

leave forwarding address, keys, and garage door opener

WHEN YOU ARRIVE

Get Unpacked

supervise moving crew on location of furniture and boxes

begin unpacking necessary basics first (utensils, toiletries, etc.)

give the kids a job to do -- let them start on their rooms

set kitchen and bedrooms up first, to make you feel at home

Pay and Settle with the Movers

go over "Bill of Lading" with the moving company before signing

check for damaged and missing items and make a note of them

the Bill of Lading is usually binding once signed

Relax and Settle In

check to make sure all utilities are on and working properly

let family members or friends know that you have arrived safely

check in with employer and real estate agent to confirm itineraries

now relax, order dinner out, and take a hot bath...you deserve it!

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Barbara J. Braley, Relocation Director