After You Close Checklist

Print this moving checklist so that you don’t miss a beat after you close.  Moving can be overwhelming, take it step by step.

Before the Move

• Arrange for movers or packing materials
• Notify your utility services at both your current and future residence
• Research and contact service providers at your new residence (e.g. Internet, Cable, Phone)
• Complete the change-of-address form at the post office, let the state know if you have a professional license, and alert your children’s schools
• Start using up items that cannot be moved, such as frozen food, bleach and aerosols Begin packing items you don’t use often
• Arrange for home insurance cancellation & a new insurance policy for your new home
• Store important documents such as birth certificates, medical records, legal/financial papers in a safe place that will not get lost in the move
• Donate or sell items that you do not wish to move (save the receipts for tax deductions)
• Pack an essentials bag (in case you don’t unpack right away)
• Measure furniture and come up with a plan on where you want everything in the new home.
• Empty and defrost the refrigerator (dry it out and keep the door propped open so mold does not grow).
• Clean your current living space leave it better than you found it, “Moving Karma!”
• Give your landlord/new owner your new address in case he/ she needs to forward stray mail.

After the Move

• Clean your new home
• Change the locks to outside doors and make sure all windows lock properly
• Check smoke detectors and replace batteries, if needed
• Be sure that all utility services are turned on and in your name (Electric, Gas, Water, Basin and Drainage, Garbage, etc.)
• Arrange times for cable and internet providers to come and install
• Change your address on your bank accounts, credit cards, driver’s license, vehicle registration, voter’s registration, etc.
• Notify your employer of your new address and new local tax ID
• Store all of your home’s closing documents in a safe place
• Find and store manuals for the home’s appliances and systems
• Store important documents such as birth certificates, sales records, legal/financial papers in a safe place that will not get lost after the move
• Meet your neighbors
• Unpack and enjoy your new home!