Tips & Info


Moving Fast Facts

The average American moves 12 times in his or her lifetime. (U.S. Census Bureau)

  • The average American moves 12 times in his or her lifetime. (U.S. Census Bureau)
  • 43 million Americans relocate annually (U.S. Census Bureau)
  • Almost half of all moves occur between the beginning of May and Labor Day. (American Moving and Storage Association)
  • Approximately 40 percent of all moves are job-related, 42 percent are personal moves and 18 percent are military or government relocations. (American Moving and Storage Association)
  • Moving is the third most stressful event in life, following death and divorce. (Employee Relocation Council)
  • Over 15% of people move out-of-state.
  • Almost 40% of families that relocate involve two-career couples.
  • People spend more money during the 3 months surrounding their move than non-movers spend in 5 years.

Moving Tips & Info

Two months prior to Moving Day

  • If you will use a mover, get a few estimates from moving companies.
  • If you will move yourself, get costs from at least two truck rental companies.
  • Make an inventory of your household goods and begin to remove clutter (start with the basement, attic, garage, and other storage areas).
  • Start a file for all your moving paperwork (estimates, receipts, etc.).
  • Arrange to transfer school records.
  • Choose a mover (or truck rental company).
  • Get your new home ready - Contact painters, carpenters, plumbers, roofers etc., so your home is ready when you arrive.
  • Remember to change the locks on all the doors in your new home.

Six weeks prior to Moving Day

  • Obtain and fill out post office change-of-address cards.
  • Subscribe to the paper in your new hometown to learn more about your new community
  • Make arrangements for storage if necessary.
  • Ask your doctor or health plan provider for referrals, and obtain all medical records.
  • Have antiques, pieces of art, and other valuables appraised.
  • Clean all closets and drawers.
  • Start using foods and cleaning supplies that cannot be moved.

Four weeks prior to Moving Day

  • 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 telephone company, request your refund.
  • If you are moving yourself, reserve a rental truck.
  • If you are packing yourself, obtain packing materials and start packing items you won't need until after you arrive at your new house.
  • Arrange for cleaning and repair of furniture, drapes, and carpeting.
  • Arrange for special transportation of your pets and plants if necessary.
  • Check with your insurance company to see how your possessions are covered during transit.
  • Make any travel plans necessary for your move.
  • Collect your important records -- Gather personal and family records, including medical and dental, veterinary and school records; legal and financial documents; birth certificates, passports and insurance documents.

Three weeks prior to Moving Day

  • Prepare auto registration for transfer (if moving to another state).
  • If you are moving in or out of an apartment, arrange for use of the elevator.
  • Make child-care arrangements for moving day.

Two weeks prior to Moving Day

  • Return any borrowed items (including library books) and retrieve any loaned items.
  • Cancel newspaper delivery.
  • Notify any creditors of your move.
  • Transfer prescriptions and be sure you have an adequate supply of medications on hand.
  • Assemble a file folder of information to leave for the new owner of your home.
  • Change your address - One week before your move, send change-of-address cards to everyone who will need to contact you.
  • Pick up Dry Cleaning.
  • Pack a travel kit:
    • Put aside critical items like a checkbook, credit cards, personal phone book, ID, flashlight, keys, toiletries, tools, paper plates, cups, towels, travel alarm clock, aspirin, bandages and games for the kids. Also, pack a suitcase with clothing and other personal items.

One day prior to Moving Day

  • Transfer your bank accounts.
  • Take animals to vet for immunization, if necessary.
  • Close and empty your safe-deposit box.
  • Confirm any travel reservations.
  • Defrost refrigerator and freezer, propping doors open.
  • Let movers pack your belongings (unless it's a do-it-yourself move).
  • Disconnect and prepare major appliances for move.
  • Set aside anything that will travel in your car so it will not be loaded on the truck.
  • Pack a box of items that will be needed first at the new house. Clearly mark this box "Load Last."
  • Obtain cash for the trip and to pay the movers.
  • Confirm arrival time of your moving van/truck.

Moving Day

  • If using a mover, be sure someone is at the old house to answer questions.
  • Note all utility meter readings.

Delivery Day - Again, be on hand to answer any questions.

  • Check your belongings carefully and note on the inventory paperwork any damaged items.
  • On an interstate move, be prepared to pay the driver before your possessions are unloaded.
  • Supervise unloading and unpacking.
  • Be prepared to pay your mover unless other arrangements have been made in advance.