Moving Checklist
Moving to Michigan or Moving to another part of Metro Detroit, or moving out of state can be stressful. The key to making it easier is to start early, plan what you need to do. Be organized and do not wait until the last minute. If you procrastinate you will be stressed and scrambling at the last minute.
Check out my Michigan moving tips below to help you get prepared for your Metro Detroit move.
Two Months Before your move
- Get moving quotes if you are planning on using a professional mover.
- If you need a rental truck for a "do-it-yourself-move," contact a rental company:
- Visually prepare or design a floor plan for your furniture in your new home.
- Create a list for inventory of your belongings. This is helpful in preparing a garage or moving sale.
- Start purging and getting rid of items you do not want. Schedule donation pickups.
- Keep all of your paperwork concerning the move in one file, so nothing is lost or misplaced.
- Start packing unnecessary items. Be sure to label them and which room they should go in.
- Transfer all school records for your children.
- Finalize your decision on a mover.
- If time permits, prepare your new home for arrival. (New paint, new locks, etc.)
- Start using up the food in your freezer. One less box or boxes to move.
- Consider your children in the move. Plan ahead and visit our Moving with Children Guide
One Month Before your move
- Change your address - you can do this online
- Change you address with the IRS - you can do this online
- Make any travel arrangements where you will need an airline, train, hotel, bus or car rental.
- Research the area into which you will be moving for clubs, civic organizations and churches, so that you can change your membership.
- Have your garage sale.
- Contact medical and dental offices to receive records, asking these professionals for referrals and continuing prescriptions.
- Establish a new checking account if necessary at the new bank.
- Research local laws about home-based businesses and business licenses if you own or operate your own business.
- Make an inventory list of all of your belongings.
- Arrange for your pets to be transported.
- Use up or finish and discard household items so that there is less to pack and move.
- Who needs your new address
* Family, friends and neighbors - send a change of address card once you have a new, permanent address.
* Employer your employer needs to keep your records up to date for tax documents and insurance paperwork.
* Postal service
* Utilities
* Department of Motor Vehicles or Secretary of State You may be able to do this online. Most states will charge you to reissue a driver’s license with your new address, but that’s optional.
* Government agencies This includes the IRS and the Social Security Administration. You will also need to update or change your voter registration. You can find forms online.
* Financial institutions Bank accounts, credit card companies and brokerages all need your new address.
* Insurance companies Any insurance agencies that provide life, health and homeowners insurance policies should have your current address on file. Do not forget your CPA or attorney.
* Schools Notify the school with your new address. You may need to register your children in a new school, depending upon how far you’ve moved and school service boundaries. If this is the case, notify both the current and the new school as far in advance as possible, and check in with the new school in person at least two days before your child will start.
* Subscription services and clubs Any magazines or other subscriptions should be updated. Do you want to risk not getting your fruit-of-the-month club subscription?
Two Weeks Before your move
- Forward your magazines to your new address.
- Contact all of your utilities and change your service to your new address.
- Organize those helping you on the day of the move.
- Confirm all travel reservations you have made.
- Pack all clean clothing.
- Close your bank accounts and open new ones in the new area if necessary. Making sure you have ample cash for the move. The remainder of the funds should be transferred to your new bank.
- Keep important documents and valuables close at hand during the move.
- Prepare for the move of any infant or small children.
- Make sure you have pet carriers.
- Review your insurance policy for coverage during your move.
- Provide relatives with your travel information.
Moving Day Has Arrived!
- Do not forget your pets!
- Do a final walk through of the home to make sure all of your belongings have been removed.
- Be sure to take control of all personal items that are valuable or important to you during the move.
- You may want to purchase travelers checks instead of cash during the move.
We have provided some informative links for you and your family that will make your transition, smooth.