Moving Checklist

• Start Using Up Refrigerated Food and Pantry Items

Unless you’re planning to bring the food with you, it’s smart to use up the contents of your fridge and pantry before moving. You can also donate non-perishables by bringing them to your local food bank or put your non-perishable, unopened pantry items to the side and MyTee Movers will pick-up on your moving day and deliver to the local food pantry. To learn more about Move for Hunger and other ways MyTee Movers is socially responsible, check here.

• Strategize Your Packing Process

Before boxing up your things, figure out a timeline for the packing process. Pack all non-essentials first. These include items you won’t need in the weeks leading up to the move, including books, home decor items and electronics. Pack essentials last. These include kitchen items, dinnerware, clothing, toiletries and any other items you’ll need in the days leading up to the move.

• Donate Possessions

The less you have to move, the better – so start the pre-move purging process early. Begin by deciding which belongings you wish to donate. You can call your local Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity or Goodwill to schedule a pick-up for larger furnishings, free-of-charge. Also, don’t forget to save any and all donation receipts for tax season. MyTee Movers will collect some items on your move donate that you wish to donate and drop off to Women and Children’s Horizons of Kenosha, Inc. To learn more about Women and Children’s Horizons of Kenosha, Inc. and other ways MyTee Movers is socially responsible, check here.

• Decide Whether to Take Appliances

If you are moving appliances, schedule an appliance service company to come to your home prior to moving day to prepare all appliances for the move. MyTee Movers does not disconnect or reconnect appliances.

• Begin Packing

Now is the time to begin packing. Start by boxing up non-essentials and seasonal items first. These could include winter coats, off-season sports gear, books and any other belongings you won’t need in the weeks leading up to the move. Be sure to pack all fragile items with extra care and label boxes as clearly as possible. In addition, keep valuables and important documents separate.

• Dispose of Hazardous Items

You won’t be able to move hazardous and flammable items, and likely won’t be able to put them in your regular trash either. Thus, some advance planning is needed for disposing hazardous items including paint, aerosols, fertilizers, propane tanks, loaded guns, fire extinguishers, gasoline, fireworks and pool chemicals. To get rid of these items before moving, make a trip to your local hazardous waste facility drop-off.

• Notify Service Providers

Let any regular service providers, such as housekeeping, landscaping and pool maintenance; know of your impending move. You may also want to take this opportunity to look into these services for your new home.

• Forward Mail

Fortunately, forwarding your snail mail is an easy task that can be done ahead of time. All you have to do is go to USPS.com and choose the date you wish to begin forwarding your mail.

• Arrange for Child Care on Moving Day

Moving babies or small children? Give yourself a break and arrange for a babysitter to watch your kids on moving day.

• Transfer Utilities

Several weeks before you move, call all utility service providers to let them know about your move. Utilities include cable and internet, water and sewer, gas, electricity, satellite, security system, trash and phone. If moving within the same city, you may be able to transfer utilities to your new house. However, those moving somewhere new will need to research utility companies in the area and schedule installation dates. Make sure you have important utilities such as electricity and cable turned on in your new home before you move.

• Take a Look at the New Home’s Blueprint

Before moving, take a look at your new home’s blueprint to decide what will go where on moving day. By planning all furniture arrangements ahead of time, movers will know where to place your belongings in the house.

• Secure a Parking Spot for the Moving Truck

Before moving day, you’ll need to figure out the best place to park the moving truck. If hiring professional movers, be sure to let them know the parking details as soon as possible. Those who live in a busy city may need to obtain a special parking permit as well.

• Secure Elevator with Building Management

This may have been done when you booked with Mytee Movers, however, if your building has an elevator, be sure to secure the time with your building management.

• Pack Kitchenware & Essentials

It’s time to finish up the packing process by boxing up kitchenware and other essentials. Be sure to label these boxes as clearly as possible to avoid losing track of them during the moving process.

• Take Care of Trash Removal & Recycling

Make arrangements for final trash and recycling pickup. If you’re leaving before the next pick-up date, ask neighbors to place your trash can back where it belongs after it’s been picked up. You can also try dropping off trash at your local dump and recycling center before you move.

• Pack Suitcases & Essentials

The day before you move, be sure to pack all necessary suitcases that you plan on taking with you. These should contain your first week essentials including pajamas, toiletries, clothing, shoes, medications, pet and baby necessities, as well as any important documents or valuables. You may also want to consider packing a special “Moving Day” box with trash bags, light bulbs, scissors, tools, flashlights, paper towels, toilet paper and bed linens.

• Tell Neighbors About Your Move

If you live in an HOA community or share a driveway with other neighbors, be sure to give them a heads-up about the move. Not only is this the respectful thing to do, but it will also give them plenty of time to move their cars.

• Get Cash for a Tip

Tipping movers is a nice gesture for a job well done. If you plan to tip your movers, head to the ATM now to get cash for moving day.

• Have Water Bottles On-Hand

Moving is a strenuous and exhausting process. The last thing you want is for anyone to become dehydrated on moving day. To prevent this from happening, be sure to have plenty of water bottles on-hand for your friends and movers.

• Do a Final Sweep of the House

To avoid leaving anything behind, be sure to do one final sweep of your home before you move out. Don’t forget to look in your bathtubs, washers, dryers, kitchen cabinets and any other easy-to-miss spots.

• Hand Over the Keys

Unless you’re planning to come back after the move to tie up loose ends, go ahead and hand over the keys to your landlord or new owners.