Moving is complicated and if not planned correctly, overwhelming. There are so many things to remember that sometimes it’s hard to know where to start! To simplify things we’ve put together the definitive moving checklist. The ultimate timeline for scheduling a stress-free move. You might also want to check out our Moving Tips article for a short overview of the moving process.

Go through every room of your house and decide what you’d like to keep and what you can get rid of. Think about which items will need special packing or extra insurance coverage.

Related: Donate Your Old Goods to the Botswana Red Cross Society

Use this binder to keep track of your moving checklist. Paperwork containing your estimates and receipts and an inventory of all the items you’re moving.

Go to your children’s school and arrange for their records to be transferred to their new schools.

Start using up things that you don’t want to move. Items like frozen or perishable foods and cleaning supplies.

Check room dimensions at your new home and make sure larger pieces of furniture will fit through the door.

Select a company and get written confirmation of your moving date, costs and other details.

Start by packing the things you don’t use that often.Items like your waffle iron and croquet sets. While packing, make a note of special value items that might require additional insurance from your moving company. For tips on packing see our Packing for a move like a pro article.

Clearly label and number each box with its contents and the room it’ll be going into. This is a vital item in your moving checklist as it will help you keep track of the location of your belongings. Pack and label “essential” boxes containing items you’ll need right away.

Place important documents and valuable items like jewellery into a safe that you’ll personally transport to your new home. Make sure to put the mover’s estimate in this box. You’ll need it for reference on moving day.

Alert the following institutions of your move: banks, brokerage firms, your employer’s human resources department, magazine and newspapers you subscribe to, credit card, insurance and utility companies.

Arrange for forwarding of your medical records or obtain your own copies to take with. Ask for referrals.

Notify your office that you plan to supervise the move and will therefore need the day off.

Take your vehicle(s) to a garage, and ask them to consider services necessary when moving to a new climate.

If you’ll be changing banks, remove the contents of your safety-deposit box and put them in the safe you’ll be taking with you on moving day.

Reconfirm the arrangements for your move.
For a few of the many ways we can assist you see our Mr Move Services page.

Reconfirm the arrangements for your move.
For a few of the many ways we can assist you see our Mr Move Services page.

Stock up on prescriptions you’ll need during the next couple of weeks.

Aim to finish your general packing a few days before your moving date. Then pack suitcases for everyone in the family with enough clothes to wear for a few days.

If your refrigerator is moving with you, make sure to empty, clean and defrost it at least 24 hours before moving day.

Reconfirm the moving company’s arrival time and other specifics. Make sure you have prepared exact written directions to your new home for the staff. Include contact information such as your cell phone number.

Before the movers leave, sign the bill of lading or inventory list and keep a copy in your moving checklist. For more on what to expect when moving with us see our Mr Move FAQ page.