New Home Buyer Moving Checklist

Preparing to move into your new home can be overwhelming, but a clear new home moving checklist makes it easier. This moving checklist for homeowners helps you stay organized with weekly tasks—from planning and packing to moving day essentials—so your move into your Atlanta area home is stress‑free.

• Notify your landlord/management company of your intention to move in writing. Arrange for return of rent security deposits.

• Select mover and set a tentative moving date.
• Plan and hold a garage sale to sell your unwanted items.

• Check to see if your will must be rewritten when moving across state (or county) lines.
• Have movers drop off additional cartons and boxes, or collect your own. Pack items movers will not be handling for you.

• Label all boxes with contents and “final room location” for movers.
• Select bank and/or savings association near your new home. Open new accounts and pre-arrange transfers prior to moving.

• Talk with school officials in your new area. Arrange transfer of children’s records/files to new school.

• Begin packing items that will not be used prior to your move. Examples: off-season clothes, books and seasonal decorations.
• Notify your insurance company of the move and arrange for coverage on your new home.
• Back-up important information/files from your computer(s).
• Notify doctors and dentists of upcoming move. Ask for referrals in your new area. Obtain copies of medical records. Fill needed prescriptions and obtain copies of eyeglass prescriptions.

• Ask veterinarian for referrals in new area. Obtain pet(s) medical records, get required vaccinations, and fill any needed prescriptions.
• Have your area rugs, drapes, quilts and clothes sent to the cleaners.
• Make your hotel reservations if driving for more than one day.

• Send change of address cards to:
  • Doctors • Friends • Relatives • Charge accounts • Lawyers • Stock broker(s)
  • Trash removal service • Banks • Savings and loans • Electric utility company
  • Telephone company • Gas and sewer service • Pest control service
  • Long distance phone co. • Alarm systems service • Professional organizations • Insurance companies • Social security office • Post office
  • Cell phone company • Magazine subscriptions

• Check with your real estate agent on maintenance and security arrangements if present home is not yet sold. Leave keys and any necessary papers with your agent.
• Arrange disconnection dates for all utilities. Keep your telephone connection active through moving day for phone accessibility. Cell phones are also convenient for communication.

• Return and retrieve borrowed items.
• Pick up your items sent to the cleaners. Leave all items bagged for clean arrival to your new home.

• Arrange for “post move-out” housecleaning if necessary.
• Arrange for transportation of your pet(s).

• Contact your local newspaper and arrange delivery termination.
• Have your car serviced if making an extended trip.

• Provide your movers with a copy of your new floor plan. This will ensure the correct placement of furniture and boxes.
• Contact family and friends. Recruit help for moving day if necessary.

• Arrange for deposits and connection of utilities in your new home.

• Pack a bag of personal things and hygiene items that you will need during your move (change of clothes, toothbrush, toothpaste, medicines, etc…).
• Discard perishable foods and defrost refrigerator. Ensure unit is dry at least 24 hours before the movers arrive (if applicable).
• Dispose of all chemicals and flammable items safely.

• If necessary, arrange for a babysitter for moving day.
• Get travelers checks for trip, plus cashier/certified checks for the movers and the settlement on new home.
• Transfer and/or close your checking and/or savings accounts. Close safety deposit boxes.

• Collect and keep your important papers handy, such as medical, insurance, wills, birth records, etc…
• Meet your Venture Homes builder for your new home orientation.
• To save time and money on moving day, move light-weight items to one central location in home/apartment. The closer the area is to the door, the faster the movers will be able to load the moving van/truck.

• Meet at the attorney’s office for the closing of your new home. Remember to bring a cashier’s check for payment.
• Take a final tour of your home/apartment to ensure everything has been packed.

• If moving yourself, pick up rental truck along with hand truck or dolly to move heavy boxes and smaller furniture.

• Wash and dry any remaining dishes.

• Make yourself available for your movers.
• Supervise the unloading of your valuables at your new home.

• Check inventory to ensure that everything sent with the movers was delivered before signing the delivery papers.

• Check that all utilities have been activated in your new home.