Moving & Packing Guide

Below is a list of items that you will want to accomplish to make your move a more smooth transition. You will want to start 4-6 weeks before the scheduled day of your move.

• Confirm the time and date for the move with your real estate agent.
• Go through your closets, garage and attic and put together things for donating or a yard or garage sale. (The proceeds from a yard/garage sale will help defer some of the costs of moving. Saturdays are the best days for a Sale!)
• Go through refrigerator and cabinets and either use or throw out items that may perish or spill during the move.
• Take an inventory of expensive items for insurance purposes. Here is a pre-filled, sample Excel spreadsheet for your convenience.
• Contact your homeowners insurance agent and find out how much of your move is covered under your current policy.
• If this is a specifically job-related move, contact your accountant to find out about a tax deduction.
• Confer with your employer to nail down the costs they will cover.
• Start a file for all of your moving papers and receipts.
• If considering using a moving company, solicit 3 estimates – making sure that they are insured and bonded.
• If you have children, arrange for a transfer of their school reports.
• If moving to a new community, you may wish to subscribe yourself to the local paper to familiarize yourself with the government, communal and social news and activities.
• Locate community health-care facilities and professionals in your new area through information or online services.
• Notify your friends & relatives of your pending move. (I will provide special announcements to you for this!)
• Obtain change of address forms. These may be found at any post office or through online services. Fill these out and mail a few days before your move. You may consider doing this for:
  • Post Office
  • Banks, Credit Cards
  • Doctors, Dentists, Pharmacy
  • Religious Organizations
  • Income Tax Bureau
  • Social Security Admin.
  • Accountant, Stock Broker, Lawyer
  • Insurance Carrier
  • Streaming Services, Magazine Subscriptions
  • Charitable Organizations
• Notify all home service/utility companies of disconnect/connect or cancellation/start dates at both old and new addresses. Also ask for final readings/account totals.
  • Gas/Electric/Water/Oil
  • Telephone/Cable/Satellite
  • Garbage/Recycling Yard/Lawn service
  • Dairy Delivery
  • Newspaper Delivery
• If moving pets, make arrangements for their transportation or boarding during the move.
• Make sure your vehicle(s) are serviced before the move.
• If packing for the move yourself start ahead of time collecting:
  • newspapers
  • boxes of all sizes
  • packing tape
  • plastic bags
  • markers
  • bubble wrap
  • tissue paper
  • sheets or blankets

The Day of the Move

• Defrost refrigerators & freezers.
• Pack first night items and keep them in separate boxes in an easily accessible area in your car. (Toiletries, change of clothes, towels, sheets, phone, alarm clock, flashlight, pet food/dishes, paper towels, trash bags, medicines, coffee, paper plates, plastic utensils, refreshments, etc.)
• Remember to leave behind cleaning supplies at the old home for the final clean up. (Vacuum cleaner, broom, cleansers, paper towels, rags, trash bags, etc.)

When Using a Moving Company

• Be present at both locations during the entire move to answer any questions the movers may have.
• Be sure to go over all documents/inventories carefully before signing.
• Keep copies all documents/inventories handy until the move is complete.
• Give movers written directions to the new home as well as parking/unloading
  instructions and your emergency contact information.

Following the Move

• Notify the Dept. of Motor Vehicles of your new address.
• Do a change of address at the US Postal Service
• Do a change of address for your Driver’s License. You may obtain the necessary forms on the internet.

Access Colorado Motor Vehicle Division CHANGE OF ADDRESS FORM here!
** Colorado law requires this to be done within 30 days of moving to a new address.

Colorado DMV Change of Address FAQs

• If you’re a frequent online shopper, start saving delivery boxes months ahead of time. You can also get boxes from liquor or grocery stores or buy from mail businesses or your moving company.
• Pack first night items and keep them in separate boxes in an easily accessible area in your car. (Toiletries, change of clothes, towels, sheets, phone, alarm clock, flashlight, pet food/dishes, paper towels, trash bags, medicines, coffee, paper plates, plastic utensils, refreshments.)
• Cushion the inside of the boxes first.
• Ensure that boxes are not too heavy as to cause bodily harm or box breakage.
• Pack room to room, marking each box appropriately.
• Thoroughly wrap all breakable items with tissue paper, newspaper, bubble wrap, etc.
• If moving major appliances, fill with clothes, linens, other light objects.
• Tape cords to all electrical items.
• Do not use tape to secure furniture doors/drawers as it may damage the item. Use rope/bungee cord/rubber bands instead.
• Let children pack their own rooms with your help to keep them involved in the process.
• If using a moving company, consider letting them pack your artwork, lamps, china, crystal and other valuable items.
• Do not pack jewelry or important papers. Keep these in your possession in a purse, lock box, etc.
• Some items should not be packed for tranport on the moving truck or van. The following items should be disposed of or secured and transported in your vehicle:
  • Flammables or Combustables
  • Corrosive Liquids
  • Household Cleaners
  • Electronics with Lithium Batteries