Reduce the stress of your next move with an AT&T moving checklist. Good planning makes moving easy.
Two months before
- Create a moving file or binder: Print this checklist, add a notepad, and keep all estimates, receipts, and an inventory list in one place.
- Research moving companies: Go online, talk to your friends and family, and get ready for visits from the movers as they create estimates. Get each estimate in writing.
- Start student transfers: Visit your kids’ school to have their student records transferred to the new school district. If you’re in college, this also applies to you.
- Organize your stuff to sell, donate, throw away, or keep: You’ll be doing this up to the final days, but create a dedicated staging area and start making a donation pile now.
Six weeks before
Smart tip: Label the sides of each box with the room and its contents.
- Buy your supplies: You’ll need markers, labels, tape, bubble wrap, specialty boxes for dishes, a box cutter, more tape—every time I move, I run out halfway through—and maybe blankets and furniture wrap, too.
- Schedule time off for moving day: Or make it 2 days, because even the smoothest moves can take longer than expected. Get your time-off request in early to ensure it’s approved.
- Measure twice, move once: Take note of furniture sizes and room dimensions to avoid damage to your doors. Figure out where everything goes before it gets there.
How can you save time?
Take a picture of your electronics
It’s easier to reconnect everything if you know where the cords go.
Use sandwich bags for small parts
Tape your cords to your electronics, and your screws to your bedframe.
One month before
Smart tip: Use small boxes for books—save your back!
- Confirm your moving day: Reach out to your movers (or your friends) to confirm the date and the costs. This is a good time to plan for tips or refreshments, too.
- Submit your change-of-address form: Go to USPS.com, or visit your local post office and fill out the change-of-address form.
- Contact your utility companies: Schedule your service changes early. Try to overlap connections by a day or 2 so you have electricity, gas, phone, water, trash, and Internet services in both your old home and your new one.
If you have:
- AT&T home phone, Internet service or U-verse TV: Go to att.com/moving, or start moving here; it only takes a few minutes.
- DIRECTV: Call us at 866.878.6332.
- AT&T wireless service: Be sure your new billing and shipping addresses are correct, and you’re done.
Not with AT&T U-verse® TV or DIRECTV yet? Moving time is the easiest time to switch your TV provider!
- Start packing: Begin with the things you aren’t using. Label the sides of every box for easy drop-off and unpacking. For any special items, add a value estimate to your inventory list.
- Create a first-day box: Provide quick access to the things you’ll need first: charging cords, travel supplies (like your toothbrush, toilet paper, and daily medications), a box cutter, and garbage bags. Add a bare-bones kitchen set for simple cooking.
Two weeks before
Smart tip: Make sure your car is ready to do the hauling.
- Finish your notifications: Give your new address and phone number to your human resources department and manager. Forward your medical records to your new doctor. Transfer your magazine subscriptions. Update your credit card and insurance details.
- Get your car ready, too: Especially if you’re traveling a long way to your new home, bring your car in for a tune-up and a tire check.
- Update your bank: If you use checks, order new ones. Transfer your safety deposit box contents to your new local bank.
- Schedule donation pickup: Your donations should be out of your way a few days before you move. If you’re getting rid of electronics or toxic materials, like paint and pesticides, look for specialty services for safe handling and recycling.
- Reduce your food supplies: Toss any pantry items more than 6 months old. Get rid of stale spices. Cook and use what’s in your freezer, and reduce your stock of fresh food. If you’re not eating it, don’t move it. Donate it!
One week before
Smart tip: Pack suitcases with clothes for a few days.
- Prep your new home: Stop by the new place and set up the bathroom with a shower curtain, towels, and toiletries. Bring sponges, towels, and dish soap for the kitchen.
- Transfer and refill your prescriptions: Set up your new pharmacy info, and make sure you’ve got medications for the next 2 weeks to a month. If you’re worried about mail-order drugs going astray, see if you can pick up your refills for a month. Verify your doctor and pharmacy have your new address on file.
- Use those suitcases: Think of your first few days in your new home as travel time (though probably not a vacation). Pack a few sets of clothes so you aren’t hunting through boxes when you move in.
- Take a break and catch up on your DVR recordings: If you’re already with DIRECTV or U-verse TV, your recordings will move with you. You can’t spend all of your time packing!
A few days before
- Confirm your moving details: Check in with your movers on the date and time, and make sure they have your contact info.
- Defrost the freezer: And clean out the fridge while you’re at it. You’ll be glad you didn’t wait until after your move. Keep only the easiest heat-and-serve options, or treat yourself to restaurant delivery. Better yet, get away from the tower of boxes and chaos, and eat out!
- Get your movers’ payment and tip ready: Even the best estimates aren’t perfect—plan for a higher payment if the move takes longer than expected, and don’t forget the tip. Provide cold water and snacks for your helpers.
Moving day!
Smart tip: Let the movers do the moving.
- Check and confirm your inventory: Before the movers leave, sign the bill of lading or inventory list and keep a copy.
- Verify the details: Make sure the movers have your new address, cross-check their estimate sheet against your copy, and ask if their time frame is flexible, just in case the move takes more time.
- Supervise: Call out any delicate items that need safe handling. Direct traffic when the movers reach your new home. Other than that, stay out of the way and let the movers do their thing.
This article was written by an AT&T employee. The postings on this site are my own and don’t necessarily represent the positions, strategies, or opinions of AT&T.
