Last-Minute Checklist: The Night Before the Move:

Your Moving Checklist

There's a big difference between the moving checklist that you'll draw up in the months and weeks leading up to a move, and the checklist you'll need to ensure nothing but smooth sailing on the day of the actual move. Here is a short list of the top 10 moving tips you should be concerned with the night before the movers arrive to whisk you away to a new home.

---

---

1. Confirm you've contacted the local utilities and scheduled for electricity, water, gas and phone shutoff once your move-out is complete. Depending on what time of year you move, you may not need to have your utilities operating on the actual moving day, but it's wise to schedule for at least a full day inbetween in the event of unforeseeable circumstances. Your landline phone should be disconnected last so that you can make calls as needed until you've completely vacated the premises.
2. By now, you should have submitted a Change of Address form online with USPS to ensure continued mail delivery throughout your move. If you haven't yet crossed it off your moving checklist, give it top priority.
3. If you're taking it on the move with you, ensure you've defrosted your refrigerator's freezer 24 hours in advance.
4. Double-check the arrival time of the movers. If you're moving yourself and are using a rental truck, contact the rental company one last time the day before to confirm pickup time.
5. If you've done your own packing, make sure you've separated all boxes that contain fragile items so that you can point them out to the movers when they arrive. If the moving company is going to be packing your belongings for you, make sure that you've separated all fragile items and grouped them together so they can be cared for separately.
6. Moving companies require that you're there while they take care of business. Make arrangements to be present at all times during the loading of your belongings.
7. Have the mover's money ready, whether you're paying with check, money order, or credit card. Do the same if you're renting a moving truck and going the DIY route.
8. Confirm all travel and lodging reservations.
9. Withdraw enough cash from the bank to be able to pay for any incidental or emergency expenditures. You'll also need cash for tipping your movers.
10. Make arrangements to board your pets or keep them at a friend or relative's place while the movers come in and do their thing.