Moving checklist

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8 weeks before

• Set your moving date around your closing date and confirm it with your attorney.
• Request written estimates from more than one mover, or plan your own move. Ask each mover for proof of license and insurance (in-state movers: Illinois Commerce Commission; interstate movers: FMCSA).
• Sort, donate or sell items you will not move.
• Start a folder for closing papers, moving estimates and receipts.

6 weeks before

• Buying: contact insurance agents for homeowner’s insurance quotes on the new home; your lender will need proof of coverage before closing.
• Selling: ask your insurance agent when to end the policy on the home you are selling (usually after closing, not before).
• Collect packing supplies and begin packing rooms you use least.

4 weeks before

• File your change of address with the U.S. Postal Service at moversguide.usps.com (the official USPS site).
• Schedule utility transfers: contact your electric, gas, water and sewer, trash, and internet providers to stop service at your old home the day after closing and start service at your new home.
• Update your address with your bank, employer, insurance, and other accounts.

2 weeks before

• Confirm your closing date, time and location with your attorney. As an Illinois Notary Public, I can also come to your home to have your closing documents signed, so you can stay focused on packing and organizing your move.
• Confirm your moving date and arrival window in writing.
• Plan for pets, plants and anything you will carry yourself.

1 week before

• Pack an essentials box: medications, documents, chargers, basic tools, cleaning supplies and a change of clothes.
• Buying: schedule your final walk-through with me.
• Selling: set aside keys, garage door openers, manuals and warranty papers for the buyer.
• Verify any wiring instructions by phone, using a number from an independent source, before sending money.

Closing day

• Go through the closing-day checklist.
• Bring a valid photo ID, and confirm with your attorney what else to bring.

Keys and access

• House keys for every exterior door, and any storm door or gate keys.
• Garage door openers and any garage keypad code.
• Alarm or security system codes and app access; change all codes after you move in.
• Mailbox keys.
• Building fobs, parking passes and amenity keys (condominium or HOA).
• Consider rekeying the exterior locks after closing.

Warranties

• Confirm whether a home warranty is included under your contract, and activate or transfer it into your name.
• Check which manufacturer or workmanship warranties convey with the property (appliances, heating and cooling, water heater, roof, windows, or a new-construction builder warranty) and register them in your name where required.
• Get warranty documents, manuals, receipts and contractor contact information from the seller at or before closing.

Moving day

• Do a last walk-through of the home you are leaving: closets, cabinets, garage and basement.
• Photograph the utility meters, lock the windows and doors, and hand over keys as agreed.
• Check the inventory before the movers leave and note any damage on their paperwork.

First week after

• Update the address on your Illinois driver’s license or ID card and your vehicle registration within 10 days of moving (Illinois Secretary of State; the license and registration are updated separately).
• Update your voter registration with your new address (Illinois State Board of Elections online voter registration).
• Tell the IRS about your new address with Form 8822, Change of Address.
• New owners: file for the property tax exemptions you qualify for with your county assessor; in Cook County, the Cook County Assessor’s Office. See my Property tax check page and senior exemptions and Cook County exemptions.
• Check that the property tax bill will come in your name and to your mailing address (Cook County Treasurer).
• Store your closing documents, deed and title policy in a safe place.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and learn where the main water shut-off and electrical panel are.