Moving Checklist

Whether you are moving to Missoula or anywhere at all, there are many things to think about when planning a move.  To help you plan the smoothest move possible, we offer up the following moving checklist. Just click the link and you can also print out our Moving Checklist.

Two Months Prior

  • Acquire estimates from three moving companies
  • Create and maintain a file for all moving papers and receipts
  • Talk with your accountant to determine if any parts of your move might be tax-deductible
  • Talk with your insurance agent to determine what expenses might be covered
  • Inventory your possessions
  • Sell and give away items you don’t want or need from the attic, basement, closets and storage areas
  • Host a garage sale and donate unsold items to charity

Six Weeks Prior

  • Picture25Complete a change of address card  or online form with the U.S. Postal Service and at the following places you do business:
    • accountants
    • attorneys,  banks
    • credit card companies
    • former employers
    • insurance agents
    • IRS/Social Security Admin
    • periodicals
    • physicians and dentists
    • relatives and friends
    • religious organizations
    • schools
    • stockbrokers
  • Do some research on  Missoula health-care professionals and hospitals
  • Arrange to have family medical records transferred to new physicians
  • Arrange to have pet records transferred to a new Missoula-area veterinarian
  • Arrange to have children’s school records transferred
  • Select a reputable mover with good insurance coverage or reserve a rental truck

One Month Prior

  • Arrange for personal/family travel (air, hotel, car rental)
  • Arrange for the transportation of pets, plants and other delicate items
  • Contact all utility companies (cable, gas, electric, phone, refuge collection, water, etc.) to arrange for disconnect, final billing and connection at your new address
  • Contact insurance companies (auto, homeowner’s, medical and life) to arrange for coverage in your new location
  • Gather all legal documentation into one box and maintain in an accessible and safe place. Documents should include vehicle titles, registration documents and licensing, birth certificates, wills, deeds, stock, legal, medical, and insurance records
  • Make arrangements for cleaning and repair of carpets, drapery and furniture if necessary
  • Make arrangements to transfer funds and close bank accounts
  • Cancel voter registration; re-register to vote  once you’ve settled into Missoula
  • Notify landlord of pending departure and request security deposit/ refund
  • Notify in-home contracted service providers (housekeeping, gardening, etc.)
  • Request refunds on unused renter’s or homeowner’s insurance and any prepaid services
  • Save receipts from the move (many moving expenses are tax deductible)
  • Gather moving supplies (boxes, bubble wrap, tape, markers, rope)
  • Start packing!

Two-Three Weeks Prior

  • Arrange for child care on moving day
  • Cancel newspaper delivery
  • Notify the Department of Motor Vehicles of your new address
  • Review arrangements with the moving company
  • Service your car if planning a long trip

One Week Prior

  • Drain gas and oil from power equipment
  • Fill all prescription medications
  • Pick up dry cleaning, return library books and rented videos, etc.
  • Settle all outstanding bills with local retailers and vendors

A Few Days Prior

  • Finish packing
  • Defrost refrigerators and freezers
  • Disconnect all major appliances
  • Pack first night items, including: alarm clocks, change of clothes, flashlight, phone, sheets, toiletries and towels
  • Pack Mover’s Survival Kit: aspirin or ibuprofen coffee, filters, and coffee maker local phone books paper cups and plates, plastic utensils paper towels, toilet paper, soap pen and notepad scissors, utility knife, masking and/or duct tape trash bags and shelf liner water and soft drinks, snacks

Moving Day

  • Be home to answer any questions your mover may have
  • Remain until  movers are finished loading your belongings
  • Record all utility meter readings upon departure
  • Ensure you and the movers did not leave anything in the vacated house
  • Carefully read, complete and sign the bill of lading and the inventory sheet
  • Keep copies of the bill of lading and inventory sheet until your possessions are delivered, the charges are paid, and any claims are settled
  • Give movers directions to your new home and the phone number where you can be reached

Packing Tips

  • Keep jewelry, important papers or medications with you
  • Label boxes as you pack them with content and desired room location
  • Leave lamps, china and artwork or breakables for movers to pack
  • Pack heavy items in small boxes
  • Do not overstuff boxes; leave some extra room at the top
  • Tape cords underneath all electrical appliances
  • Wrap breakables in newspaper, bubble wrap, clothes or towels

Organizing Your New Home – 6 Tips for an Efficient Move-In

Whether you’re moving across town or to a new state an efficient move... more

Adapting to a New City: What to Know After a Long-Distance Move

This guide will provide practical tips and insights to help you smoothl... more

Remote Home Tours: Leveraging Technology to Find Your Dream Home in Missoula

Discover how to find your dream home in Missoula using remote home tour... more

9 Essential Tips for a Stress-Free Cross Country Move

To help you achieve a stress-free cross country relocation, here are nine essential tips to keep in mind.... more

Self-Storage Success: Essential Strategies for Managing Your Belongings

In this blog, we will explore essential strategies for successful self-storage management.... more

A Practical Guide for Missoula Residents Relocating Across State Lines

Check out a practical guide for Missoula residents relocating across state lines and learn everything you need to ease the process!... more

Moving to Missoula Made Easy – Unpacking the Benefits of Luxury Relocation Services

f you plan to relocate to Missoula, here are some benefits of using luxury relocation services.... more

8 Precautions To Take When Loading And Unloading During A Move

In this article, we’ll explore eight precautions to ensure a secure and efficient move. ... more

Cross Country Moving Tips For A Seamless Move

Here are some useful tips to help you get started with your move.... more

The Must-Know Tips for Moving to Missoula, Montana

Whether you are moving alone or with your family, relocating is never easy. If you're moving to Montana, here are some tips:... more

How to Move to Fayetteville: The Complete Relocation Guide

Fayetteville is an exciting city to relocate to with your family. Here's why:... more

Reasons Why You Might Want to Move to a New State

There are so many reasons why someone might want to move to a new state. Whatever your reason here are some pros and cons to consider:... more

Here’s How to Stay Sane While Moving

Does the idea of moving scare you? A few tips can help you stay sane while shifting to your new home.... more

Do These 6 Things before Your Moving Day

Moving days can be incredibly hectic. To make things easier on yourself, you should do these 6 things ahead of time:... more

Moving States: 7 Things You Might Not Have Thought Of

Whether you’re moving for your dream job or moving back home to save money for a new house, the whole thing can be exciting yet overwhelming. Here are some things to consider:... more

Reasons to Rent a Storage Unit Before Moving Abroad

Considering a move abroad? Handling your possessions can be chaotic and since you can’t relocate with all your possessions, renting a storage unit is an ideal solution.... more

Important Factors To Consider Before Moving Out Of Your Old Apartment

Moving out of any location can seem stressful, but with the right information, you should have no problem getting everything done with ease.... more

A Guide to Renting an Apartment in Missoula, MT

This guide will help you research and find the perfect rental apartment in Missoula, as well as give you an idea of what it’s like to live here.... more

Moving to Missoula: What You Need to Know

Between its natural wonders, hometown feel, and classic Americana culture, Missoula is a great place to resettle.... more

Moving Into A New Home Checklist

When you first move into a new home, the list of things to do can be exhausting. But with a little preparation can make the entire move much easier.... more

Creative Ideas to Maximize Space in Your Missoula Home

Whether you’re looking to move to Missoula or relocating to the locality, here’s some useful ways to maximize a space to its full potential.... more

Smell Makes Cents

By JENNIFER SLAYDEN - Realtors are gearing up for the busiest time of the year. Smell, believe it or not, plays a big role in the whole process.... more

I’m Not in Love with the Reverse Mortgage

By JENNIFER SLAYDEN - What can you do to protect yourself, your parents, or others who may be considering a reverse mortgage?... more

I LOVETT! Music Plays Again in an Old Company Town

By JENNIFER SLAYDEN -Lyle Lovett & His Large Band were the first show to take the stage at the new KettleHouse Amphitheatre in what was an amazing evening of entertainment.... more

February: LOVE Your House Month: Fire Safety

By JENNIFER SLAYDEN -Take a little time to learn what YOU can do to keep your home warm and toasty, while keeping yourself and your family safe during these cold winter months.... more

Missoula is Our Home for the Holiday

By JENNIFER SLAYDEN -Sit back and enjoy a little clip of scenes from in and around Missoula! Wishing you and yours a safe, wonderful and warm holiday season!... more

Growing Birds in the Garden City

By JENNIFER SLAYDEN -Why did the chicken cross Missoula Ave? Perhaps to say hello to the new neighbors, Quail and Duck!... more

Nesting in the Zoo: Storing History in Milltown

By JENNIFER SLAYDEN -Ask anyone in Bonner, West Riverside, or Milltown where they used to go buy groceries and more than likely you will hear a variety of responses: Milltown Market, Finky’s or Disbrow’s.... more

Nesting in the Zoo: Create a Great Learning Space

By JENNIFER SLAYDEN -How do people create a productive learning environment at home? I'm convince it takes headspace, and physical space.... more

Trash Talk Missoula

By JENNIFER SLAYDEN -On a bright Saturday morning, approximately 75 boaters, tubers, and divers met to talk trash! River trash that is. It was the 13th year of the annual Blackfoot River Cleanup.... more

Understanding Agency – Part III: Dual Agency

By JENNIFER SLAYDEN -The annual Missoula Marathon: one of the highlights of the year for many locals and visitors to our town!... more

Understanding Agency: Part II

By JENNIFER SLAYDEN - Are you a fan of lists and sticky notes? I sure am! Even before getting into real estate, I was a “listing agent” in my own right!... more

Understanding Agency: Huddle Up with a Buyer’s Agent

By JENNIFER SLAYDEN - Picture this: you are at the annual Brawl of the Wild with all your buddies who are die-hard Grizzly fans.... more

New Trails and Old Tales: That’s What Bonner is Made Of

By JENNIFER SLAYDEN - As we eagerly await the Milltown State park to open, we continue to celebrate the accomplishment of the removal of the Milltown Dam.... more

Is Home Buying Really as Easy as HGTV?

By JENNIFER SLAYDEN - I’m going to admit it right here on Make it Missoula. I have an addiction to HGTV. Especially the renovation shows.... more

MissouLUCKY!

By JENNIFER SLAYDEN - (PHOTO GALLERY) I’m only a wee bit Irish, but I can tell you, I feel extremely lucky to call Missoula my home. Not just on St. Patrick’s Day, but 365 days of the year.... more

Building Tiny Houses With Big Dreams

By JENNIFER SLAYDEN - Brian Daigle grew up building forts as a child, and now that pastime has turned into a successful and ever- growing company--Montana Tiny Homes.com.... more

MISSOULA-LA-LOVE (plus chocolate)

By JENNIFER SLAYDEN - Missoula is like a box of chocolates. The neighborhoods may all be housed in our great city, but each area has its own unique taste, feel, and characteristic.... more

To Stay Put or Uproot? SPACE ODDITY

By JENNIFER SLAYDEN - Space. It matters! So when it comes to buying, here are a few start up questions to begin defining the type of space your would like for your home.... more

Location, Location, Location!

By JENNIFER SLAYDEN - Location, location, location! Yes, the most overused phrase in Real Estate can seem as obnoxious as the Brady Bunch phrase, “Marsha, Marsha, Marsha!” ... more

Anywhere But Missoula, MT

11/09 Blog by Elke Govertson. If you had asked me in college where I would live when I “settled down” (is that what has happened? I have settled? Like a flat cake? Like an upset stomach? Yikes.) I would hav... more

Googling God in the Garden City

10/18 Guest Blog by Tim Akimoff. I sat at the edge of the hotel bed and leafed casually through the yellow pages. Finding nothing, I opened the laptop and entered this into the search box: missoula alternative... more

Vehicle Registration

First-Time Registration The Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) requires you to register a vehicle in your name if you have recently: Purchased a new or used vehicle Moved to the state ... more

Voter Registration

If you're new to Missoula or simply need to register to vote, there are a number of places to in the city to complete your voter registration. As our national laws dictate, U.S. citizens may vote in nati... more