In preparing for a move, it’s easy to get bogged down with all the things to do. Stay on top of all that with our checklists. Be sure to take care of all the items. If you’re one month away from your move and use these checklists for the first time, make sure you’ve already taken care of the items in the “Three Months Before Moving” and “Two Months Before Moving” checklists.
More Checklists: Military PCS Guide
Final Days Before Your Military PCS Move:
- Separate items that will not be packed, including suitcases.
- Ship as “unaccompanied baggage” items that will help you set up housekeeping at your new address, such as linens, dishes, etc.
- Keep a household inventory list on hand, and carry it with you.
- Make a complete inventory of all the boxes you will move to your new location; you will need to check this after you move in.
- Attach colored stickers to your boxes to correspond with rooms in your new home where you want your boxes to go.
- If you are using movers, prepare a color-coded map of your new house, so they’ll know exactly where to take your belongings.
- Secure your cash, jewelry, important documents, checkbook and other valuable items, and carry them yourself.
- If you are renting a truck or other vehicle for your move, check it over to make sure everything is running properly.
- Accurately note the condition of belongings. If anything is marked “scratched, dented or soiled,” note the location of the problem.
- Clean your refrigerator, freezer and clothes washer, and dry them for one to two days with doors open. To avoid musty odors, place several charcoal briquettes in a stocking or sock in the appliances.
- Discard partly-used cans/containers of substances that may leak.
- Carefully tape and place in individual waterproof bags any jars of liquid you plan to take with you.
- Disconnect and prepare all electronic components such as stereos, computers, printers and televisions.
- Disconnect gas and electrical appliances; moving companies are not required to perform disconnects or reconnections.
- Remove hanging objects scheduled for shipping from the walls, ceilings and cabinets. This includes curtain rods, kitchenware (kitchen utensil, food racks), mirrors and pictures.
- Remove outside TV antennas; disconnect satellite dishes.
- Remove air conditioners from windows.
- Switch utility services to your new address.
More Checklists: Military PCS Guide
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