Moving Checklist

8 weeks before your move

Choose your mover and sign the acceptance noteContact Brimar and make arrangements for moving dayResolve what to do with any prohibited or hazardous itemsMake proper provision for pets during the moveDecide whether or not you are taking your car

6 weeks before your move

If moving at an employer's request — verify which expenses and responsibilities are theirs vs. yoursStart preparing your mailing list of everyone who needs your change of addressNotify banks, savings accounts, credit card companies, magazine subscriptions, rental companies, friends, and professionalsLocate passports, birth and marriage certificates, motor vehicle registration and licensing documents Apply for any necessary visasCheck that your electrical goods will work in your new home (voltage and plug standards differ between France and the USA)Begin an inventory and evaluate your possessions — what can be sold, donated, or discarded? What haven't you used in the past year?

4 weeks before your move

Separate your children's favorite toys for easy accessEnsure your pet's vaccinations are up to dateSubmit a Change of Address form to the post officeContact utility companies (gas, electric, oil, water, telephone, cable TV, trash collection) for disconnection and reconnection at both addresses — keep utilities connected at your current home through moving dayDecide whether to purchase any new household goods and check applicable tax refundsIf self-packing — purchase moving boxes and begin packing items you won't need in the next month

2 weeks before your move

Decide which clothes will travel with youBegin dismantling climbing frames and garden furnitureMake arrangements for connection of services at your new homeReturn library books and any rented itemsContact your Brimar coordinator to review and confirm all arrangementsWithdraw the contents of your safety deposit box, collect dry cleaning, and return any rented equipment

2–3 days before your move

Defrost the refrigerator and freezerPlan simple meals for moving day — stock up on disposable plates, cups, and utensilsOrganize and set aside everything you're taking with you so it doesn't get loaded onto the van by mistakeClean garden tools, bicycles, and gardening equipmentEmpty the fuel tanks of powered tools such as lawn mowersConfirm you have at least two weeks of medication, along with copies of any necessary prescriptionsCollect traveler's checks or local currency for your destinationArrange for someone to look after the children on moving dayContact your Brimar coordinator to confirm the arrival time of the moving van and share any last-minute details

Last-minute details

Check all closets, cabinets, and storage areas for any overlooked articlesEnsure all mechanical and electrical equipment has been properly serviced before the van arrives

Before you leave, check

Water heater, main power, and gas taps are shut offFurnace and air conditioner are shut offAll utilities are arranged for disconnectionAll windows and doors are shut and lockedOld house keys are surrenderedNothing has been left behindClothes at the dry cleaner and shoes at the repair shop have been collected

Moving day

Ensure someone is at home to answer the van foreman's questionsWalk through the property with the crew chief during the inventoryRead your bill of lading and inventory carefully before signing — keep all documents in a safe place until all charges are settledThen relax — Brimar takes care of everything from here

Moving Checklist

Ready to plan your international move?