Senior Downsizing Checklist
This timetable is the in the perfect-world scenario so go easy on yourself!
ASAP - First Things First
Determine where you are moving to.
6+ Months
Set your move-in date.
Interview realtors, if you are selling your house.
Get the floor plan and exact measurements of the new place so you can figure out what of your furniture will fit.
Start to interview movers.
Get referrals.
Research on Yelp
Call appraisers.
After receiving appraisals, decide if it’s worth it to have an estate sale or just donate or give away items that aren’t going with you.
Take a video of your old house to commemorate how it was before you start dismantling it.
3 Months
Book movers and schedule move date.
Purchase packing supplies, if you are packing yourself.
Start the process of clearing out, room by room.
Garage
Attic and/or Basement
Guest Room
Linen Closet
Office
Living Room
Dining Room
Bedroom
Kitchen
Collect and keep together important papers.
Let your family know of the timeline and arrange for pick-up of items that they may want
Start packing the items not needed till after the move.
1 Month
Complete address changes. Consider sending out a new home announcement to gather support from loved ones during the big change.
Notify:
post office
credit cards
bank accounts
investment/retirement accounts
Medicare & Social Security
voter's registration
family & friends
driver's license/car registration
newspaper/magazine subscriptions
social clubs & places of worship
lawyer, accountant, insurance agent,
If you have pets, consider boarding them, if so then schedule boarding.
2 Weeks Before Move
Refill all your prescriptions
Cancel utilities, cable, TV & phone at old home. Schedule installation of same at new
1 Week Before Move
Pack the rest of the house
Estate Sale, if you are having one.
Arrange for donations
Arrange trash pick up
Pack a first box. Don’t load on the truck, take with you.
Pack Day, if moving company is packing
Donation & Trash Haul
Move Day
One Final Sweep
Say Goodbye to old home and hello to new home!