Whether you’re moving your home and family, or you’re planning an office relocation, there’s a lot to keep track of.  That’s why, as your long distance moving experts, we here at RC Mason Movers have created a checklist to cover all of your Boston residential moving or Boston commercial moving needs. Follow this quick guide and you’ll be ready for your move, no matter what.

1. Four months out – Start Planning Your Move 

For residential movers: if possible, plan your moving date outside of peak moving season (late spring/summer) to maximize mover availability. 

For commercial movers: designate a point-person to be in charge of the moving details. 

For both: start getting rid items that will not be making the move to your new space, and plan for items that will be needed once the move is made.

2. Two-Three months out – Schedule Your Movers

For both: Make sure to gather moving estimates from several companies – three to five, and assess your choice based, not only on price, but on qualifications, certifications, and services offered. 

3. One-Two months out – Begin Transfer of Address

Residential Movers: Contact schools, doctors, dentists, lawyers, accountants, etc. and obtain copies of your personal records. Submit a change of Address form to the Post Office.

Commercial Movers: Identify and update company subscriptions, mailing address, stationary; purge unneeded documents; move archival files to a records facility.

4. One month out – Arrange Details & Begin Packing

Residential Movers: order boxes and supplies to start packing (if packing yourself). Prepare an inventory of items that will be stored or moved. Discontinue/re-establish utility services.

Commercial Movers: Have employees begin packing their spaces and take home any personal items. Clean and pack common areas. Host a staff meeting about the move and/or schedule move training sessions for any specific moving needs.

5. One week out – Finalize Moving Day Plans

Residential Movers: Pay bills, order new prescriptions of any medications you may need, alert your neighbors that moving trucks are coming, finalize plans for childcare or petcare, movers, travel arrangements, etc, drain liquids from water hoses, lawn care machines, and prepare major appliances for the move.  Pack a box for your first night after the move including personal items you will need right away.

Commercial Movers: Conduct a final walk-through with your relocation company, verify that personal items have been removed.

6. Moving Day – Smooth Sailing

Residential Movers: Make sure someone is available to receive the moving company. Write down contact info to give to the head of your moving crew.  Record all utility meter readings. Review your inventory sheet one last time and do a final walk through of your (now) old residence.

Commercial Movers: Work with relocation company to complete an employee check-out, and remind employees to take home personal items and laptop computers. Collect all suite and office keys. Do a last walk-through to double check that all files and cabinets are empty.