Soft Touch Moving Service
6 to 8 weeks prior to move
  • Budget for moving expenses.
  • Create a file to track quotes, receipts and other important information.
  • Start researching your new neighborhood/community.
  • Begin compiling medical, dental, shot and prescription records (if relocating out of town).
  • Ask doctors for referrals in your new city (if applicable).
  • Arrange to have school records and veterinarian records transferred (if applicable).
  • Gather copies of legal and financial records.
  • Call your insurance agent to see what changes you need to make to your new policy.
  • Contact health clubs, organizations and groups to cancel or transfer memberships (if applicable).
  • Plan how to move valuables and difficult to replace items (ship by certified mail, or carry them with you).
  • Begin separating items into those you will keep, donate or discard.
  • Plan a garage sale – if necessary.
  • Start using items that can’t be moved such as frozen foods, bleach, and aerosols (if applicable).
3 to 6 weeks prior to move
  • Order boxes and moving supplies (or arrange for Soft Touch to handle your packing).
  • Begin packing items you don’t use often.  Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it is destined for.
  • Pinpoint your exact move date.
  • File a change of address with the Postal Service (usps.gov).
  • Reserve your move online (link) or by calling 713.333.3333.
  • Notify these utility services of your move (both at your old and new locations):
    • Electric
    • Water
    • Gas
    • Telephone
    • Cell phone
    • Cable/Satellite
    • Internet
    • Sewer
    • Trash
  • Make travel arrangements for your pets.
  • Put copies of pet medical and immunization records in your move file (if applicable).
  • Host a garage sale (if necessary).
  • Plan how to transport your plants
  • Dispose of flammables, corrosives, and poisons.
  • Have your automobile serviced (if relocating out of town).
2 weeks prior to move
  • Notify these professional services of your move:
    • Accountant
    • Attorney
    • Doctor
    • Dentist
    • Financial Planner
    • Health Insurance Provider
    • Insurance Agent
    • Schools
  • Notify these services/accounts of your move:
    • Auto Finance Company
    • Bank/Credit Union/Finance Companies
    • Credit Card Companies
    • Exterminator
    • Health Club
    • Home care service providers (lawn, exterminator, snow removal etc.)
    • Laundry service
    • Magazines
    • Monthly memberships (Netflix, book of the month, etc.)
    • Newsletters
    • Newspapers
    • Pharmacy
    • Store/Gas Charge Accounts
    • Schools
  • Notify these government offices of your move:
    • City/County Tax Assessor
    • State Vehicle Registration
    • Social Security Administration
    • State/Federal Tax Bureau (IRS)
    • Veterans Administration
    • Confirm travel arrangements for pets and family.
    • Confirm parking for your trailer or storage container.  Obtain permits if needed.
    • Plan meals for the last weeks to use up your food.
    • Assemble a folder of important info about your house for the next home owner.
    • Schools
1 week prior to move
  • Review your moving plans with your moving consultant. Email or call with questions.
  • Contact your bank or credit card company if you are planning to pay for your move by debit or credit card.
  • Print two copies of your bill to keep in your move file.
  • Notify friends and family of your new address and phone number.
  • Pack an essentials box to keep with you during the move.
  • Drain gas and oil from lawn equipment, gas grills, heaters, etc.
  • Drain water hoses and waterbeds.
  • Measure furniture and doorways to determine if larger pieces will fit through the door.
  • Empty and defrost refrigerator at least 24 hours before the move.
  • Fill any prescriptions you will need during the move.
Moving Day
  • Be familiar with our packing tips and personally supervise hired labor.
  • Load goods in a pre-designated order, saving “last load” items for the end of your shipment.
  • Check every room and closet one last time to make sure nothing is left behind.
  • Leave a note with your new address so that future residents can forward stray mail.
Move in Checklist
  • Clean your new home, make sure everything is in working condition and make any repairs possible prior to your belongings arrival.
  • Pick up any mail being held at the local post office.
  • Unload your items and begin organizing your new home.
After the Move
  • Keep all receipts and documents in your move file and store it in an easy-to-remember location.
  • Get a new driver’s license and automobile tags, register to vote, etc.
  • Contact the local paper for a new subscription.
  • Enjoy your new home!