Things to do when you move
Planning - The Key to Moving Success
A new city, new job, new friends, new neighborhood, and new home – an adventure is about to begin. Selling your current home and moving can be an exciting and wonderful event, but before you reach your new destination there are many things to do. And, of course, moving can be a stressful experience. However, reducing your stress level is possible with forethought, organization and planning. You should begin preparing for your move as soon as possible. Those who plan ahead, are organized, and have a positive attitude adjust much quicker to their new lifestyle and usually become active members of their community.
This moving checklist will help you prepare for your relocating adventure.
Moving Checklist
As soon as you know you will be moving:
- Begin planning your move to eliminate as much stress as possible.
- Contact a Realtor for selling your current property and buying a new home.
- Reserve a moving truck. They are often booked two months in advance.
- Find out what expenses your employer will cover.
Four weeks prior to moving:
- Check the registration procedures for enrolling children in school. Obtain copies of children’s transcripts. Ask teachers for a statement describing the student’s achievement level and written descriptions of any unusual courses taken.
- Request copies of all medical, dental, and veterinary records and ask for referrals.
- Notify the post office of your new address. Send change of address cards to friends, subscription services, creditors, and insurance companies.
- Purchase moving supplies, such as boxes, tape, and bubble wrap.
- Begin packing seldom used items and dispose of unwanted items through charities. (Get receipts for tax purposes.)
- Contact the IRS for forms and regulations regarding tax-deductible moving expenses.
- Transfer or arrange for insurance in your new city to cover your home, furnishings, and automobile.
Three weeks prior to moving:
- Arrange to have appliances, utilities, phone, Internet and cable TV disconnected. Coordinate the final readings for gas, water, telephone, etc. Check on deposits. Set up connections at your new home.
- Review details with your mover: insurance coverage, packing and unpacking labor, arrival day, directions, shipping papers, time and method of expected payment.
Two weeks prior to moving:
- Handle bills, stocks, investments, and banking transfers. Arrange for check cashing in the new city.
- Make special arrangements for transporting pets.
- Clean cupboards.
- Plan remaining meals so you can pack what you don’t need.
- Update your pet tags and licenses with new address information.
One week prior to moving:
- Discontinue delivery services, such as the newspaper.
- Clean out your safety deposit box and place all valuables and documents together. Either carry them with you or send them ahead by registered, insured mail.
- Reconfirm your moving and delivery dates with your mover.
Two days prior to moving:
- Defrost and dry refrigerators and freezers.
- Arrange for traveler’s checks for trip expenses and payment to the mover upon delivery.
- Reconcile and close checking account and withdraw savings.
- Conclude any financial matters relating to the lease or sale of your home.
- Set aside items you will need immediately upon arrival – a few dishes, towels, soap, bedding, light bulbs, flashlights, and toilet paper. Clearly mark the boxes.
- Leave forwarding address to new tenant.
Moving day:
- Pay close attention to the mover’s paperwork. You will need to sign it upon completion of loading.
- Supervise the movers to make sure your instructions are understood.
- Double check your residence for forgotten items before leaving.
- For emergency reasons, alert a close friend or relative of the route and schedule you will travel.
- Leave keys and garage door transmitters for new owners.
