Moving Tips

HELPFUL MOVING CHECKLIST

MONTH PRIOR TO MOVE

  1. Change your address with the post office.
  2. Change your address with the IRS.
  3. Hire a moving company or rent a moving vehicle.
  4. Transfer or get copies of medical records (and school records if you have children).
  5. Get referrals from your current doctor for new doctors in the neighborhood you’ll be moving to.
  6. Update your insurance policies (home, auto, and so on).
  7. Check with your insurance company to see if your belongings are covered during the move.
  8. Cancel your plans with cable, telephone, newspaper, lawn, and home security companies.
  9. Change your address with magazine and newspaper subscriptions and creditors.

WEEKS PRIOR TO MOVE

  1. Cancel utility service for the day after your move date.
  2. Purchase packing supplies (boxes, tape, markers, etc.).
  3. Make travel arrangements on moving day and any special arrangements for small children and/or pets.
  4. Start packing, boxing items systematically and labeling them accordingly.
  5. If you can, type out a list of what general items are in each box so you have a master list.

1 WEEK PRIOR TO MOVE

  1. Confirm reservation with moving company or rental truck company.
  2. Gather and set aside important documents (don’t pack these—carry them with you during the move).
  3. Transfer prescriptions to your local pharmacy.
  4. Close/transfer bank accounts (if switching banks) and order checks with your new address.
  5. Send out change of address cards to friends, relatives, neighbors, organizations, and so on.
  6. Return items that don’t belong to you (movies, books, and so on).
  7. Clean! (appliances, carpet, walls, and so on).

DAY BEFORE MOVE

  1. Take out cash to give as tips to the movers (if you hired).
  2. Buy bottles of water for you and anyone helping you.
  3. Pack the last of your items and leave out one small suitcase for your pajamas and toiletries.

AFTER YOU’VE MOVED

  1. Change your address with DMV— update driver’s license and plates (if moving out of state). Allow about two weeks for arrival.
  2. Change your address with your employer.