When relocating there is so much to do, our moving list provides you with a clear timetable and outlines your next tasks at each step.

One month before moving:
 

Pick up a change of address kit from the post office and notify the address change to: 

• Friends and family
• Banks
• Insurance companies
• Credit card companies
• Magazines and newspapers - cancel local newspaper delivery
• Doctors, dentists and other providers - transfer drug prescriptions
• Past employer - for W2 forms
• Take a look around the house and note down the items you’re not moving with you.
• Use up perishable foods
• Sell, donate or hold a garage sale for unwanted item.
• Prepare a list of what you want to move.
• Large appliances?
• Outside furniture?

For full services move:

• Get written estimates from several moving companies
• Will the movers pack for you?
• What items won't they move?
• Get appraisals of high-value items in case of future claims
• For do-it-yourself moves, make arrangements for truck rental and moving help, and buy packing supplies:
• Boxes
• Packing and masking tape
• Markers
• Newspapers
• Twine

• Start packing boxes. Mark boxes clearly with their contents and their priorities, mark “open first” boxes with important items.

Important items

• Dishes
• Pots and pans
• Alarm clock
• Bedding
• Special toys
• Towels
• Light bulbs
• Plates
• Tools - hammer, pliers, wrench

Pick up important records from/of:

• Birth
• Doctor
• Dentist
• Legal
• Optician, optometrist
• School - make sure you get one with a raised seal
• Veterinarian

Close out your bank accounts

• Checking
• Savings
• Safe Deposit Box
• Start a new bank account in your new town.
• Transfer account from current bank
• Contact your child's new school and notify them of your upcoming move to their area.
• Contact the Chamber of Commerce in your new town. Request a relocation package

Two Weeks Before Moving:

Pack your vital documents in one place:

• Passports
• Military records
• Mortgage records
• Marriage license
• Birth certificates
• Vehicle titles
• Stock certificates
• Insurance papers
• Bank records
• School records
• Medical records
• Tax records
• Make arrangements to disconnect your utilities. Get refunds for any deposits made. Have meters read.

Give new address for them to send their final bill:

• Cable - return box if necessary
• Electric
• Gas
• Internet access
• Telephone
• Water
• Make arrangements to connect utilities at your new residence.
• Make arrangements for cleaning
• Inquire about your new state's auto licensing procedure and auto insurance rates.
• Check with your insurance company about transferring coverage to your new home
• Arrange to have a sitter watch your children at their house on moving day.

One Week before Moving

• Dispose or drain any flammable items
• Lawn mower gas
• Snow blower gas
• Paint
• Aerosol cans

Plan what goes in the car with you:

• Toys and games for kids
• Special breakable items or collections
• Important documents and records
• Change of clothes and toiletries for your first day
• Vacuum cleaner - if you want to clean right away
• Toilet paper
• First aid kit
• Food kit with bottled water, cereal, bananas
• Make travel arrangements for your pets and plants.Purchase moving insurance if you have valuable antiques and collections.
• Have your car tuned up.

The Day Before Moving

• Defrost, clean and air out your refrigerator.
• Clean your stove.
• Make sure you have payment ready for the mover - they will not unpack without a check. Check your moving company's payment policies.
• Purchase traveler's checks for other possible expenses.
• Pack your former town's phone book for future correspondence.
• Get a simple breakfast ready for the next morning.
• Pick up ice and beverages for moving day
• Take down curtains and curtain rods.
• Get a good night's sleep

Moving Day

• Strip your beds.
• Moving company - will they disassemble?
• Show movers around. Make sure your possessions to be moved are inventoried with them.
• Write "subject to further inspection for concealed loss or damage" on contract when you sign to protect yourself should you find damage while unpacking.
• Get all keys together. Put in a safe spot.
• Make sure moving van driver has correct address, phone number and directions. Confirm delivery date with him.
• Check all rooms one last time. Remember closets and cupboards, basement and garage! Make sure all windows and doors are locked.

After Moving

• Explore your new neighborhood. Locate the nearest convenience and hardware store, pharmacy, supermarket, video rental, school and library, etc.
• Check smoke alarm, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguisher.
• If necessary, install a new door lock and/or dead-bolt.
• Update your address information if you haven't done so (driver's license, car registrations, insurance, credit cards, bank accounts, voter registration).
• If you have not received your security deposit, call your landlord to confirm your new address.
• Call the Internal Revenue Service to change your address. You can also visit the IRS online at www.irs.gov.