Moving checklist
- Two Weeks Before Moving
- Close or transfer credit union, bank, safe deposit box accounts.
- Stop deliveries (newspaper).
- Turn off utilities - electric, gas, satellite, cable, phone, water, garbage; remember deposit refunds.
- Call your doctor, vet, and dentist to ask for recommendations or referrals for your new location. Get copies of medical records or arrange to have them transferred.
- Get hard copies of reference letters for future job hunts.
- Cancel regional organization memberships. Some organizations like the YMCA will provide you with a letter of good standing so you can avoid re-paying those one-time startup fees you paid to join in the first place.
- Get your car checked out so it doesn't break down during the move.
- Don't forget about your pets that don't like car rides.
- Double and triple check the arrangements with your moving company. Draw up a floor plan where they should put your furniture at the new place.
- Appraise valuable items so you can justify repayment if movers break stuff.
- Schedule services you want performed before you move furniture (carpet cleaning).
- Things to Remember While Packing
- When you're packing, have you used that thing in your hand in the last 5 years, or would it be just as useful in the local dump?
- Label boxes on top and side with the room it should go in the new house and major contents.
- Save the phone book from the former city residence to help close loose ends
- Assemble moving kit - hammer, screwdriver, pliers, adjustable wrench, tape, scissors, and garbage bags.
- Leave the broom and vacuum so you can clean when you're done packing.
- Consider carrying jewelry, computer equipment, glass, currency, and important documents yourself instead of letting the mover do it. Some movers won't move the really old and fragile things in your home.
- Whom to Send Change of Addresses
- Post office
- Credit cards
- Subscriptions
- Government agencies - VA, IRS, Social Security, Selective Service, etc.
- Student loan
- Car loan
- Frequent flyer programs
- Stock brokers
- Mutual fund companies (401k, IRA)
- Insurance agent
- Medical providers - if you'll be able to use them after moving
- Catalogues you want to keep receiving
- Charities
- Alumni organizations
- Past employer so you can get your W-2 when tax time comes around
- Your opt-out for pre-screened credit offers (888-567-8688)
- Things to Do After Moving In
- Open credit union or bank accounts.
- Open safe deposit box account.
- Begin deliveries - propane, newspaper.
- Register to vote.
- Order checks with your new address.
- Change (or get new) driver's license.
- Change auto registration.
- Install new batteries in existing smoke detectors (and install any additionally needed smoke detectors); buy fire extinguisher.
- Check with a lawyer about the validity of your will when crossing state lines
- Check the toilet tanks for cleaning tablets from previous owners if your pet drinks toilet water
- Opt-out of common junkmail
- Change the locks, add peep holes and any additional security
