 
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. |
|
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