Preparing for a move can be very exciting, yet stressful as well. There are so many details to think about, especially if you are relocating to a destination outside your city. Important tasks can easily be overlooked. The following tips will keep you on track and provide helpful information pertaining to the time before, during, and after your move.
PLAN AHEAD:
Decide what to move and what not to move.
Get estimates from several moving or truck rental companies.
Plan your travel itinerary (make advance transportation & lodging reservations).
Transfer your bank accounts.
Request all necessary records from doctors and dentists.
Obtain school records for an easy transfer.
Draw up a floor plan of where to place furniture in your new home.
Pay existing bills and close out local charge accounts.
Record expenses incurred during your house-hunting trips.
Save your moving expense receipts for tax deductions (if move is employment-related)
DON'T FORGET:
Discontinue newspaper, utilities, cable, satellite, and any local deliveries.
Check on personal items that might be at the photo shop, in a safe deposit box, at a neighbor's house, on lay-away, or in a repair shop.
Make arrangements for transporting your pets and plants.
Save the phone book from your former residence for future correspondence.
Transfer insurance policies or arrange for new policies.
Gather all valuables, jewelry, important papers (birth certificates, deeds, documents) to take with you personally.
Pack an arrival kit of necessities in case you arrive before the movers.
Settle your present utility & phone company accounts and arrange for service to your new home.
Purchase moving insurance--your mover's liability for lost or damaged goods will not equal their replacement cost.
Appraise valuable items, such as antiques, art pieces, collectibles, etc. for the moving insurance.
Do a home inventory when you arrive at you new residence--take photographs and/or videos of all your possessions, write down model/serial numbers and estimated or actual value of items (keep inventory in a safety deposit box & give a copy to a trusted family member in case you ever need it for insurance claims).
Check with your attorney about your will if moving to a new state.
Make necessary address changes: post office, charge accounts, subscriptions (at least 4 weeks ahead), relatives & friends, national & alumni organizations, church, mail-order clubs, past employers (in order to receive your W-2 forms).
