Moving Guide » Moving Checklist

Moving Checklist

Before You Leave:

Address Change

1. Post Office: Give forwarding address
2. Charge Accounts, Credit Cards
3. Subscriptions: Notice required several weeks ahead
4. Friends and Relatives

Bank

1. Transfer funds, arrange check-cashing in new city
2. Arrange credit references

Insurance

1. Notify company of new location for coverages: Life, Health, Fire & Auto

Utility Companies

1. Gas
2. Light
3. Water
4. Telephone
5. Fuel
6. Garbage
7. Get refunds on any deposits made

Delivery Service

1. Laundry
2. Newspaper
3. Changeover of services

Medical, Dental, Prescription Histories

1. Ask doctor and dentist for referrals; transfer needed for prescriptions, eyeglasses, X-rays
2. Obtain birth records, medical records, etc.

Pets

1. Ask about regulations for licenses, vaccinations, tags, etc.

And Don't Forget To:

1. Empty freezer; plan use of foods
2. Defrost freezer and clean refrigerator. Place charcoal inside to dispel odors
3. Have appliances serviced for moving
4. Remember arrangements for TV and antenna
5. Clean rugs or clothing before moving; have them moving-wrapped
6. Check with your Moving Counselor; discuss insurance coverage, packing and unpacking labor, arrival day, various shipping papers, method and time of expected payment
7. Plan for special care needs of infants or pets

And On Moving Day:

1. Carry enough cash or travelers checks to cover cost of moving services and expenses until you make banking connections in your new city
2. Carry jewelry and documents yourself, or use registered mail
3. Plan for transporting pets; they are poor traveling companions, if unhappy
4. Carry travelers checks for quick, available funds
5. Let a close friend or relative know the route and schedule you will travel, including overnight stops; use him or her as message headquarters
6. Double check closets, drawers, and shelves to be sure they are empty
7. Leave all old keys needed by new tenant or owner with realtor or neighbor

And At Your New Address:

1. Obtain certified check or cashiers check necessary for closing real estate transaction
2. Check on service of telephone, gas, electricity, water and garbage
3. Check pilot light on stove, hot water heater and furnace
4. Have appliances checked
5. Ask mail carrier for mail he or she may be holding for your arrival
6. Have new address recorded on driver's license
7. Visit city offices and register for voting
8. Register car within five days after arrival in state or a penalty may have to be paid when getting new license plates
9. Obtain inspection sticker and transfer motor club membership
10. Apply for state driver's license
11. Register family in your new place of worship
12. Register children in school
13. Arrange for medical services: doctor, dentist, veterinarian, etc.