Before You Move

Change Your Address

• Post office
• DMV
• Subscriptions and catalogs
• Credit card accounts
• Friends and relatives
• Your employer

Arrange the help of a Moving Service or Truck Rental Early

• Begin 4-6 weeks before moving day
• Consider moving mid-month to take advantage of movers' slower times
• Talk to different movers and compare their services
• Verify the mover you select with the Better Business Bureau
• Check to see if you need any moving permits

Lighten Your Load

• Gather items to donate, recycle, or toss
• Donate quality items to a local charity
• Hold a garage sale
• Dispose of items you can not move such as flammable liquids, motor oil, paint, solvents and antifreeze

Do Your Banking

• Transfer bank funds and arrange check cashing at your new location
• Obtain your cashier's check for closing your real estate transaction
• Arrange credit references

Notify Your Insurance Company of Your New Location for Coverage

• Health
• Auto
• Fire

Transfer Utility Services to Your New Location

• Gas
• Electric
• Water
• Garbage
• Telephone
• Cable or Satellite Television

Stop or Change Delivery Services

• Newspaper
• Laundry
• Milk

Transfer Medical Records

• Prescriptions
• Eye Glasses
• X-rays

Check on Pet Regulations at Your New Location

• Licenses
• Vaccinations
• Tags

Don't Forget To:

• Empty freezer and plan to eat perishables
• Defrost freezer and clean refrigerator
• Get appliances serviced in preparation for the move
• Check with your moving company about insurance coverage, packing and unpacking, labor, arrival day, various shipping papers, method and time of expected payment
• Plan for childcare and pet care during your move
• Arrange special transportation for plants

On Moving Day

• Carry enough cash or traveler's checks to cover the cost of moving services and expenses
• Carry jewelry and important documents with you to ensure their safe arrival at your new home
• Carry a supply of prescription medications and other necessities
• Double-check closets, drawers, cabinets and shelves to be sure they are empty
• Thoroughly clean your old residence
• Leave keys and garage door openers for the new tenant with your Realtor

At Your New Address

• Check to make sure utility services are working and check pilot light on stove, hot water heater, incinerator, and furnace
• Inspect appliances
• Within five days of your arrival in a new state, register you car
• Apply for a new state driver's license if your move is out of state, or apply to have your address changed on your driver's license
• Register to vote at your new location
• Register your children in school
• Arrange for medical and dental services at your new location
• Learn about your new neighborhood and meet the neighbors