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ONE MONTH BEFORE MOVING
1. Fill out change of address order form for post office.
2. Fill out an IRS change
of address form.
3. Make arrangements with moving company or reserve a rental truck.
4. Make travel arrangements,
if necessary, with airlines, buses, car rental agencies and hotels.
5. Transfer memberships in churches, clubs and civic
organizations.
6. Obtain medical and dental records, x-rays and prescription histories. Ask doctor and dentist for referrals
and transfer prescriptions.
7. Set up a checking account in your new city.
8. Check into the laws and requirements
of your new city regarding home-based businesses, professional tests, business licenses and any special laws that might be
applicable to you.
9. Take inventory of your belongings before they're packed, in the event you need to file an insurance
claim later. If possible, take pictures or video tape your belongings.
10. Record serial numbers of electronic equipment.
11. Make arrangements for transporting pets.
12. Start using up food items, so that there is less left to pack and
possibly spoil.
ONE TO TWO WEEKS BEFORE MOVING
1. Switch utility services to new address. Inform electric,
disposal, water, newspaper, magazine subscription, telephone and cable companies of your move.
2. Arrange for help on
moving day.
3. Confirm travel reservations.
4. Reserve elevator if moving from an apartment.
5. Have appliances
serviced for moving.
6. Clean rugs and clothing and have them wrapped for moving.
7. Plan ahead for special needs
of infants.
8. Close bank accounts and have your funds wired to your new bank. Before closing, be sure there are no outstanding
checks or automatic payments that haven't been processed.
9. Collect valuables from safe-deposit box. Make copies of
any important documents before mailing or hand carry them to your new address.
10. Check with your insurance agent to
ensure you'll be covered through your homeowner's or renter's policy during the move.
11. Defrost freezer and refrigerator.
Place deodorizer inside to control odors.
12. Give a close friend or relative your travel route and schedule so you may
be reached if needed.
ON MOVING DAY
1. Double check closets, drawers, shelves, attic and garage to be sure
they are empty.
2. Carry important documents, currency and jewelry yourself, or use registered mail.
3. Carry travelers
checks for quick, available funds.
AFTER ARRIVING AT NEW HOME
1. Renew your driver's license, auto registration
and tags.
2. Shop around for new insurance policies, especially auto coverage.
3. Revise your will and other legal
papers to avoid longer probate and higher legal fees.
4. Locate the hospitals, police stations, veterinarian and fire
stations near your home.
ABOUT MOVING COMPANIES
Consumer complaints against moving companies have been
rising. Following are some tips that can help your move go smoothly.
1. Get a binding estimate from the moving company.
Make sure the amount is written in the contract.
2. Inquire about their on-time record and other complaints with the
local Better Business Bureau or consumer complaints department.
3. Movers are limited by law regarding what they can
give you for lost or damaged goods. To cover potential damage, check existing homeowner's or renter's policy.
4. Ask
about expected gratuities and write into contract.
5. Have the contract include a guarantee of how many hours the job
will take, allowing an overrun of no more than 10%.
6. Be sure all charges are listed on contract.
7. Inform the
moving company of how many stairs are at your new home.
8. Watch loading and unloading and examine all items
carefully
before signing a receipt.
9.Document an inventory of your belongings before you pack.
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