Checklist for Moving

Before You Leave

Address Change
  • Post Office: Give forwarding address.
  • Charge Accounts, Credit Cards.
  • Subscriptions: Notice requires several weeks.
  • Friends and Relatives.
Bank
  • Transfer funds, arrange check-cashing in new city.
  • Arrange credit references.
Insurance
  • Notify company of new location for coverages: Life, Health, Fire and Auto.
Utility Companies
  • Gas, light, water, telephone, fuel, garbage.
  • Get refunds on any deposits made.
Delivery Service
  • Laundry, newspaper, changeover of services.
Medical, Dental, Prescription Histories
  • Ask Doctor and Dentist for referrals; transfer needed prescriptions, eyeglasses, X-rays. Obtain birth records, medical records, etc.
Pets
  • Ask about regulations for licenses, vaccinations, tags, etc.
Don’t forget to:
  • Empty freezer; plan use of foods.
  • Defrost freezer and clean refrigerator. Place charcoal inside to dispel odors.
  • Have appliances serviced for moving.
  • Clean rugs or clothing before moving; have them moving-wrapped.
  • Remember arrangements for TV and antenna.
  • Check with your Moving Counselor; insurance coverage, packing and unpacking labor, arrival day, various shipping papers, method and time of expected payment.
  • Plan for special care needs of infants or pets.
On Moving Day
  • Carry enough cash or travelers checks to cover cost of moving services and expenses until you make banking connections in your new city.
  • Carry jewelry and documents yourself; or use registered mail.
  • Plan for transporting pets; they are poor traveling companions, if unhappy.
  • Carry travelers checks for quick, available funds.
  • Let close friend or relative know route and schedule you will travel including overnight stops; use him or her as message headquarters.
  • Double check closets, drawers, shelves to be sure they are empty.
  • Leave all old keys needed by new tenant or owner with Realtor® or neighbor.
And at Your New Address
  • Obtain certified check or cashiers check necessary for closing Real Estate Transaction.
  • Check on service of telephone, gas, electricity, water and garbage.
  • Check pilot light on stove, hot water heater, and furnace.
  • Have appliances checked.
  • Ask Mail Carrier for mail he or she may be holding for your arrival.
  • Have new address recorded on driver’s license.
  • Visit city offices and register for voting.
  • Register car within five days after arrival in state or a penalty may have to be paid when getting new license plates.
  • Obtain inspection sticker and transfer motor club membership.
  • Apply for state driver’s license.
  • Register family in your new place of worship.
  • Register children in school.
  • Arrange for medical services: Doctor, Dentist, Veterinarian, etc.