Getting ready to move? Use these helpful tips to stay on track during your upcoming relocation. Before you know it, you will be putting out the welcome mat and making yourself at home!
Before the move:
Get organized
Start a "move file" to keep track of estimates, receipts, and other information. You may be able to deduct your move and lower your taxes, so check with the IRS to see what expenses can be deducted on your next tax return.
Research your new community
The local Chamber of Commerce is a great place to find information about your new home.
Stay Healthy
Gather medical and dental records - including prescriptions and shot records. Ask your existing doctors if they can refer you to care providers in your new city.
Prepare your children
Arrange to have school records transferred to your children's new school district and/or daycare. Involve your children in the moving process, from picking out the new home to packing their toys. Relocating can be a "scary" adventure, so make sure you talk to your family about the move. Visit about the new community and discuss how to make new friends.
Budget for moving expenses
Depending on how far away you are moving, you may want to look at relocation months ahead of time to prepare. Moving services can be costly, and with the purchase of a new home, it is best to be prepared. When you reserve your moving services, make sure to get a quote so you know how much to budget.
Tie up loose ends
- Contact utility companies to disconnect, transfer or connect services. Plan to keep current services through your move date and having new ones available prior to your move-in date.
- Pick up dry cleaning or items out for repair.
- Cancel or transfer to the new address: magazine or other subscriptions.
- Call your insurance agent to see what changes to expect in your policies. Ask if moving is covered and arrange for insurance for your new home.
- Contact health clubs or other organizations to which you belong. Ask how you can end or transfer your membership.
- Contact your bank and/or credit union to transfer or close accounts. Clear out safety deposit boxes. Pick up traveler's checks or cash for "on the road" expenses.
Keep in touch
File a change of address. If you don't know what your new address will be, set up a temporary forward to a friend or family member. Make a list of friends, relatives and businesses that will need to know of your move and send your new address to them as soon as possible. Postal forwarding time is limited.
Take inventory
Decide what items need to go before your move and plan a yard sale or contact your local charities. If you donate, be sure to get a receipt for income tax purposes.
Make a list of things that are valuable or difficult to replace. Ship these items separately or carry them with you.
Clean house
- Start collecting boxes and other packing supplies at least a month before your move.
- Use up things that cannot be moved, such as frozen foods, bleach, and aerosol cleaners.
- Dispose of flammables, corrosives, and poisons.
- Drain all gas and oil from your mower and other motors. Gas grills, kerosene heaters, etc. must be emptied as well.
- Empty and clean your refrigerator before moving day.
Reserve your moving truck
Do this at least a few weeks before your move. If you need a ramp or other loading equipment, make reservations with a local equipment-rental yard.
Be prepared
As moving day gets closer, finish packing and prepare a box with the essentials. Keep these items handy, preferably in your automobile. Do not forget to include extra clothing, toiletries, and snacks for the kids. Other things to consider are:
- Coffee cups, paper plates, paper towels
- Plastic forks, spoons, knives
- Dish soap, trash bags, towels
- Notepad, pen, your "move file"
- Phones, other devices, chargers
- Utility knife, can opener
- Toilet paper, prescriptions, aspirin, or other pain relievers
- Flashlight, tool kit in vehicle
- Toys for the kids
Finish up
Before leaving your old home, check every room, closet, and cabinet one last time. Make sure everything is loaded. Leave a note with your new address in the house so future occupants can forward any stray mail.
After the move:
Get connected
Check to see if your mail is making it to your new address or pick up any mail being held.
Fill out the paperwork
Get a new driver's license and new tags for your automobile. And don't forget to register to vote.
