I'm moving. What do I need to do? Here is the checklist to print
out and use as a reminder to help reduce the stress of the move:
8
weeks before moving day:
1.
Create a "moving file" for all important documents and moving related
expenses and tasks. Keep this file in a safe place (don't pack it,
either).
2.
Contract with a mover or arrange for friends to help on moving day.
3.
Sort through all the stuff in your attic, basement, shed, garage, etc., and
throw away the clutter. Do this now, you'll thank yourself later.
4.
If you are moving to a new city, contact the chamber of commerce or visitor's
bureau for information about key services in your new area.
6
weeks before moving day:
1.
If you are being relocated by your employer, check your relocation policy to
verify the exact expenses they will pay for and your remaining responsibilities.
2.
Contact the IRS and/or your accountant for information on tax-deductible moving
expenses. Create an expense file for these documents.
3.
Contact your list of services (schools, doctors, dentists, lawyers, and
accountants, etc.), and obtain copies of your records. While on the
phone or in letter, be sure to ask for any referrals in your new town.
4.
Make a list (rolodex) of everyone to notify regarding your move: family,
friends, professionals, creditors, subscriptions, etc.
5.
Subscribe to the local paper in your new city if you wish to receive the
paper. Personally, I found canceling my newspaper subscription to be a
rather freeing experience. Perhaps, this may be your chance to reduce your
reading flow.
6.
Locate your registration and auto licensing documents, and keep in your moving
file.
7.
If you will require storage, contact a storage facility close to your new home.
4
weeks before moving day:
1.
Obtain a change-of-address kit from the post office, fill it out and return it -
it doesn't go into effect until the date you specify. Make arrangements to
close your postal box (if applicable).
2.
Contact utility companies (cable TV, DSL, electric, garbage/waste, gas,
telephone, etc.) to arrange to disconnect service at your old address and
connect it at your new one. Make sure phone and utilities are connected
and working at both your current and new homes on moving day (you'll be glad you
did).
3.
If your move requires a change in your auto, homeowner's, medical, or life
insurance policies, call to make changes.
4.
If you are packing yourself, purchase packing boxes.
5.
Pack any items that you won't be needing in the next month.
6.
Plan a garage sale to sell unneeded items or arrange to donate to charity.
7.
If you are moving out of state, make travel arrangements and reservations for
your trip. But don't make plane reservations for the same day that you
close escrow. House closings may be delayed, and other unexpected situations
often arise that could delay your departure unexpectedly. Make sure to
have a plan B in case reservations get confused or disrupted.
2
weeks before moving day:
1.
Close accounts at your local bank and open accounts in your new city.
2.
Service your vehicle, especially if moving out of state and traveling by auto.
3.
If you are moving into or out of a building with elevators, contact building
management to schedule use of the elevators.
1
week before moving day:
1.
Settle any outstanding bills with local merchants.
2.
Withdraw the contents of your safety deposit box.
3.
Pick up dry cleaning.
4.
Return anything you've borrowed or rented (books, videotapes, etc.)
3.
Take pets to the veterinarian for any needed immunizations. Get copies of
your pet's veterinary records.
4.
Drain gas and oil from power equipment (lawn mowers, snow blowers, etc.).
5.
Give away plants you don't plan to move.
6.
Prepare directions to your new home for your moving company and/or friends who
will help you move. Include ways to contact you by phone.
2
- 3 days before moving day:
1.
Defrost your freezer and refrigerator. Put a half a cup of fresh ground
coffee or baking soda in a nylon stocking and place it inside to keep it
smelling fresh. Make sure to block the doors so they can't accidentally
close on pets or children.
2.
Disconnect and clean any other major appliances that will be move with you.
3.
Unplug all television sets and computers so they will be at room temperature on
moving day (this helps avoid internal damage to your television).
4.
Pack a box of personal items that will be needed immediately at your new home
(i.e., medications, clothing, toilet paper, paper towels, bottled water, soap,
other toiletries). Carry this box in your car or carry it on if you are flying.
5.
If you are using a moving company, set aside anything else that you will take
with you so that it won't get loaded on the moving truck/van by mistake.
6.
Contact your moving company and/or friends to confirm their arrival time on
moving day.
MOVING
DAY:
1.
Record all utility meter readings (gas, electric, water) to compare to final
bills. This will protect you in case you are over-billed.
2.
If you are using a moving company, make sure someone is at home to answer the
van foreman's questions. Read your bill of lading and inventory carefully
before you sign them. Keep these (and all related papers) in your moving
file until all charges have been paid and all claims, if any, have been settled.
3.
Remember to keep a fun, yet serious attitude. People who help move
appreciate it when everyone is involved the whole time.
4.
For women, remember to protect your hands with lotion/gloves, especially if you
are concerned about your nails.
5.
Remember not to rush, to take time moving heavy objects. Strained backs
and smashed fingers can hurt for days after the move if someone is
hurt.
6.
Buy food, such as pizza and beer/sodas/water, for your moving team. Be
sure to account for non-drinkers/vegetarians. Buying food is a customary
gesture that let's your friends know you appreciate their efforts. When you have hired
help, offer water and soft drinks.
1
week after moving day:
1.
Write a thank you letter to everyone who helped you move. Moving is hard
work, and they may be willing to help again if you show your appreciation.
If your friends ask you to help them move after they have helped you, help
them out. One of the most true signs of friendship is helping our friends
move.
Other
resources on the Net to help you with your move include:
http://www.upack.com/resource.asp
http://www.yellowtruck.com/resources/checklist.asp?nav=
http://www.erols.com/jlathrop/htwh.html
http://www.ditell.com/~tmackowi/
http://www.movingincanada.com/General/movingtips.htm
And
remember to smile and breath deeply - these two actions will help you keep your
stress down. Best of success to you with your move!
Parts
of this article were compiled from a variety of sources, including Homecomings
Financial, Ryder, and other professional recommendations.
