Preparing to Move

Moving to a new home can be a very daunting task. There are many things that must be done to ensure that your move is as smooth as possible. Some things, if forgotten, can cause quite a headache so having a checklist is a good way to make sure you don't miss anything important. Here is a list of items related to moving that can serve as a guide or checklist as you plan and prepare for your move. If you have anything to add to this checklist, please feel free to contact us using the link at the bottom of the checklist.

• Create a move file for important information and expense receipts related to your move.
• Contact the local chamber of commerce or visitors' bureau for your new community. They should be able to give you a phone directory or other information about the community.
• If you will be using your vehicles to move make sure you take care of any maintenance or repairs they might need. Nothing is worse than having a car/truck break down during a move.
• If you have valuable possessions that you are moving make sure they are insured properly in case anything bad happens during the move.
• If you have children, call the school they will be attending for enrollment requirements and schedules.
• Update your auto insurance policy for your new location and any other insurance policies you may have.
• Obtain and fill-out change-of-address forms from your post office.
• Give your new address to friends, family, magazines, banks and other organizations to which you are financially responsible, schools, etc.
• To get rid of old stuff you no longer need, consider planning a garage sale or donate the items to charity.
• Arrange to have school and medical records transferred to the appropriate institutions in your new area.
• Notify your current utilities and other services of disconnect dates. Contact the utilities and services in your new area to let them know when you want service to begin. Be prepared to pay deposits if they are required.
• Properly dispose of flammable materials like gasoline, ammunition, paint, aerosol cans, cleaning fluids, weed killer, etc. as they can be dangerous to move. You don't want your belongings to go up in flame.
• Drain any oil or gas from your mower or other gas-powered equipment.
• Clean your refrigerator and freezer and be sure to leave the doors open to dry all the way. You don't want the melting ice to leak during the move.
• If you are moving a considerable distance and you have children, be sure to plan activities for them while riding in the car or flying in the plane.
• Store any items that you don't want to pack such as suitcases in someplace like an empty closet to be sure that nobody packs them.
• Any medicines or immediate necessities should be stored in an easy-to-access suitcase or box. If you are traveling by air, don't check this bag.

Keep in mind that the items on this checklist are all things that should be taken care of before moving day. Some items should be done well in advance of moving day because they might take some time.