Many people don’t know were to start when it is time to move several years of “stuff.” Moving your belongings to your new home is not the only thing that needs to be taken care of. Make sure you don’t forget about:
DON’T FORGET
- Schedule disconnection of all utility services at your old home, and connection of them at your new one. Be sure to disconnect the day after you leave and connect the day before you arrive. If you have “last month” deposits with services, such as the water or gas company, request your refund.
- Notify any creditors of your move. (credit cards, cell phones, auto loans/leases, insurance, newspaper and magazine subscriptions, auto registration, etc. Make sure they are aware of your new address
- Contact health clubs or other organization you have joined. Ask how to move, sell, or end our membership.
- Arrange to have school records transferred to your children’s new school district and/or daycare.
- File for a new drivers license with your new address
- Change banking information and order new checks.
- Order a copy of medical, dental and immunization records including prescription medications. Ask your doctor to transfer your records and prescriptions to your new doctor and pharmacy in advance.
- Don’t forget about your pets. Arrange for your veterinarian to transfer the records to your new location.
- Make sure all library books have been returned and all dry cleaning or items out for repair have been picked up. Also retrieve any items out on loan.
- File a change of address with the Postal Service.
- Notify friends and family of your new address and phone number
A few simple things you should remember when packing your belongings. Having things in order will help relieve some of your stress and make the move go smoothly.
GET PREPAIRED
- Stock up on packing supplies. Moving boxes, bubble wrap, newspapers, packing foam, packing tape, plastic totes – anything and everything you can gather (ahead of time) will help when it’s time to begin packing.
- De-clutter and purge unwanted items. Sale, donate or trash unwanted and unused items. The more you eliminate the lighter your load will be saving you packing time, loading time and money.
- Pack unused and seasonal items early. Packing items that you will not miss before the move will save you time later.
- Mark all moving containers with the contents and location in your new home. You can lose a lot of time digging into boxes to figure out what they contain, and where they go in your new home.
- Wether you are using a moving company or moving yourself, keep all valuable together. Try to separate valuable and/or irreplaceable items like important paperwork/documents, jewelry, family heirlooms, keepsakes, photos or any other important items. Keep a special eye on this box and make sure it is put in a safe place at all times.
DAY OF THE MOVE
- Make childcare arrangements for moving day.
- Make arrangements for your pets on the day of the move.
- Have an essentials box. Plan one box to be loaded last and unloaded first that will contain items that might be needed as soon as you get to your new home.
- Leave a note with your new address in the house so that future residents can forward any stray mail.
AT YOUR NEW HOME
- Make childcare arrangements for moving day.
- Contact the Chamber of Commerce to request their new resident packet.
- Register to vote
- Make arrangements for your pets on the day of the move.
- Have an essentials box. Plan one box to be loaded last and unloaded first that will contain items that might be needed as soon as you get to your new home.
- Plan your meals ahead of time for moving day.
ONE LAST TIP:
COUNT ON CROSS 