Moving Tips
We find that organizing moving tasks into a timetable is a very efficient way to plan for moving, whether you’re relocating to a cheap apartment of a luxury condo. Here is a good approach.
6 Weeks Before the Move:
Start deciding what you’ll take with you and what to dispose of. Consider donating things you don’t need to a charity or conducting a garage sale. Many charities will pick up your items from you, but be flexible about when this happens. It’s a good idea to allow two weeks before your moving date. If you opt for a garage sale, advertise it on Craigslist or in a local newspaper. Consider working with your neighbors to create a sale. You’ll be likelier to get more buyers.
If you’re going to do some or all of the packing yourself, begin gathering your supplies. You can get some of these from
your moving company, but their prices may be higher than at other local merchants, so shop around. See if your family
or friends have supplies--especially boxes and cushioning material--that you can borrow. But take care that the boxes
you get are sturdy enough. If you’re using a moving company, they may insist on boxes of uniform sizes, which facilitate
loading of trucks.
Begin getting familiar with your new community. You can often get information on shopping, schools, community
services, and similar topics from the local Chamber of Commerce.
Make your travel arrangements. Be flexible about timing to account for schedule changes or delays.
Start a folder in which you store receipts for your moving related expenses.
Get an IRS Change of Address form (# 8822), by calling (800) 829-1040 or download an electronic version at
www.irs.gov. Also obtain Form 3903, which helps you calculate deductible moving expenses.
Work with your insurance agent(s) to transfer medical, property, fire and auto insurance.
Put your insurance, medical and dental records in a safe place, and plan on keeping these with you on moving day.
4 Weeks Before the Move:
File your Change of Address Form with the Postal Office.
Provide your new address to:
• Friends and Family • Utilities • Telephone Company • Water Company • Cable • Trash Company • Electricity Provider • Banks and Financial Institutions • Internet Provider • Insurance Companies • Creditors • Health Providers • Schools • Magazine, newspaper and other publishers • Auto Club • Church
If you’re splitting the move tasks between yourself and a moving company, begin identifying which items you’ll take
yourself. Create lists of what items you will not transport yourself.
3 Weeks Before the Move:
Confirm the date of your move with your moving company. Talk to them about anything that may have changed since
you first planned your shipment.
If you’re going to have a transport service deliver you car to your new location, make those arrangements.
Arrange transportation for your pets. It’s a good idea to take them to your veterinarian to current vaccinations and health
certificates.
2 Weeks Before the Move:
Gather items you may have out of your home for service, such as dry cleaning, shoes, jewelry, small appliances.
Arrange to transfer your prescriptions to a pharmacy near your new location. Do the same for bank accounts. Collect
items from safe deposit boxes.
Take hazardous waste items to your local collection facility.
If you’ll need storage in your new town, begin making arrangements for it.
Schedule disconnection of utilities including gas, electric, phone and cable TV/Internet. Sign up for the new services
you’ll need at your new place.
Get your vehicle service if you’ll be driving to your new location.
1 Week Before the Move:
Clearly mark the items you'll take yourself, so the movers won't be confused.
Pack all clothing you won’t need in the coming week or during the move.
1 Day Before the Move:
Disconnect and pack your computer. Consider making backups of your critical data. You can use online services, such
as Mozy, to ensure it’s safe from harm as you travel.
Collect things you'll need the first hours that you’re in your new place: plates, cups, utensils; snacks; cleaning supplies;
trash bags; tools. Put these items in a box that gets packed last so you’ll be able to get to it quickly.
Defrost your refrigerator.
Charge your cell phone.
The day of your move:
Greet the movers when they arrive. Make sure they have your cell phone number.
Work with them on the inventory of your items to be moved. Monitor the condition of your things as they’re loaded.
Perform a final walk-through of your home to ensure nothing is forgotten.
Sign your moving company’s bill of lading and confirm your new address is correct.
Turn off all switches, and lock all windows and doors. Deliver keys as appropriate.
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