Moving Tips and Resources :

Moving from one house to another can be a challenge but does not have to be stressful. Here is a helpful checklist to help minimize the stress and strain.

Moving Checklist

6 Weeks Before

• If you are having a moving sale, plan the date, time, etc.
• Start a receipt envelope for all your moving expenses. If necessary, at tax time you will have a record of moving deductions.
• Gather auto licensing and registration documents, school records, birth certificates, wills, deeds, stock and other financial documentation, etc
• Obtain your medical and dental records and ask your physicians for referrals.
• Arrange for school transcripts to be sent to the new school.
• Have W-2's and other tax forms forwarded.
• Send your change of address card to the Post Office.
• There is also a form via the Internet. The address is: www.usps.com/moversnet/coa.html Fill out the form, print and mail to the post office.
• Obtain estimates, in writing, from truck rental companies or moving companies and determine your town's parking rules (for the movers).
• Begin the off-site storage process (if applicable).

5 Weeks Before

• Obtain items necessary for packing: boxes, packing materials, heavy-duty tape, scissors, felt markers
• If you are having a moving sale, begin cleaning and pricing items.
• Ask your insurance agent to make sure your possessions are covered during the move to your new home.
• Transfer or obtain insurance for your new home.

4 Weeks Before

• Start Packing.
• Register children in their new school.
• If you're having a sale, continue cleaning and pricing items. Place your ad.
• Make sure your change of address cards are in the mail (see checklist).
• Contact gas, electric, oil, water, telephone, cable TV, newspaper and trash collection companies for service disconnect/connect at your old and new addresses. Also, ask for final readings.
• Check your service contracts for your furnace, exterminator, gardener, etc.
• Check your warranties for your appliances, roof, etc. These usually can be transferred at no charge.
• Be sure your AON Home Warranty is in place.

3 Weeks Before

• Hold your moving sale.
• Select a new bank if you are moving out of the area.
• Take pets to the veterinarian and get copies of their records.
• Reduce the stress of moving on you pet, log on to www.usps.com/moversnet/pets2.html for some suggestions from the experts.

2 Weeks Before

• Make arrangements with your neighbors or a charitable organization for your perishable foods and houseplants.
• For cold weather moves, winterize your property such as swimming pools and sprinkler systems.
• Return Library books.

1 Week Before

• Get a bank or certified check for the mover.
• Close your checking and savings accounts. Have funds transferred to your new bank.
• Close your safety deposit box.
• Pick up dry cleaning.
• Finish packing, leaving only the absolute necessities to be packed on moving day.
• Give mover specific directions to your new home and prepare a sketch of your new floor plan to help your movers place the boxes and furniture in the right rooms.
• Check your prescriptions to make sure you have enough to get you though your move.
• Return leased items such as cable boxes.
• Return EZ Pass (if applicable).

Moving Day

• Get trash and recycling pick-up schedule for new home.
• Go through closets, basement, garage, etc., to make sure nothing is left behind.
• Don't leave home until the moving truck is completely loaded and on its way.
• Record all utility meter readings (gas, electric, and water).
• Leave house keys, and garage door opener, with your real estate sales associate or the new owners.