Timetable
One
Month Before the Move
- Hire
a moving company.
- Inventory
and evaluate your possessions. This is an excellent time to get rid
of clutter.
- Contact
doctors, dentists, lawyers and accountants and obtain copies of your
personal records. Also, ask for referrals to replace these people in
your new city.
- Get
a change-of-address kit from the post office and send notices to
everyone. Don't forget to fill out a card for everyone in the
household who receives mail.
- Pets
and plants need special care. Arrange transportation. Bring pets to
the vet for rabies shots and health certificates if needed.
- Notify
the principal of your children's schools and arrange for transfer of
school records.
- Contact
the gas, electric, oil, water, telephone, cable TV, newspaper and
trash companies for service disconnect/connect at your old and new
addresses. Remember to keep phone and utilities connected at your
current home throughout moving day.
- Arrange
for insurance coverage in your new location: auto, homeowner's,
medical and life.
- Plan
a garage sale to sell unneeded stuff or arrange to donate them to
charity. Get receipts for possible tax deductions.
Three
Weeks and Counting
- Make
travel arrangements.
- Collect
important papers (insurance, will, deeds, passport, stock
certificates, birth records, etc.
- Open
bank accounts in your new city.
- Arrange
to transfer your insurance on household goods and personal
possessions so they will be covered at your new home and enroute.
One
Week Left
- Have
your cars serviced.
- Arrange
for sufficient cash or travelers checks to cover cost of moving and
expenses. Cash or certified check is required by the moving company.
They will not unpack the van without it.
- Check
your safe deposit box, pick up any dry-cleaning, return library
books and rented video tapes, etc.
Two
Days to Go
- Defrost
freezer and refrigerator. Block doors open so they can't
accidentally close on pets or children.
- Disconnect
your major appliances and prepare them for the move.
- Pack
a box of personal items needed immediately at your new home. Bring
this with you if possible.
- Organize
and set aside those things you are bringing with you so they don't
get loaded on the van by accident.
Moving
Day
- Supervise
the loading. Read your bill of lading and inventory carefully before
you sign them. Keep these and all related papers in a safe place
until all charges have been paid and all claims, if any, have been
settled.
- Leave
house keys with your real estate agent.
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