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Moving Checklist

Whether you're headed downtown, upstate or across the country, keeping organized is the key to a successful move. Use this checklist to make sure you've covered all the bases.

Let Everyone Know You're Moving:

• Send change of address information to your current post office. Visit the U.S. Postal Service website and handle everything online!
• Notify charge accounts, credit card companies, friends & relatives and magazine subscriptions.
• Bank: If moving out of town, transfer funds if necessary and arrange for check cashing in your new city.
• Insurance: Notify new location for coverage (life, health, fire, auto, homeowner's).
• Automobile: Transfer car title, registration, tags, driver's license, state windshield sticker and motor club membership, if necessary.
• Utilities: Notify gas and electric companies, cable TV, internet, water, trash and telephone service providers. Arrange for a final meter reading, change of name for billing, and set up immediate service at your new address. Don't forget to ask for a refund on any deposits made!
• Healthcare providers: Ask about drug and contact lens or eyeglass prescriptions to be transferred and discuss doctor and pharmacist recommendations in your new city.
• Deliveries: Cancel laundry service, newspaper and milk.

A Fresh Start!

• Plan a garage sale--it really helps to pare down before packing up.
• Plan meals around food you currently have so you can empty your fridge and freezer without excess waste.
• Defrost freezer-refrigerator. Place charcoal filters inside to reduce odor.
• Have appliances serviced for moving.
• Clean clothing before it gets packed.
• Clean rugs; have them "moving-wrapped."

Take it With You!

• Bring any necessary medications for you and your family.
• You may want to transport your own family medical records. Carry currency, jewelry, and important documents yourself or use registered mail.
• Definitely carry traveler's checks for security and quick available funds.

Kid's Stuff

• Ask school for copies or transfer of children's records.
• Plan for special care needs of infants or children with health conditions.
• Get the kids involved in the move as much as you can: let them help with a garage sale, pack special belongings and label boxes.

Pets

• Remember to transfer your pet's veterinary records and ask your current vet for a recommendation in your new city.
• Have a plan for transporting pets. If they can't travel with you, make sure you can be located if they become lost.

Final Details

• Check with your moving company about insurance coverage, packing and unpacking labor, arrival day, various shipping papers, method and time of expected payment.
• Tell close friends or relatives your travel route and schedule (including overnight stops). Use them as "message headquarters."
• If traveling by car, have your mechanic check everything out first. Take the climate of your new city into consideration when it comes to snow tires, coolant, etc.
• Double check closets, drawers, and shelves to be sure they are empty.
• Arrange to leave keys with new tenant, owner or agent.