Checklist for a Move

Obtain a change of address form from the post office or visit 
USPS Movers Guide  


Notify Entities of Your Address Change:
Banks
Credit card companies
DMV - Drivers license
Doctors, dentists, service providers - transfer drug prescriptions
Employer - make sure year-end W2 goes to the correct address!
Insurance companies - auto, life, renters, etc.
Magazines and newspapers - cancel newspaper delivery
Other

What Needs to be Moved:
Appliances
Clothes
Dishes
Fragile items
Furniture
Plants
Specialty items (Fish tanks, Pianos, Weights, etc.)
	
Using Professional Movers:
Get written estimates from several moving companies
Ensure movers are bonded and insured
Any special charges for large items, breakables, floors, distance, etc.
What items won't the movers move
Get appraisals of valuable items in case of future claims
Is additional insurance warranted for valuable/fragile items
Take pictures of electronics/valuables for before-after comparisson if needed
	
Do-it-Yourself Moves:
Get quotes from multiple truck rental companies
Boxes
Markers
Newspapers
Tape
Twine/Rope
Willing victims/friends that can be bought with Pizza and beer :-)
	
How to Pack:
Mark boxes clearly as to contents and room 
Mark boxes of total, i.e. 1 of x, 2 of x, etc.
Mark important boxes with "Open First" 
Limit boxes to 50 lbs. if using professional movers to avoid additional charges
	
Distance Moves - Obtain Important Records:
Birth
Dentist
Doctor
Legal
Optician, optometrist
School
Veterinarian

Open a new bank account or transfer from another branch if possible.	
Contact your child's new school and notify them of your upcoming move to their area.
Contact the Chamber of Commerce in your new town.  Request a relocation package.

Pack Your Vital Records in One Place:
Bank records
Birth certificates
Insurance papers
Marriage license
Medical records
Military records
Mortgage records
Passports
School records
Stock certificates
Tax records
Vehicle titles
	
Arrange for Termination/Hookup of Old/New Utilities.
Cable
Electric
Gas
Internet
Telephone
Water

Get Deposits Back.  Provide them with your new address for final bill purposes.
	
What Goes in the Car with You:
Change of clothes and toiletries for your first day
First aid kit
Food & drinks
Important documents and records
Special breakable items or collections
Toilet paper
Vacuum cleaner - if you want to clean right away

Preparing for "Move Day":
Defrost, clean and air out your refrigerator
Clean your stove
Retain a method to pay movers
Pack your former town's phone book for future correspondence
Pick up ice and beverages for moving day
Don't forget to take customer curtains/rods
Strip your beds
Get all keys together. Put in a safe spot
Check all rooms one last time.
 
After Your Move
Check smoke alarms and fire extinguishers
Inquire about installing a new door lock/dead-bolt 



Remember to Report Your Lease to FindMeAPad.com to be eligible for a FREE Move or a
Cash Rebate up to $500!