When relocating, get organized! Our Relocation Checklist presents a clear timetable and outlines your next tasks at each step.

One Month Before Moving ? Pick up a Change-of-Address Kit from the Post Office and fill out: Friends and family, Banks, Insurance companies, Credit card companies, Magazines and newspapers - cancel local newspaper delivery, Doctors, Dentists and other providers - transfer drug prescriptions, Past employer - for W2 forms and I'm sure you can think of others.

Take a look around the house. Start to think about what you don't want to take with you. Use up perishable foods. Sell, donate or hold a garage sale for unwanted items.

  Prepare a list of what you want to move

1. Large appliances? 
2. Outside furniture?

For full service moves: Get written estimates from several moving companies. Get appraisals of high-value items in case of future claims.

1. Will the mover pack for you? 
2. What items won't they move?

For do-it-yourself moves: Make arrangements for truck rental and moving help, and buy packing supplies - Boxes, packing, masking tape, markers, newspapers, and twine.

Start packing boxes. Mark boxes clearly as to contents and room to be placed in. Mark "Open First" clearly on boxes containing important items to be packed first: dishes, pots and pans, alarm clock, bedding, special toys, towels, lightbulbs, tools - hammer, pliers, screwdrivers, wrench, and others.

Contact your child's new school and notify them of your upcoming move to the area.

Contact the Chamber of Commerce in your new town. Request a relocation package.

Check and clear any tax assessments on your current property.

Complete any necessary repairs. Arrange for any repairs in your new house.

Two Weeks Before Moving 

Stop by and make arrangements for picking up your important records: Birth, Doctor, Dentist, Legal, Optician, etc.

Close out your bank accounts: Checking, Savings, Safe Deposit Box

Start a new bank account in your new town. Transfer account from current bank.

Pack your vital documents in one place: Passports, Military records, Mortgage records, Marriage license, Birth certificates, Vehicle titles, Stock certificates, Insurance papers, Bank records, School records, Medical records, Tax records.

Make arrangements to disconnect your utilities. Get refunds for any deposits made. Have meters read. Give new address for them to send their final bill: Cable, Electric, Gas, Fuel, Telephone, Water.

Make arrangements to connect your utilities at your new residence.

Make arrangements for cleaning both your old home and new home.

Inquire about your new state's auto licensing procedure and auto insurance rates.

Check with your insurance company about transferring coverage to your new home.

Arrange to have a sitter watch your children at their house on moving day.

One Week Before Moving 

Dispose or drain any flammable items: Lawn mower gas, Snow blower, Gas cans, Paint, Aerosol cans.

Plan what goes in the car with you: 

• Toys and games for kids
• Special breakable items or collections
• Important documents and records
• Change of clothes
• Toiletries for your first day.

Make travel arrangements for your pets and plants.

Purchase moving insurance if you have valuable antiques and collections.

Have your car tuned up.

The Day Before Moving 

Defrost, clean and air out your refrigerator. Clean your stove.

Make sure you have payment ready for the mover - they may not unpack without a check. Check your moving company's payment policies.

Purchase traveler's checks for other possible expenses.

Pack your former town's phone book for future correspondence.

Get a simple breakfast ready for the next morning.

Pick up ice and beverages for moving day.

Get a good night's sleep!

Moving Day! 

Strip your beds. Moving company - will they disassemble?

Show your movers around. Make sure your possessions to be moved are inventoried with them. Write "subject to further inspection for concealed loss or damage" on contract when you sign to protect yourself should you find further damage while unpacking.

Get all keys together and put in a safe spot.

Make sure moving van driver has correct address, phone number and directions to new location. Confirm delivery date with him.

Check all rooms one last time. Remember closets and cupboards, basement and garage!

Make sure all windows and doors are locked.

Good luck!

Remember - many of your moving expenses are tax deductible, so hang on to your receipts. Call the Internal Revenue Service and request Publication 521: "Tax Information On Moving Expenses" to find out which moving expenses you can deduct.