Relocating? > Organize Your Move

Start With A Checklist

Fill out a forwarding address form at the post office 30 days prior to your move. Also be sure to alert family, friends, magazines, credit card companies, schools, and professional service providers of your new address.

Enroll your children in school- ahead of time, if necessary.

Notify your insurance agent of your new address and discuss how your insurance needs may change with your move.

Close current bank accounts if they are not transferable and establish a new account at your new location. Be sure to keep enough cash on hand to tide you over until you are settled in.

Establish cut-off dates for your utilities, and provide these companies with your forwarding address for final bills. Be sure to make arrangements to have the utilities at your new home connected. Request any refunds for deposits you have made.

Discontinue any contracted services such as garbage pick-up, snow removal, and newspaper delivery. If possible, arrange for these services at your new address.

Arrange to have the locks changed on your new home.

Obtain all medical records from doctors, dentists, optometrists, veterinarians, etc. If you have already selected new health care providers, have your records sent directly to them. Be sure to transfer any prescriptions.

Cancel or transfer social, athletic, civic, religious or business affiliations and memberships.

Be sure to collect any items that are out for repair, cleaning, or storage.

Gather important records and plan to move these yourself. Medical records, tax returns, school records and diplomas, legal documents and titles, birth certificates, insurance documents, financial records, stock and bond certificates, family pictures and memorabilia should all be moved carefully and be easily accessible once you reach your destination.

Give your plants away, or try to sell them before moving day. Many states prohibit transporting plants across state borders. If you do choose to move them, put them in plastic bags with air holes, and pack them in boxes. Be sure to water them before you leave.

Be sure to keep careful records and receipts of all your moving expenses. Many moving expenses may be tax deductible.