Tips for
the Moving Process
It’s official: you’ve
signed the papers, dotted all the i’s and crossed the t’s—you
own a new home! You’ve almost reached the end of your journey.
However, now, faced with the daunting task of moving, it may seem as
though the journey has just begun. Moving can be a time-consuming
and stressful experience if you let yourself be overwhelmed by the job.
Remember, though, having a successful move means taking care of the
details, one by one. If you break the process down into steps
and arrange your time accordingly, you can make
it manageable. Use the following checklist to ensure you’re
covering all the bases, and you will be well on your way to a successful
move!
Household
- Arrange to have
your mail forwarded to your new address.
- Forward or cease
all deliveries to your home, and forward or cancel newspaper and magazine
subscriptions.
- Disconnect or take
care of utility, cable and phone services and accounts.
- Arrange for utilities
to be connected at your new house.
- Cancel pre-authorized
bill payments.
- Begin going through
closets and discarding any unnecessary items.
Packing
- Plan your packing.
Start by purchasing or acquiring suitable containers. Most moving
companies have specialized containers you can buy. Also, speak
with others who have recently moved—they may be looking to get rid
of boxes. You’ll need the following: small boxes for heavy
items (books, tools, etc.); large boxes for bulky items (bedding, stuffed
toys, etc.); medium boxes for bulky but less heavy items (towels, small
appliances, etc.).
- Begin to collect
other packing materials. Decide which items you’ll need from
the following checklist:
- Set goals and deadlines
for yourself. Aim, for example, to pack one room per week.
- Attach a list of
contents to each box. Separate and label boxes to be placed in
storage.
- Consider holding
a garage sale to rid yourself of excess belongings.
- Begin to use up
the food in your pantry and freezer. Let the food you already
have dictate your menus.
- Have rugs cleaned
that are to be moved, then roll and wrap them.
- Make special arrangements
for the moving of plants or pets.
- Collect all personal
items from local services (dry cleaning, storage, photos).
- Service all appliances
you are taking with you. Note that all gas appliances must be
emptied, as it is illegal for movers to carry flammable substances.
- Take inventory of
all the boxes, and contents of the boxes, you have packed.
- Have your car serviced
and tuned up.
Community
- Return library books.
- Clean out your locker
at any club you are leaving.
- Determine how to
transfer your children to a new school.
- Return items you’ve
borrowed to friends, and collect any you’ve lent.
- Mail or e-mail change
of address notices to family members, friends, and office contacts.
Records
- If needed, transfer
medical and dental records, and fill prescriptions.
- Change the address
on your driver’s license.
- Change the billing
address for credit cards.
- Change the address
for banking statements.
- Leave a record of
security codes for new tenants.
Insurance and Legal Matters
- Visit your lawyer
and ensure all documents are signed.
- Notify your insurance
company well in advance of the move and ask them to review your policy.
- Transfer insurance
to your new home, or acquire new insurance.
- Review your moving
company’s insurance policy. If it doesn’t cover as much as
you’d like it to, obtain your own.
- If you are currently
renting a house or apartment, give written notice to the landlord.
- Have all keys to
your old home delivered to your lawyer or realtor.
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