Relocation/ Moving tips
Preparing for the Move:
- Estimate the cost of your move. Keep in mind the cost of house hunting trips, pet care and housing deposits. This will help you determine whether you’ll need financial assistance
- Most expenses are tax deductible so keep accurate records.
- Start early – movers get very busy during the summer months.
- Use our Preferred Moving and Storage companies to get estimates.
- Be sure the moving company you chose spells out your final costs, timing and other specifics.
- Clean out those items you don’t want.
- Look for a banking location in your new area. Be sure to advise your bank of your move.
- Have your medical records and prescriptions.
- Find out which school your children will attend and have their records transferred.
- Arrange for your pets’ pre-move boarding and moving day transportation. Contact your veterinarian for your pets’ records.
- Call your new county to verify auto licensing and other new requirements.
- Notify insurance companies of your move. Make sure your new residence is covered.
- Close charge accounts you won’t be using in your new community.
- Send change of address cards to friends, magazines and creditors.
- Cancel local newspaper and other services.
- Send in a change of address for any items that will continue after the move (magazines, WSJ, memberships).
- Contact utilities (electricity, gas, telephone, trash collection, security, cable TV and water/sewage) to have them discontinued.
- Arrange for utility service to be started at new residence.
Last minute Items:
- Pack anything that the movers aren’t packing.
- Pack valuable items and important documents that you are going to move yourself.
- Clean out and throw away anything you are not taking with you.
- Make sure your car is serviced for the trip.
- Get a babysitter for the kids while your belongings are being moved into your new home.
- Know the layout in your new home where you want your furniture placed.
- Determine if any hotel reservations are needed.
- Empty any safe deposit boxes you may have.
- Take any local phone numbers you may need in the future.
A few days left:
- Pack clothes for the trip.
- Label boxes that you will need right away.
- Pack a box with plates, utensils, towels, soap, snacks, house keys, etc. in case you have to wait a while for the movers.
- Empty gasoline from your lawn mower and discard any flammable cleaning fluids.
- Get a cashier’s check for the movers and cash or travelers checks to cover expenses until your new bank accounts are set up.
- Give the movers your new telephone number so they can reach you.
Day of Move:
- Take pets to the kennel so they won’t be underfoot.
- Take your children to the babysitter, if possible.
- Arrange for someone to be at your new home when the movers arrive.
- Make a final inspection of your old home. Make sure all doors and windows are locked and that all lights are out.
- Take important documents, jewelry and money with you.
At your new location:
- Direct the movers to set-up your house as planned.
- Make sure all appliances work and that electricity, gas and phone are operating properly.
- Inspect everything before you sign your moving receipt. Find out how long you have to claim for damages.
