Simple Checklist for Moving

Moving is stressful enough when you only consider the big stuff – you know, buying and selling a home – but then when you remember (or forget!) all the little stuff, it is downright overwhelming. While we can’t make all the moving chores disappear, we can help make the process easier. In order to help you maintain your sanity come moving time, we have created the ultimate moving check-list. The following is everything you need to do before and after you move.

Before you move

Address Changes

• Post office: Forwarding address
• Subscriptions
• Financial accounts
• Friends and family

Bank

• Go through transfer process if need be

Insurance

• Notify all carriers about your move
• If you move out of state, make sure you are covered for any/all of the different natural disasters that occur in your new state

Utilities

• Cancel old gas, electricity, water, garbage, sewer, telephone, internet, and cable
• Return any rental equipment for the above utilities
• Set up services at new home

At home services

Cancel any services:

• Newspaper
• Groceries
• Laundry
• Yard maintenance
• Nannies

Children

• Obtain school records or transfer them to new school(s)
• Give your children “I’m moving cards” with your new address on it so they have their friends send them mail

Medical and Dental

• Obtain records or transfer them to new clinics
• Transfer prescriptions

Pets

• Obtain vet records or transfer them to a new clinic

Attorney

Discuss laws that pertain to your destination state, county, and/or city. Most laws affect a family as soon as residence in the new state and city is established. Be sure to cover the following matters:

• Wills
• Transfers of property and investments
• Insurance regulations
• Inheritance laws
• Taxes

Kitchen

• Use up frozen food so you don’t have to waste or transfer it
• Defrost freezer at least 24 hours in advance
• If moving appliances, find out if they need to be serviced before and/or after the move

Miscellaneous

• Purge your belongings

Have a garage sale or donate unwanted items so you don’t have to move more than you need to.

After you move

• Check on all of your utilities and services
• Confirm your arrival with the post office so they can begin delivering any mail they have been holding
• Register cars within 5 days of arrival in a new state or you may be subject to a penalty fee when getting new license plates
• Deliver records to doctors, dentists, schools and vets, or if you had them transferred, confirm their arrival