Moving requires extensive planning, teamwork and understanding. The experience does not have to be traumatic. It can be rewarding and meaningful. Here are some suggestions to help you organize for a smooth move.
• Plan Ahead
• One Week Before Moving
• Survival Checklist
• Kitchen
• Bathroom
• Miscellaneous
• Children
• Snacks
• On Your Moving Day
Plan Ahead
• Plan your travel itinerary. Make transportation and lodging reservations in advance.
• Send change of address to: – post office (give forwarding address) – Charge accounts and credit cards – subscriptions (change notice requires several weeks) – friends and relatives
• Contact gas, electric and telephone companies in new location to arrange for immediate service.
• Arrange insurance on the new home prior to the transfer of property.
• Arrange for your present bank to establish credit references for new bank accounts.
• Service appliances before moving.
• Clean rugs and have them wrapped.
• Discontinue deliveries, electricity, water, gas, newspapers and garbage collection, etc.
• Obtain copies or transfer your children’s school records.
• Obtain records from doctors and dentists, including eyeglass prescriptions, dental X-rays and vaccinations.
• Cancel club memberships.
• Transfer car title registration, if necessary, as well as driver’s license, city windshield sticker and motor club membership.
• Pay existing bills and cancel local charge accounts.
• Check on personal items that may be at the photo shop, bank safe deposit box, neighbor’s house, on lay-a-way or in the repair shop (i.e. shoes, jewelry, small appliances or clothing).
• Arrange for transporting pets and obtain immunization records from the vet.
• Return all library books and anything borrowed from friends.
• Notify the religious leader of your church or synagogue.
• Carry traveler’s checks for quick, available funds.
• Plan for special care and needs of infants.
• Arrange for transporting plants.
• Service the car for the trip.
• Disconnect the telephone.
• Review moving plans with your moving company representative including insurance for packing and unpacking, arrival date, payment agreement, shipping papers, etc.
One Week Before Moving
• Clean and air out your stove.
• Defrost refrigerator and freezer 24 hours before leaving.
• Place charcoal or baking soda inside refrigerator and freezer to dispel odors.
• Dispose of all open cans and jars that cannot be tightly sealed.
• Remember to pack your telephone directory for future reference.
Survival Checklist
Here are items you may need immediately upon arriving at your new home. Cleaning:
• Soap powder
• Kitchen cleanser
• Dishtowels
• Paper towels
• Dishcloth
• Steel wool pads
• Sponge
• Window cleaner
• Scrub brush
• Mop
• Broom
Kitchen
• Paper plates, cups, and napkins
• Plastic knives, forks, spoons
• Plastic pitcher for drinks
• Small saucepan
• Serving spoons
• Teakettle
Bathroom
• Facial tissue
• Toilet tissue
• Bath towel
• Shower curtain
• Face cloth
• Bath soap
• First aid kit
• Aspirin
• Prescription medicine
Miscellaneous
• Light bulbs
• Flashlight
• Hammer, screwdriver, pliers
• Aluminum foil
• Shelf paper
• Trash bags
• Twine
• Newspaper
Children
• Coloring books and crayons
• Favorite toys
• Reading materials
• Puzzles
• Small surprise gift
Snacks
• Easy-open cans of pudding
• Sandwich spreads
• Jars of cheese
• Packages of crackers
• Instant creamer, sugar, salt
• Dry soup mix
• Boxes of dry cereal, raisins
• Instant coffee, tea, chocolate
• Fresh fruit
On Your Moving Day
• Leave a copy of your travel itinerary with a friend or relative.
• Carry all currency, jewelry and personal papers (birth certificates, deeds and documents).
• Double check closets, drawers and shelves to be sure they are empty.
• Confirm hotel reservations.
• Leave all old keys needed by the tenant or owner with your sales associate.
