One Month Before the move:
- Make sure your address has been updated at the post office. This can even be completed online.
- Update your address with the IRS
- Research and decide on a moving company or a rental vehicle and book your reservation
- Have your medical records transferred for yourself, your spouse and your children to your new physician. Ask your current doctor for a referral to a new physician if necessary.
- Transfer any school records for your children, if applicable.
- Update the information for all of your insurance companies like auto, home etc. Find out if your belongings are covered under your current policy during the transition.
- Set up cancellation dates with utility companies including cable and any home services like lawn or pool care.
- Change the address your creditors have on file, and transfer over any magazine subscriptions or newspaper deliveries.
Two Weeks Before the Move:
- Cancel utility services like electric and gas and have their termination dates set for the day after the move
- Purchase any necessary packing supplies, or bring home boxes from work or the grocery store.
- Consider any necessary travel arrangements for the big day, and come up with a plan for pets or small children
- Begin the packing process. Go through the home systematically and label boxes clearly. If possible, try to make a neat, organized list of what each box contains. Leave items that are still needed daily out, preferably in a centralized location and pack this box last.
One Week Before the Move:
- Make sure that your reservations with the moving company or truck rental are confirmed.
- Put all your important documents in one, secured place. These should be carried with you during the moving process and not packed away with everything else.
- Call your local pharmacy and have your prescriptions transferred
- Move or Transfer your existing bank accounts and make sure to order checks that show your new address.
- Notify your friends and family of your new address via postcards or online.
- Return any library books, movies or other items that you have borrowed from friends or coworkers.
- Make sure your almost-former home is cleaned thoroughly, from scrubbing the walls to steaming the carpets. Don’t forget to empty the cupboards and clean appliances.
The Day Before the Move:
- Visit the ATM to have cash on hand in order to tip any drivers or movers you have hired to help
- Buy water to keep hydrated during the moving process as well as any snacks to have nearby.
- Pack the last of your belongings, but leave a small suitcase out for pajamas, a change of clothes and any toiletries to be carried with you.
Moving Day:
- Make a note of all your meter readings to check against the balances on your final bills
- If you’ve hired movers, supervise them and offer guidance for special items. Confirm any details with them about your destination’s address and what time your items will be delivered.
- Confirm your travel plans with a friend or family member and notify them where you’ll be staying if moving will take longer than one day.
- Make sure to arrive at your destination before the movers
After the Move:
- Visit the local DMV and update the address for your driver’s license. Exchange license plates if you have moved out of state, and register your vehicle.
- Lastly, change your address with your employer and any other creditors that may have been overlooked.
