stacked cardboard boxes

Relocation Information

man writing on paper
  • Decide if you will be using a moving company or using moving trucks to do the job yourself
  • Secure estimates from 3 or more companies for the above
  • Create an inventory of your household goods (this is a good time to begin removing any clutter or unwanted
    items)
  • Start a ‘moving file’, to hold items such as estimates, receipts etc.
  • Arrange for your child’s school records to be sent to their new school
woman looking at clothes in a closet
  • Get a change of address kit from your local post office and fill out the cards
  • Subscribe to your new communities local newspaper to learn more about current events
  • Obtain physician and health plan referrals and get a copy of your family’s medical records
  • Have appraisals done of any valuables such as; artwork, antiques etc.
  • Clean all closets and drawers
  • Use the next six weeks to consume foods and cleaning supplies that will not be moved with you
woman talking on the phone
  • Contact your current utilities and the utility companies at your new home. Be sure you tell them that the disconnect date is the day after you move. In your new home your connect date should be the day before your arrive
  • If you are moving yourself, purchase packing materials and begin packing items you will not need until after your move
  • Remember to plan for and take special care in transportation arrangements for plants and pets if applicable
  • Checks to make sure your possessions are covered during their move to your new location
trash cans
  • Dispose of items that cannot be moved such as; flammable liquids
  • Make child-care arrangements for the day of moving
man at the library holding books
  • Arrange for the disposal of any large items that are not going to with you
  • Return any rented or borrowed items such as; video tapes, library books etc
  • Retrieve any borrowed items
  • Cancel newspaper delivery
  • Transfer any prescriptions and have an adequate supply of medication on hand before you move
  • Gather items concerning your current home to leave for the purchaser
woman looking at bill papers
  • Transfer your checking/savings accounts to your new bank
  • Settle any bills with local businesses
  • Drain all power equipment of oil and gas
  • Drain all water hoses
  • Defrost the refrigerator
  • Unplug major appliances that will be moved
  • Set aside any items that will travel in the car with you, so they are not packed into the truck
  • Pack a box of items you will need first and last upon arrival in your new home
  • Dismantle beds and other large furniture
men loading boxes in a moving truck
  • If you are using a mover, make sure someone is present to oversee the move and answer any questions
  • Take a note pad out to your utility meters and make note of their readings
  • Carefully go over the bill of lading and inventory created by the mover, and keep this paperwork in a safe place
woman unpacking clothes from a box
  • Make sure you are on hand to oversee and answer any questions
  • Check over each box carefully and inspect items for any damage
  • Make detailed notes, and take pictures of any damage
  • Be prepared to pay a mover with traveler’s checks, certified check, or cash, BEFORE your items are unloaded