Moving Overview Checklist

Fill out change of address order form for post office.
Make arrangements with moving company or reserve a rental truck.
Make travel arrangements, if necessary.
Obtain medical and dental records, x-rays and prescription histories. Ask doctor and dentist for referrals and transfer prescriptions.
Set up a checking account in your new city.
Take inventory of your belongings before they're packed in the event you need to file an insurance claim later. If possible, take pictures or videotape your belongings. Record serial numbers of electronic equipment, along with model numbers, etc.
Make arrangements for transporting pets.
Start using up food items, so that there is less left to pack and possibly spoil.

Switch utility services to new address. Inform electric, disposal, water, newspaper, magazine subscription, telephone and cable companies of your move.
Arrange for help on moving day.
Confirm travel reservations.
Reserve elevator if moving from an apartment.
Clean rugs and clothing and have them wrapped for moving.
Plan ahead for special needs of infants.
Close bank accounts and have your funds wired to your new bank. Before closing, be sure there are no outstanding checks or automatic payments that haven't been processed.
Collect valuables from safe-deposit box. Make copies of any important documents before mailing or hand carry them to your new address.
Check with your insurance agent to ensure you'll be covered through your homeowner or renter's policy during the move.
Defrost freezer and refrigerator. Place deodorizer inside to control odors.
Give a close friend or relative your travel route and schedule so you may be reached if needed.

Double check closets, drawers, shelves, attic and garage to be sure they are empty and cleared.
Carry important documents, currency and jewelry yourself, or use registered mail.
Carry traveler checks for quick, available funds.

Renew your driver's license, auto registration and tags.
Shop around for new insurance policies, especially auto coverage.
Revise your will and other legal papers to avoid longer probate and higher legal fees from your attorney, estate planner, etc.
Locate the hospitals, police stations, veterinarian and fire stations near your home.

Change of Address Checklist

Utilities: Cable, Electric, Gas, Telephone, Water
Insurance Companies: Accident, Auto, Health, Home, Life, Renters
Professional Services: Broker, Certified Public Accountant, Consultants, Dentist, Doctor and Lawyer.
Government Offices: Internal Revenue Service, Library, Post Office, State Department of Licensing, Veteran Administration.
Business Accounts: Banks, Cellular phone, Department stores, Drug store, Dry cleaner, Finance companies, Hair stylist, Laundry, Real estate agent, Service stations, vets, etc.
Clubs: Book, Health & fitness, Music.
Subscriptions: Magazines, Newspapers, and Professional.
Miscellaneous: Business associates, Church, Friends, Relatives, and Schools.

Packing Tips

Keep the following supplies handy for packing: Boxes, marking pen, bubble wrap, newspaper and tissue.
Tape and scissors
Tape measure
Use strong boxes and containers that can be secured tightly. Purchase special boxes for dishes, wardrobe and other special items.
Pack audio-video equipment in their original boxes. Label cables and tighten transit screws. If removing screws, place them in a zip loc bag and tape them to the objects they are removed from.
Avoid loading more than 50 pounds into one box.
Label each box and indicate the following: (a) Which room it should go in (b) Whether it is fragile (c) If it should be loaded last so it will be unloaded first.
Cushion contents with packing material such as bubble wrap, newspaper or tissue. Save room by using towels and blankets to wrap fragile items.
Pack books tightly on end in small boxes. If musty smelling, sprinkle talcum powder between the pages and wrap the book before packing. Leave stored for a couple of months to eliminate the smell.
Have rugs and draperies cleaned before moving and leave them in wrappings until ready to place in your new home.
Pack medicines in a leak proof container.
Carry all valuables with you.
Check with your local U.S. Department of Agriculture for regulations regarding moving plants from one state to another. Many states have restrictions on certain plants to prevent importing bugs or pests that can destroy valuable cash crops.

About Moving Companies

Consumer complaints against moving companies have been rising. Following are some tips that can help your move go smoothly.
Get a binding estimate from the moving company. Make sure the amount is written in the contract.
Inquire about their on-time record and other complaints with the local Better Business Bureau or consumer complaints department.
Movers are limited as to what they can give you for lost or damaged goods. To cover potential damage, check existing homeowner or renter's policy.
Ask about expected gratuities and write into contract.
Have the contract include a guarantee of how many hours the job will take, allowing an overrun of no more than 10%.
Be sure all charges are listed on contract.
Inform the moving company of how many stairs are at your new home.
Watch loading and unloading and examine all items carefully before signing a receipt of goods.
Document an inventory of your belongings before you pack.

As always, please feel free to contact Max Ramos with any moving questions.