1) Notify Friends, Family, & Businesses of Your Change of Address – Several weeks before the move is a good time to schedule TV, internet, and utility service termination. When you are talking to the account representative, be sure to leave a forwarding mail address so you will receive your final statement and any balance refund. Moving is always difficult and saying goodbye to friends and family is never easy. Stay in touch by sending postcards with your new address and be sure to send a letter to update everyone after you settle in to the new home.
2) Pack Properly – Pack one room at a time and label each box with the contents, whether contents are fragile, and the room. If you are using professional movers like United Van Lines let them pack fragile items since they are insured only for items they pack.
3) Pack a First Night Box – Your last night in your old home and your first night in your new home can be a little hectic and the last thing you want is to find your medicine is on the moving van. By packing commonly used items in a separate box your move can be a little less stressful. Your first night box should contain a flashlight, batteries, medicine, bed linens and towels, toiletries, basic tool pouch, paper plates, napkins, and utencils, and cleaning supplies.
4) Prepare Your Pet for the Move – Have your pet microchiped and update collar with new contact information. Have necessary medical records and licensing documentation with you especially if traveling overseas. Some pets such as birds require documents from the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Fish and Wildlife Service before leaving the United States and be sure to check with the international customs office of the country you plan to travel to for restrictions on pets.
5) Gather Important Documents – A move can turn ugly quickly if important documents are packed or lost. Gather important documents and keep with you during the move. Examples of documents you will want to include are School Records, Medical Records, Safety Deposit Box Contents, Insurance Policies, Copies of Wills and other Legal Documents, list of accounts and contact information, list of computer accounts and passwords, letters of recommendation from former employers and references, address book, flash drive with important files, credit cards, membership cards, veterinary records, and tax returns.
A Collection of the Best Moving To Do Lists
Good Housekeeping Moving to do Checklist
Mayflower Moving to do Checklist
Edina Realty Moving to do Checklist
Readers: What advice do you have for someone contemplating a move?
