A Moving List

There are a million details to attend to before a move.   This checklist is to help you get organized.

Change of Address
Fill out a forwarding address form at the post office and pick up a stack of change-of-address forms to send to the following:
• Family and friends
• Magazines (give them 4-6 weeks notice)
• Credit card companies
• Pension funds and investment firms
• Professionals such as your lawyer, accountant, doctors and realtor
• The IRS, Social Security Office, and government offices
• Your workplace, schools, and local organizations
• National associations or clubs
• The voter registration office and motor vehicle bureau

Utilities
Establish cut-off dates and give your forwarding address to all utilities and services including telephone, cable TV, electricity, gas, water and security systems.  Arrange for utilities to be started in your new home so everything will be working when you arrive.

Gas company www.peoplesenergy.com/site.asp
Electric - Commonwealth Edison www.exeloncorp.com/ourcompanies/
Telephone & Cable www.comcast.com or www.rcn.com
Telephone and DSL www.att.com

Insurance
Notify your agent of your new address and discuss how your insurance needs may change with you move.  For instance, you probably won’t need as much coverage if you’re moving from a house to a condominium or an apartment.

Medical Records
Particularly if moving out of the city or state obtain records from your doctors, dentist, ophthalmologist or optometrist, and veterinarian.  If you’ve already selected new health care providers, make arrangements to have your records sent directly to them.

Delivery Services
Arrange to discontinue home delivery of newspapers etc.

Banks
Close current accounts if they are not transferable and establish new accounts at your new location.  Be sure your old bank has your new address.

Recycling
You probably won’t want to move many items, ranging from partially filled cans of paint to the old, broken refrigerator.  Most communities have requirements relating to the disposal of these items, so call to check on your options and arrange for their collection.

Moving
Keep careful records and receipts of all moving expenses.  You may be able to reduce your adjusted gross income (on you income tax return) by certain expenses if your move is related to the start of work in a new location.  Certain conditions must be met in order to take the deduction.  Contact your accountant for details.

Use up as much food as possible in the weeks before you leave. Give what you don’t use to a food bank or friends. Clean Refrigerator and appliances.

Consider giving plants to friends or neighbors – they don’t transport well.
Plan for special needs of infants or pets.

On moving day, carry the following items with you:
• The telephone number of the moving company
• Cash or traveler’s checks
• Papers related to the sale of your home; Important personal records or documents
• Your insurance policies and agent’s phone number
• Medications
• Enough clothing to get by if the movers are late
• Jewelry
• A box of any items of personal value to you that are virtually irreplaceable 
• Back-up copies of computer files
• Sheets and towels for the first night in your new home
• Personal hygiene items (e.g., toothpaste, soap, cosmetics)

At Your new Home:
Check all utilities
Check with mail person for any mail held for your arrival
Have all locks rekeyed by locksmith
If moved out of state, apply for new drivers license and license plates for your vehichle

Welcome Home!!