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Before You Move:

 

• Close out local bank accounts and set up new bank account, if necessary

• Notify insurance companies of new location for coverage

• Obtain school records, legal records and other important documents

• Obtain medical records and history, transfer prescriptions, and research/request referrals for doctors, dentists, specialists, etc. in new town

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Notify the following of your change in address (as applicable):

• Post Office (to redirect mail)

• Financial institutions (to transfer and/or close accounts)

• County clerk/voter registrar

• Department of taxation

• Leasing company

• Insurance company (to transfer or terminate household insurance)

• Life insurance company

• Car insurance company

• Health insurance company

• School principal (to obtain a letter regarding the status of your children in school)

• Shops and stores where you have charge accounts

• Relatives, friends and regular correspondents

• Club memberships

• Magazines, newspapers and other subscriptions

• Doctor(s) and dentist (to obtain copies of your records)

• Your lawyer

• Your place of worship

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Discontinue these services (as applicable) and get refunds for any deposits made​:

• Gas

• Water

• Electricity

• Telephone

• Cable/satellite/Internet television service

• Newspaper/publication delivery

• Internet service provider

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Remember to:

• Defrost your refrigerator/freezer and drain all water hoses.

• Disconnect your washing machine and drain water.

• Check with manufacturer to ensure all major appliances are correctly prepared for moving.

• Arrange for electricity and gas companies to disconnect any fittings from the supply.

• Dispose of items you do not wish to take with you.

• Return library books, videos, etc.

• Remove your own fixtures and fittings from walls.

• Put important items, such as identification and/or passports and tickets, in your personal luggage so they are not accidentally packed.

• Arrange for someone to look after your children on the packing days. (This can be a stressful time for them.)

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Dangerous Goods

The following are classified as dangerous goods and cannot be stored or transported:

• Ammunition

• New or partially used cans of paint

• Linseed oil

• Bleach products

• Gas cylinders, turpentine

• Kerosene

• Gasoline

• Cleaning fluids

• Aerosols (any kinds)

• Vegetable oils

• Chemical sets

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A few don’ts:

• Don’t forget to detail any high-value items (e.g., antiques, furs, paintings) in your transit protection declaration—a separate valued list is requested.

• Don’t put breakables in drawers.

• Don’t put liquid in drawers (sauce bottles, perfumes, etc.).

• Don’t overload furniture with too many items (in drawers).

• Don’t store perishable foods, such as cereals, flours, etc.

• Don’t polish your furniture prior to your move. Polishing surfaces can cause furniture to condensate when wrapped.

• Don’t store or transport jewelry, money, legal documents, taxation papers, insurance policies or other high-value/irreplaceable articles. (Keep these items with you.)

• Don’t forget to check your home for any belongings the packing crew may have missed—before they leave.

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On Moving Day:
 

•  Double check rooms, closets, and cabinets for possible items left behind

•  Make sure children have books and games to keep entertained during travel

•  Prepare pets for transportation

•  Carry jewelry and important documents on your person

•  Leave all old keys needed for new tenant with your REALTOR®

 

One last look around:

• Anything left in the attic, garden, garage or basement?

• No clothes at the dry cleaners, shoes at shoe repair shops, sporting goods in lockers at clubs/schools?

• Are the water heater, main power and gas connections turned off?

• If possible, turn off air conditioners and use them only when necessary during packing. Furniture kept in a constantly cooled climate may condensate when suddenly exposed to hot air. Allowing your furniture to adapt to the warm air can be helpful in eliminating moisture problems during transit.

• Pack your suitcases and move them (together with your valuables, passports, and tickets) to a safe place, such as a trusted neighbor’s home. This will prevent them from being accidentally packed with your goods.

• Put your personal telephone and address book with your carry-on luggage for the flight. You may want to get in touch with people later.

• Dispose of all remaining flammables, dangerous, or hazardous materials. Throw or give away bottles of nail polish, and liquids in glass bottles.

• Are your windows and doors locked? Old house keys surrendered?

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At Your New Address:
 

¨     Check on utility services - gas, electric, water, telephone, etc.

¨     If relocating to new state, register car within 5 days of arrival and apply for state driver's license

¨     If staying within state, obtain a driver's license with your new address on it

¨     Register children in school if you haven't done so already

¨     Set up new patient appointments with doctors, dentist, etc.

¨     Explore your neighborhood!

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