Helpful Hints
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Touch base with utility companies to find out how much notice they need to establish a new connection/transfer
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Plan to take the day off for moving day
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Find useful things for your children to do — involve them as much as possible
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Find someone to help watch small children on move day
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While packing, clean as you go
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Hold a garage sale, donate, sell, or trash unnecessary items
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Plan how you will arrange furniture in the new place — use a floor plan or sketch
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As move date approaches, begin using up perishable foods
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Keep some cash on hand. Cash is handy for tipping your movers, or when sending someone on an errand such as lunch, parts, or unexpected repairs items
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Keep important documents/papers together in an easy-to-find file. You never know when something unexpected may come up
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Research storage facilities if needed
During the Month of Your Move
Schedule disconnection/connection of utilities at old and new place:
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Phone
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Internet
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Cable
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Water
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Garbage
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Gas
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Electric
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Newspaper
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Housecleaning
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Lawn
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Pool
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Water Delivery
Complete your change of address checklist:
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Bank(s)
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Credit Cards
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IRS
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Loans
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Insurance
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Pension plans
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Attorney
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Accountant
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Physicians
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Family support
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Newspapers
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Magazines
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Licenses
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Memberships
Provide important contacts with your new address:
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Employers
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Family and Friends
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Attorney
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Accountant
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Others
Movers do not move houseplants, lamps, unboxed pictures, unboxed clothes, or pets. Plan ahead how these items will be transported.
Week of Your Move
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Check your furniture for damages — note damages on your inventory
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Take furniture apart if necessary (desks, shelves, etc.)
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Make sure all paperwork for the old and new place is complete
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Get rid of flammables such as paint, propane, and gasoline
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Remove propane tank from BBQ. Secure patio umbrella
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Try and use up perishable food
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Confirm all moving details and that you have necessary paperwork
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Make a schedule or action plan for the day of the move
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Defrost your freezer and clean the fridge
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Make any home repairs that you have committed to making
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Return borrowed, checked-out, and rented items
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Get things back that you have lent out
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Finalize moving method and make necessary arrangements
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Separate valuable items to transport with you — label as DO NOT MOVE
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Fill out a Change of Address form at a post office or online
Day of Move
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Remove bedding
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Take movers/helpers through the house to inform them of what to do
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Before movers leave old residence walk through the empty place to check for things left behind — look behind doors, kitchen cabinets, drawers, closets, etc.
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Make sure your movers have the correct new address and directions if necessary
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Lock the windows and doors and turn off the lights
At Your New Place
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Verify utilities are working — especially power, water, heating, and cooling
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Perform an initial inspection, note all damages and take photographs if needed
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Clean the kitchen and vacuum as needed (especially where furniture will be going)
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Direct movers/helpers where to put things
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Begin unpacking, starting with kitchen, bathroom, and other essentials
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Confirm that mail is now arriving at your new address
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Double-check utilities/services have been stopped at your old address
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After you are moved in, update your home inventory, including photos of rooms; updating your renter’s insurance or homeowners insurance if needed