Have you set the date of the move? If so, start preparing one step at a time.
Start planning a few weeks in advance to present a last minute rush.

SAMPLE NOTIFY CHECKLIST

Remember to send your new address to:

•Family and friends

•Post office

•Department of Motor Vehicles

•IRS

•Library

•Utilities– Allow an overlap when switching utilities in case of a delay. Here is a list of utilities you won’t want to forget: electric, disposal, water, newspaper, magazine subscription, gas, telephone, DSL, or Internet cable, and the TV cable company.

•Doctors and other medical professionals, dentists, your optometrist and your vet.

•Bank, financial institutions and your employer

•Organizations and associations where you are a member

Arrange a date and time with your moving company

Get an estimate for all your items and any special services that you may require.

Make sure all the boxes are labeled and review the list before signing the bill

Take pictures of valuable items before the move just in case you need to provide a proof of damage claims later

If you are going to use professional packers, organize your belongings for your convenience when unpacking

If you are doing the packing yourself, make sure a list of the number of boxes and packing materials that you will need. Be sure to get them in advance of your move to prevent a last minute rush

Label the boxes clearly so that you will be able to readily identify them after the move. The label should include the room they will go to and the name that represents the type of contents in the box. For example, “Kitchen/Glass” or “Michael’s Room/Toys.”

Make a list of emergency phone numbers of those you may need to call if you need help. Inform them in advance that you may need their help. Add these numbers to your cell phone phonebook.

Create a separate survival box for all items you may need on “day one” of your move into the new home. Make sure that you carry this box with you and load it last so that it is the first one you can unload.

Items to add to that box:

•Medicines, First Aid Kit
•Coffee

•Sheets, Blankets and Pillows
•Milk

•Water
•Toothpaste

•Scissors
•Pots and Pans

•Snacks
•Pen/Pencil

•Paper Plates
•Slippers

•Cups and Spoons
•Sugar, Cereal

•Hammer
•Tape

•Light Bulbs
•Trash Bags

•Soap
•Paper Towels

Avoid waste by using up items that may spoil: like frozen foods, milk, yogurt, or open canned items, which may be a hassle to move.

Get rid of unnecessary belongings by having a garage sale or donating items

Set a place for all packing material so that it is easy to find. Do not let it get lost in the clutter in the house. Here are some of the things your packing area should contain:

•Markers
•Scissors

•Folded Boxes
•Cutters

•Tape
•Bubble Wrap

•Binding Rope
•Dolly

•Labels

YOUR FAMILY AND THE MOVE
Ensure that you have taken care of the following paperwork and processes:

Create accounts or transfer funds from your bank account to the area in which you will now be located.

Gather copies of all your medical records, x-rays, prescriptions and other information that you may need.

Inform your children’s school about the move and ask them to transfer school records and transcripts to the new school. If you do not know the name of the school, make a package of all material you may need for the application and secure all documents.

If you have pets, you may want to visit the vet and request health certificates for them.

If you have young children, you may avoid the adverse effect of the move by ensuring that they have enough to do so they don’t complain that they miss their friends.

Spend some time getting to know your neighbors and finding playmates for your children.

Get you children’s room set up first to avoid temper tantrums and make them feel more comfortable. One way to keep them engaged while you unpack is to rent movies or hire a babysitter to spend time with them. If you have family close by, you may want to ask them to take care of your children while you move in.

Your children may get hungry often with all the excitement and energy associated the move. Make sure you have lots of water and healthy snacks for them.