Moving Tips

Whether moving day is in a two months or two days, here are several tips to help make your move as easy and hassle-free as possible.

• Learn more about schools in your new community by visiting GreatSchools.net.
• If you have kids, arrange to transfer their school records to their new school.
• Moving is a great time to get rid of excess belongings – especially if you’re downsizing. Plan a garage sale or donate unwanted items to charity.
• Contact insurance companies to notify them of your move.
• Start a “Moving” file to keep track of all pertinent move documents, including receipts, notes, loan information, estimates, etc.

• If you’re moving from an apartment, make sure you put in your 30-day notice with your leasing office.
• Select a van line or rental truck company you can use to haul your belongings. Give the company tentative pick-up and delivery dates.
• If you have any pets, schedule a check-up and obtain a copy of their records from the veterinarian.

• If you are hiring a moving company, select a company and reserve your date.
• Schedule dates to disconnect your local utility companies (phone, Internet, water, electrical, natural gas, garbage, etc.). It’s often a good idea to overlap a couple of days as moving may take longer than expected.
• If you have a lawnmower and/or other power equipment, drain them of oil, gasoline and other flammable materials. Moving companies will not move them if they are full.
• Cancel and/or transfer newspaper and magazine subscriptions to your new address.
• Set up an appointment to have your car serviced if you will be driving a long distance during the course of your move.

• Clean out your refrigerator and defrost the freezer.
• Confirm connect dates for utilities in your new home.
• Visit the post office and fill out a Moving Form that forward your mail from your old address to your new address.

• Work carefully with movers to ensure they are working effectively and treating your belongings with care.

• Carry any valuables or family heirlooms with you personally.
• Just before the movers leave, take a final tour of your home to make sure all doors and windows are locked and that none of your belongings have been left behind.

• Put together a list of emergency phone numbers (fire department, police, hospitals, neighbors, etc.) for life in your new community.
• Register to vote. Visit your new state’s voter registration website to print off the form.
• Enroll your kids in their new schools.