Your Packing and Moving Checklist

• Start organizing yourself and have a moving file, such as a folder or box where you can put all the papers you need for your move. Collect receipts so you can claim them later for tax purposes.
  
• Create a realistic budget and start talking to long distance moving companies to get moving estimates.
  
• Create a floor plan and moving in plan for your new home. This will give you an idea if you can get rid of some major appliances or furniture, and if you have to buy new ones.
  
• See if your new neighborhood has some type of neighborhood association or Chamber of Commerce and request them to send you information.
  

• Get your records ready to be transferred. This includes medical and dental records, school records, and any other financial and legal records you may have.
• Talk to you bank about moving your bank accounts to your new city. If it’s the same bank but in a different state or branch, then they should be able to transfer your money electronically and switch your home branch. Otherwise, you may have to close your accounts, pay the necessary transfer fees or have your bank cut you a check. Prepare as well in case you won’t have access to your money for a few days.
  
• Close any memberships you have with clubs or gyms.
• Check with your insurance providers (health, car, homeowners) about what will happen to your coverage once you move and take appropriate action to ensure you’re covered.
  

• Plan your actual move and packing. Make an inventory of the items around your home that will need to come with you, and things you can get rid of to lessen the cost of your move.
  
• Go to your post office and get your mail forwarded. Remember that the post office can only do this for one year. You’ll still have to call everyone who sends you mail (bills, subscriptions or even friends and family) for your new address.

• It’s time to start packing! Collect moving boxes and packing supplies. You can buy or order them or collect them for your local businesses, who may be happy to get rid of extra boxes.
  
• Start by packing things you don’t use a lot – like seasonal clothing or extra dining or kitchen utensils.
  
• Get rid of the things you don’t need (check your list you made from the week before) and see how you can donate them to get a tax deduction.
  
• Schedule some time to get utilities connected at your new place and call your local companies to get them disconnected a day or two after you leave your old home.
  
• Start using up perishable items, like frozen foods, leftovers and even home cleaners and shampoos and soaps.
  
• Get your car checked out if you’re driving it over long distance.
  

• Confirm all your travel arrangements and moving arrangements.
  
• Finish packing your essentials.
• Clean and defrost your refrigerator 24 hours before you move.
  
• Turn off all the pipes and do an over-all check to make sure you didn’t leave any appliances on.
  
• Have someone come over to help you take care of pets and/or kids and keep them out of the way.
  
• Prepare a “first night” kit for your new home, in case you have to wait for your things. This can be sheets, sleeping bags, personal items, clothes and food.