1. Before you leave... 

Address Change

Post office: give forwarding address  

Charge accounts, credit cards  

Subscriptions: Notice requires several weeks  

Friends and relatives

Bank  

Transfer funds, arrange check-cashing in new city  

Arrange credit references

Insurance  

Notify company of new location for coverage: life, health, fire & auto

Utility Companies  

Gas, light, water, telephone, fuel, garbage  

Get refund on any deposits made

Delivery Service  

Laundry, newspaper, changeover of service

Medical, Dental, Prescriptions, Histories 

Ask doctor and dentist for referrals; transfer needed prescriptions, eyeglasses, X-rays. Obtain birth records, medical records, etc.

Pets  

Ask about regulations for licenses, vaccinations, tags, etc.

2. And Don't Forget to...  

Empty freezer, plan use of food

Defrost freezer and clean refrigerator. Place charcoal to dispel odors.  

Have appliances serviced for moving.  

Remember arrangements for T.V. & antenna.  

Clean rugs or clothing before moving; have them moving-wrapped.

Check with your moving counselor re: insurance coverage, packing day, various shipping papers, methods and time of expected payment.

Plan for special care needs of infants and pets.

3. And on Moving Day...  

Carry enough cash or travelers checks to cover costs of moving services and expenses until you make banking connections in new city

Carry jewelry and documents yourself or use registered mail  

Plan for transporting of pets; they are poor traveling companions if unhappy  

Carry travelers checks for quick, available cash

Let close friends or relatives know the route and schedule you will travel including overnight stops  

Double check closets, drawers, shelves to be sure they are empty  

Leave all old keys needed by new tenant or owner with Realtor or owner

4. And at your New Address...  

Obtain certified or cashier check for closing real estate transaction

Check on service of telephone, gas, electricity, water and garbage

Check pilot light on stove, hot water heater and furnace

Have appliances checked

Ask mailman for mail he may be holding for your arrival

Have new address recorded on driver's license

Visit city offices and register for voting

Register car within 5 days of arrival

Obtain inspection sticker and transfer motor club membership

Apply for state driver's license

Register family in your new place of worship

Register children in school

Arrange for medical services: doctor, dentist, veterinarian, etc

OTHER HELPFUL MOVING TIPS 

One month before moving:
* Make an official moving file for receipts, records and other moving-related papers
* Keep another secure file for other important documents, such as birth certificates, immunization records and insurance documents.
* Moving expenses may be tax deductible. Check in with your tax advisor.
* If hiring a mover, shop around for the best rate, set a moving date and fill out any paperwork.
* If moving yourself, reserve a moving van well in advance.
* Consider getting moving or storage insurance.
* Begin removing unwanted or unneeded items from your attic, garage, basement or storage. Donate them or have a garage sale. When donating, keep your receipts for tax purposes.
* If moving with pets, check on vaccination requirements, especially if moving out of state.
* If you have small children, research childcare options and the quality of school districts in your new area.
* Visit schools in your new area and select the right one for your children. Arrange to transfer immunization records and transcripts.
* Update your car registration and driver’s license with your state’s motor vehicle department.
* Notify your doctor and dentist of your move and ask for referrals. Check if your insurance covers physicians in your new area.
* Forward or cancel monthly services, subscriptions and memberships. 

3 weeks before moving
* Start packing rooms you don’t use as much. The last room should be the kitchen. Pick a room to serve as a staging area and for stowing packed boxes.
* Check into temporary storage options for items you can’t move immediately.
* Make an inventory and take photos or video of important or expensive items in your home as you pack. This can be used for insurance purposes if items get lost or damaged in the move.
* Involve your kids by having them pack some of their own things. If you have young children, arrange for a moving-day babysitter.
* Contact utilities to cancel or transfer accounts.
* Fill out an official change of address form with the post office. Fill out changes of address for clubs, credit card companies and other accounts. Notify all important business and personal contacts of your new address.
* If moving yourself, buy boxes and packing materials.
* Return any borrowed items from your neighbors, the video store or library. 

2 weeks before moving:
* Close local bank accounts and open new ones in your new community. Get checks with your new address as soon as possible.
* Drain gas from any gas-powered equipment before you pack it up. 

1 week before moving:
* Make backup copies of important files on your computer before packing it up.
* If using a mover, confirm arrangements with your moving company. Remember, most moving companies will not transport flammables.
* If moving yourself, arrange for extra help from relatives and friends. 

Moving week:
* After you finish packing, begin cleaning your house. Defrost your refrigerator and freezer.
* Do a final walk-through of your old residence, checking closets, shelves, the attic, basement and garage for forgotten items. Be sure to turn off all lights, lock all doors and windows and leave keys with your old property manager, if applicable.
* Transfer utilities to name of new owners, with date of possession.
* If moving yourself, pick up your rental truck and any moving equipment, such as dollies, carts, furniture pads and other items. 

Indianapolis Star - August 18, 2002 

7 LOW-RISK WAYS TO MEET THE NEIGHBORS 

If you’re suffering from NNNS (New Neighborhood Nervousness Syndrome), you’re not alone. Most new homeowners don’t feel comfortable dropping by to introduce themselves to the neighbors. Here are a few low-risk ways to start feeling at home. 

1. THE 6:00 EVENING WALK Taking a simple walk around your block is probably the least intimidating way to meet the neighbors. Pick a regular time for your jaunt – preferably when people are getting home from work or puttering outside. After a few sightings, introduce yourself. Walking with the kids or the dog – is an even quicker way to establish rapport.
2. THE COMMUNITY-EDUCATION CONNECTION Most areas offer community-education classes and get-togethers in areas including bridge, photography and family field trips. Parent-child classes are another option. Whatever the topic, these classes are usually inexpensive, informal and small. Some run for weeks, others for single 2- or 3-hour sessions.
3. THE KINKOS ANNOUNCEMENT CARD The neighbors may be just as shy about meeting you as you are of them. Make up an 8-1/2 x 11 ”intro sheet” with a family photo, a brief bio and a rundown of your interests, and drop it in the surrounding newspaper boxes.
4. AN ALTAR APPROACH Many places of worship host new-member welcoming dinners or after-service coffee and donuts. Who knows? You may meet the person down the block at your new church or synagogue.
5. THE VOLUNTARY APPROACH Whether it’s going door to door to collect for the United Way, or becoming involved in the PTA or Meals on Wheels, volunteering lets you meet the neighbors while helping others.
6. THE RAKE AND SHOVEL DRAW Washing your car, gardening, setting up a lemonade stand with your kids – all these outdoor activities send a signal that you’re open and approachable.
7. THE ASK-A-LOT-OF-QUESTIONS ANGLE Almost everyone likes to be asked their advice on things. Where’s the closest dry cleaner? What’s the best restaurant in the area? Is there any good, dependable auto mechanic in town? Ask Away! 

Jill Spiegel
The Family Handyman’s New Homeowner Edition
Spring 2002