Before Moving to Your New Home:
A Comprehensive Checklist
Moving into a new home is an exciting time, but there are several important tasks to take care of before and during the move. Here's a helpful guide to make your transition as smooth as possible.
Before You Move
Change of Address:
Notify the post office of your new address.
Banking:
Transfer funds to local branches or online banks in your new city.
Order checks with your new address.
Financial Institutions:
Notify all investment companies and banks of your address change.
Credit Cards:
Update your credit card and department store accounts with your new address.
Subscriptions:
Update your address for any magazine or newspaper subscriptions.
Notify Contacts:
Inform relatives, friends, employers, and anyone who may need to reach you (e.g., parents of children you’re listed as an emergency contact for).
Insurance:
Notify your auto, health, life, and homeowners insurance providers about your move.
Utilities:
Contact your telephone, gas, electric, water, and trash collection companies for both your old and new home.
Get refunds for any deposits you made.
Healthcare:
Find a new doctor, dentist, and veterinarian in your new location.
Ensure your pet’s vaccinations and licenses are up to date.
Moving Pets:
Make arrangements to safely move your pets to your new home.
Agriculture Restrictions:
Check with the local Agriculture Department for any restrictions on transporting plants to your new location.
Household Items:
Prepare copiers and printers for transport by securing moving parts.
Clean and wrap rugs and clothing before packing.
Cancel Subscriptions & Return Items:
Cancel your cable TV and return equipment.
Pick up any remaining laundry from the cleaners.
Freezer and Refrigerator:
Plan food consumption, defrost the freezer, and clean out the refrigerator before moving day.
On Moving Day
Cash and Essentials:
Carry enough cash or traveler's checks for moving expenses.
Valuables:
Keep jewelry and important documents with you or send them via registered mail.
Final Walkthrough:
Double-check closets, drawers, and shelves to ensure nothing is left behind.
Keys and Manuals:
Leave behind old keys, garage door openers, instruction manuals, and any house plans with your real estate agent.
At Your New Home
Utilities:
Check the setup for gas, electricity, water, telephone, and garbage collection. (Download Utilities Contact Information.)
Pilot Lights:
Make sure pilot lights for the water heater and furnace are working.
Mail:
Retrieve any held mail from the post office.
Car Registration:
Register your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles if moving to a new state.
Update your driver’s license and car registration with your new address.
Voter Registration:
Register to vote at your new address.
School Registration:
Register your children in their new school district.
New Resident Discounts:
Check with the local chamber of commerce to see if they offer "new resident" discount packages.
By following these steps, your move will be much more organized, leaving you more time to enjoy your new home!