What To Do Before Moving?

One Month Before Moving

Obtain an IRS Change of Address form, call 1-800-829-1040. Gather moving supplies, boxes, tape, rope. If moving far away, make any necessary travel arrangements like airline, hotel, and rental car reservations. Or plan your travel route if driving. Call a moving company or make truck rental reservations to move yourself. Finalize real estate and apartment rental needs. Place legal, medical, and insurance records in a safe and accessible place. Give your mailers your new address (using Address Change Notification Cards):
* Friends and family members
* Banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions
* Charge card and credit card companies
* Doctors, dentists, and other service providers
* State and Federal Tax authorities and any other government agencies as needed.
* IRS Save moving receipts (many moving expenses are tax deductible). Make maps of your new neighborhood to familiarize yourself and your family with your new area. Plan your moving budget

Two Weeks Before Moving

• Inform gas, electric, water, cable, local telephone and trash removal services of your move. Sign up for services at your new address.
• To get new cable service for your new home, call 1-888- 668-3759 .
• Inform long distance phone company of your move. Sign up for long distance service at your new address.
• Recruit moving-day help.
• Confirm travel reservation.
• Arrange to close or transfer your bank account, if appropriate.
  
  The Day Before Moving
  
• Set aside moving materials like a tape measure, pocket knife, packing boxes, tape and markers.
• Pick up rental truck.
• Check oil and gas in your car.
• If traveling, make sure you have tickets, charge cards, and other essentials.

  Packing Tips
  

• Keep the following supplies and accessories on hand:
  * Boxes, all sizes
  * Bubble wrap or other cushioning material
  * Marking pens
  * Tape measure
  * Furniture pads or old blankets
  * Packing tape and scissors
  * Money and credit cards
• Label each box with the room in the new home to which it should be delivered.
• Number the boxes and keep a list of what is in each box.
• Clearly mark fragile items.
• Pack a bag of personal items you'll need during the move (change of clothes, toiletries, medicine, maps, food, and drinks). Keep it in an easy-to-find place when you pack.
• Keep a medical kit accessible.
• If you have children, pack a bag of games and activities for the trip.