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Moving Checklist
It doesn't matter if you have moved once or several times, it is never an easy
task. The following are some tips you may find helpful.
- Notify the post office of a forwarding address.
- Notify the IRS of your new address.
- Notify credit card companies, health insurance, magazine subscriptions etc.
of your new address.
- Check with your insurance agent to ensure you'll be covered through your
homeowner's or renter's policy during the move.
- Arrange
for utilities and telephone at your new location.
- If necessary, close bank accounts and have your funds wired to your new
bank. Before closing, be sure there are no outstanding checks or automatic
payments that haven't been processed.
- Obtain medical and dental records, x-rays and prescription histories. Ask
doctor and dentist for referrals and transfer prescriptions.
- Plan for needs of children and pets during the move
- Plan for sufficient cash/travelers checks during the move.
- Get several estimates from reputable moving companies. Consumer complaints
against moving companies have been rising. The following are some tips that
can help your move go smoothly.
- Get a binding estimate from the moving company. Make sure the amount
is written in the contract.
- Inquire about their on-time record and other complaints with the local
Better Business Bureau or consumer complaints department.
- Movers are limited by law regarding what they can give you for lost
or damaged goods. To cover potential damage, check existing homeowner's
or renter's policy.
- Ask about expected gratuities and write into contract.
- Have the contract include a guarantee of how many hours the job will
take, allowing an overrun of no more than 10%.
- Be sure all charges are listed on contract.
- Inform the moving company of how many stairs are at your new home.
- Watch loading and unloading and examine all items carefully before signing
a receipt.
- Document an inventory of your belongings before you pack.
- Carry important documents, currency and jewelry yourself.
- Other Packing Tips:
- Pack one room at a time.
- Keep the weight of your boxes reasonable.
- Start packing and marking every box according to contents and room it
will go in.
- If bubble wrap is not available, use towels and blankets to wrap fragile
items.
- If possible, pack audio-video and computer equipment in their original
boxes.
- Do not pack valuables, carry them with you.
- Take inventory of your belongings before they're packed, in the event
you need to file an insurance claim later. If possible, take pictures
or video tape your belongings. Record serial numbers of electronic equipment.
- Label each box and indicate the following: (a) Which room it should
go in (b) Whether it is fragile (c) If it should be loaded last so it
will be unloaded first.
- Make arrangements for transporting pets.
- Renew your driver's license, auto registration, and tags.
- Shop around for new insurance policies, especially auto coverage.
- Revise your will and other legal papers to avoid longer probate and higher
legal fees.
- Locate the hospitals, police stations, veterinarian, and fire stations near
your home.
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