Moving Checklist

February 14th, 2014 by maureen

Moving Checklist - What to do before you move If you have pets, click here for 10 Tips for Moving with Pets. - 8 Weeks Before the Move Method of Moving: This is the time to think of how you are going to move. Begin to investigate available options. Begin reviewing your budget - it may have the final word on how you move. Are you hiring a professional? Are you moving yourself? Credit Report: This is a good time to learn what your credit report contains. You can order one before you begin your move. Moving Expenses: Moving expenses are frequently tax deductible. Begin keeping records of move-related expenses and documents, such as: Lodging expenses Travel expenses Transportation expenses - 7 Weeks Before the Move Packing Begin organizing your possessions. Set aside old towels and sheets to provide cushioning for your fragile items when you pack. Storage Facilities: If you have too many things for your new place, a storage unit is a handy place to store the items you don't use every day. If you decide to look into this further, be sure to compare: · Security level · Pricing · Hours during which you can access your unit Supplies: Use up your cleaning supplies and the food in your pantry. Don't shop for more household items. - 6 Weeks Before the Move Medical Coverage: Make sure you have health insurance in your new town by calling your provider and transferring your policy to the new address. Memberships: Transfer or resign your memberships to any clubs or community organizations you may belong to. If you hold a board position, you might want to suggest or nominate a successor. Valuables: If you are going to insure valuable items for the move, now is the time to get them appraised. It is important that this be done before you submit your request to your insurance company. Doctors: Inform your doctor(s) and dentist about your move; this is a good time to ask for referrals if you have not already made new selections in your new town. Request that your medical records be transferred once you have chosen a new doctor(s) and dentist. Transferring your records at this time simplifies matters since most doctors require a signature to release records to another doctor. - 5 Weeks Before the Move Mailing Labels: Now is a good time to order new address labels, stationary--even new bank checks--for your new home. Decorating: Begin thinking about decorating your new place and decide where you will place furniture. Order your new furniture soon, as it can take more than 6 weeks to be delivered. Donations: It's time to start cleaning out closets! Any clothing you have not worn for 1 to 2 years can be donated or sold, as can books you no longer want. Libraries and schools are good places to donate books. Packing Supplies: Boxes, tape and padding need to be purchased. Some boxes do not require tape and are sturdy and easy-to-use. Yard Sale: A great way to get rid of miscellaneous items you no longer want, a yard sale can be held in your own yard, or you can get together with other families and hold a larger sale at another site. You can even hold the sale online, displaying your technical expertise. - 4 Weeks Before the Move Address Change: Businesses need to be notified of your new address, including magazines, catalogs, organizations and your new Post Office. Complete a change of address form, and we'll notify everyone for free! Packing: All items that will not be needed during the month prior to your move should be packed. Depending on the season, this could include winter or summer clothing, sports equipment, books, nick-nacks, linens and items that are stored away in places such as the garage. - 3 Weeks Before the Move Social Security: Make sure to change your address with the Social Security Administration if you receive Social Security Benefits. Make sure you have your social security number when you call them at (800) 325-0778. Health Care: If you don't already have a new pharmacy selected, call your current pharmacy for a recommendation and then transfer all of your prescriptions. Your doctor may be able to help you get a couple months worth of medication if you are concerned about having access to it during and right after your move. If you decide to do this, first call your medical insurance provider to check their payment policy; not all insurance companies will provide their usual coverage for more than a one-month supply. Utilities: Sign up for utilities, such as electric, cable, gas, phone and water, at your new address and set the starting date for the day before you move. You can check the Internet if you wish-some companies let you connect your utilities online. Contact your current utility companies and request that services be turned off on the day after you move. Internet Services: Ensure that you have the Internet available from your new home. This may be a good time to upgrade your Internet connection after you've ascertained whether you have DSL or a second phone line. - 2 Weeks Before the Move Borrowed Items: All borrowed or rented items, such as library books, games, videos, etc., should be returned. Warranties: Leave in one place all of the warranties, instruction manuals and receipts for appliances and electrical devices that will be left in the home after you move. This will be a tremendous help to those moving into your house. Bank Accounts: After selecting a bank in your new community, open an account with $500 so that you have easy access to some cash while you are moving. DO NOT close your current checking account until all of the outstanding checks have gone through. Packing: While you continue packing items that you will not need before you move, remember to clearly label each box, indicating which room they came from. This helps settling into your new house proceed faster and with less stress. Disposal of Waste: Your hazardous waste, such as cleaning and lighter fluids and aerosols, must be disposed of before you move. You can contact your Public Works department, town hall or (800) CLEANUP to locate the nearest hazardous waste disposal area. - 1 Week Before the Move Packing: Pack all possessions that will not be needed during the week of your move, such as clothing, books, pots/pans and craft/hobby projects and supplies. Dry Cleaners: Remember to pick up your clothes from the dry cleaners! Subscriptions: Subscribing to the local newspaper in your new community is a good way to learn about government issues and community events. Warranties/Manuals: Contact the previous occupants of your new home to locate any instruction manuals or warranties for appliances that they will be leaving in your new home. Notification of Move: You can be creative while you are notifying your friends and family of your move. You can send a note in the mail, telephone them--even send an electronic card. Trash Removal: Final trash and recyclables will need to be picked up. You may be able to make arrangements with your neighbors to leave these with them or you can drop them off at the local dump. - The Week of the Move Snacks: A small, but vital detail--make sure to have plenty of snacks and refreshments for everyone who is helping with the move. Cleaning: Remember when your mother told you, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"? This applies to leaving your house clean! Etiquette: Although to some people this is common sense, remember to not block your neighbors' driveways or sidewalks. Also remember to make arrangements for or to dispose of garbage and unnecessary furniture rather than leaving it behind. Moving Day Items: Gather together a telephone, some light bulbs, a tool kit, scissors, flashlight, large trash bags, toilet paper and bed linens. Put them in a box specially marked, so that when you get to your new house, you have a collection of items you will likely need right away. - 1 Week After Moving "First Projects": Fun "first projects" when settling into your new home include painting closes and re-papering or painting the bathroom. Safety: In case of fire, make sure that one of the first things you do in your new home is to map out an escape route. Locating the police and fire stations and the nearest hospital is also a good idea, as is installing new alarms (smoke and carbon monoxide) and a new fire extinguisher. - 2 Weeks After Moving Updates: Remember to update your driver's license or ID at the local Department of Motor Vehicles. Make sure you have the necessary documents, as cities often require proof of residence. Tax Forms: To avoid delaying next year's tax forms, call the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to change your address at (800) 829-4059. If you'd rather, you can also visit the IRS online at www.irs.gov. Click here for the form 8822. Recycling: Call the local sanitation department to continue your habit of recycling. If you have not been recycling, now is a good time to start! Security: If you have any doubts about having received all of the keys to your new home, change the lock on the outside door(s). A second lock, such as a dead bolt, can also be installed if it makes you feel more secure. Voter Registration: Remember to call your local town hall to change your voter registration information. We hope this moving planner is helpful to you. If we can be of any further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us. P.S. If there is anything else that you think we should add to our Moving Manager, please email us with your thoughts. We are always trying to improve. Dickerson & Nieman Realtors 6277 E. Riverside Blvd Rockford, IL 61114 Phone: 815-227-5900 Email: Send Email Rockford area Real Estate Company

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Moving Checklist

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