|
|
Select any item below to view the checklist for that item. Click the item
a second time to collapse the list. You can also download the
complete checklist in printable format (pdf).
- Transfer school records and transcripts.
- Close bank and safe deposit box accounts.
- Purchase traveler’s checks.
- Cancel deliveries - - newspaper, diapers, laundry.
- Cancel utilities - - gas, electric, cable, phone, water, garbage; transfer
services (if possible) or arrange new services; request deposit refunds.
- Get recommendations for (or find in advance, especially if a medical
condition needs regular attention)new doctors, dentist and veterinarian.
If possible, photocopy key medical records to have with you.
- Get reference letter, if you’ll need to find a job.
- Cancel membership (or transfer membership, if relevant) in religious,
civic and athletic organizations.
- Have car serviced for travel.
- Buy travel insurance.
- Get maps.
- Line up storage facility.
- Arrange for moving pets.
- Finalize arrangements with moving company. You should have gotten bids
and made preliminary arrangements weeks earlier.
- Tell close friends and relatives your schedule.
- Before you pack, take the time to do a good inventory and sort through
things. This way you can move less and won’t end up throwing
things away at your new home (or taking up unnecessary storage space).
- Label boxes on top and side - - your name, new city, room of house, contents.
- Pack phone books.
- Assemble moving kit - - hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, tape, nails,
tape measure, scissors, flashlight, cleaners, cleaning cloths, rubber
gloves, garbage bags, light bulbs, extension cords. If you’re driving
to your new home, pack a broom and
pail in you car. Larger items that are handy when moving in, such as a step stool or vacuum cleaner, should
go in the moving van, unless your new house is nearby and you’re moving lots of things by car.
- Keep the basics handy - - comfortable clothes, toiletries, towels,
alarm clock, disposable plates, cups and utensils, can opener,
one pot, one pan, sponge, paper towels, toilet paper, plastic containers,
toys for kids.
- Consider carrying jewelry, extremely fragile items, currency and important
documents.
- Make other arrangements if moving company won’t move antiques,
art collections, crystal, other valuables or plants.
- Fish
- It's not practical to move fish in their aquarium.
- Plan on giving the fish away and restock the aquarium.
- Cats and Dogs
- Travel by Air
- Cats and dogs can be shipped by air or in the family car.
- If flying, your pet can ride in the baggage compartment.
- Your pet will need a health certificate from your vet.
- Call the airline in advance to find out about special boxes.
- Get some tranquilizers from your vet before traveling.
- Put a piece of clothing with your scent in the animal’s box.
- Travel by Car
- Think twice about taking your dog or cat with you by car, animals get carsick, nervous and upset.
- They must be fed and watered.
- They have to make rest stops and they have to be on a leash.
- Hotel Stays
- Some motels and hotels don't allow pets.
- Others have special facilities for handling travelers’ pets.
- Call in advance and check out available hotels.
- National chains usually publish such information.
- Smaller Animals
- Hamsters, birds, mice, etc. can be transported in the car.
- Make sure they have enough food and water in their cages.
- Make sure they are out of drafts or extreme temperatures.
- Cover cages with a cloth to keep them quiet and restful.
- (Check with your relocation specialist if relocation
is being handled by a company.)
- A Few Weeks Before Moving Day
- Call your local U.S. Department of Agriculture on regulations.
- Prune plants to facilitate packing.
- A Week Before Moving Day
- Put plants in black plastic bags with bug/pest strip.
- Close the bag and place in a cool area overnight.
- A Day Before Moving Day
- Place the plants in a cardboard container.
- Hold plants in place by dampened newspaper or packing paper.
- Use paper to cushion the leaves.
- Place a final layer of wet paper on top to keep them moist.
- On Moving Day
- Set the boxes aside and mark “DO NOT LOAD”.
- Close boxes; punch air holes in the top and load into moving vehicle.
- Park in shaded area in summer and sunny spot in the winter.
- Upon Arrival
- Unpack the plants as soon as possible.
- Remove plants through the bottom of the box.
- Do not expose the plants to too much sunlight at first.
- Let them get accustomed to more light gradually.
- If you must leave your plants behind, then take cuttings.
- Put them in a plastic bag with wet paper towel around them.
- Friends and relatives.
- Subscriptions.
- Government agencies you regularly deal with - - VA, Social Security
Admin., etc.
- Charge and credit accounts.
- Installment debt - - such as student loan or car loan.
- Frequent flyer programs.
- Brokers and mutual funds.
- Insurance agent/companies.
- Medical providers - - if you’ll be able to use them after moving.
- Catalogues you want to keep receiving.
- Charities you wish to continue donating to.
- Post office. (If you’re trying to get off of catalogue and other
direct mailing lists, only have first-class mail forwarded. Give
your new address to those catalogue companies on whose lists you want
to remain, and don’t forget to tell them not to trade or sell your
name.)
- Open bank accounts.
- Open safe deposit box account.
- Begin deliveries - - oil, newspaper, diapers, laundry.
- Register to vote.
- Change (or get new) driver’s license.
- Install new batteries in existing smoke detectors (and install any
additionally needed smoke detectors); buy fire extinguisher.
- Hold party for the people who helped you find your home and moving
helpers, and take yourself out for a congratulatory dinner!
|
|
