Moving Checklist: Things you will want make sure are completed before your move

Once you decide you are going to move you will need to:

1. Decide what to move, sell, replace or donate to charity
2. Call for estimates from movers
3. Select mover
4. Determine new address
5. Call the Chamber of Commerce in your new location for a"Residential Information Packet"
6. Decide on packing, loading, and moving date(s)
7. Determine date(s) that you will be able to receive shipment at new location
8. Determine what packing materials are needed (if partial or all self pack) and where you will get them
9. Decide if you are taking your car
10. Agree to valuation coverage and terms with your mover
11. Discuss with Tax advisor to determine if there are any moving related tax deductions and/or liabilities

Now that you know how and when you are moving you will need to:

1. Draw a floor plan of your new home to figure where to place your furniture
2. Sort through basement, loft and garage
3. Decide what to do with prohibited items
4. Obtain copies of all medical, dental, legal, and accounting records
5. Make proper provision for pets, obtain veterinarian records, and make sure vaccinations are up to date
6. Prepare your mailing list of people who need your change of address
7. Notify banks, savings accounts, credit card companies, magazine subscriptions, etc.

If international, round up passports, birth/marriage certificates and other family documentation. Apply for any necessary visas and check that electrical goods will work in your new home.

As moving day gets closer:

1. Start to dismantle climbing frames/garden furniture
2. Make arrangements of connection of services at your new home and termination of services at current home
3. Return library books
4. Clean garden tools, bicycles and any other gardening equipment
5. Determine travel plans to new location
6. Send change of address cards to appropriate businesses or people
7. Arrange for termination of newspaper subscriptions and other delivery services
8. Confirm new bank accounts by phone, e-mail, and/or FAX

The finals days before the move:

1. Defrost the refrigerator/freezer
2. Arrange for mail to be forwarded
3. Decide which clothes and items will travel with you
4. Find new homes for your plants
5. Plan simple meals for moving day to avoid using appliances
6. Separate items you need for personal travel
7. Empty the tanks of powered tools such as mowers
8. Purchase enough medication for at least two weeks, and ensure you have copies of any necessary prescriptions for use at destination
9. Ensure you have credit cards, travelers checks or local currency that will cover all expenses until settled in new home
10. Gather all important records, papers, valuables for protected shipment to new home or safe deposit box

On Moving Day:

1. Relax, Dale J. Cook Moving & Storage professionals are on the JOB!