A Moving Checklist

One Month Before Moving

• Make arrangements with moving company or reserve a rental truck.
• Make travel arrangements, if necessary, with airlines, buses, car rental agencies and hotels.
• Let your doctor and dentist know you will be moving, if it’s to a new city. Make sure you have enough of your prescriptions to see you through the move.
• Set up a checking account in your new city.
• Familiarize yourself with the laws of the new city, including those related to home based businesses, licenses and any special laws that might be applicable to your situation.
• Inventory everything you own before it’s packed. Take pictures or use a video recorder to catalog everything, if possible. Record serial numbers of electronic and computer equipment.
• Make the necessary arrangements for transporting your pets.
• Start using up your foodstuffs. Try to deplete your food and beverage supplies. These can take up an awful lot of space when packing and you can replenish your pantry when you get to your destination for what it costs you to pack and ship it all.

One To Two Weeks Before Moving

• Fill out a change of address order form for the post office.
• Set up your new utility services and let your current utilities know that you’re moving.
• Discontinue all newspaper subscriptions and let magazines know your new address.
• Collect valuables from your safe deposit box. Make copies of important documents.
• Check with your insurance company or agent to see if your homeowner’s or renter’s policy covers you during the move.

On Moving Day

• Double-check your closets, shelves, attic and garage to be sure they are empty.
• Carry important documents, currency and jewelry yourself.
• Carry your ATM card for convenient access to your bank account.

After Arriving At New Home

• Renew your driver's license, auto registration and tags.
• Shop around for new insurance policies, especially auto coverage. Auto insurance is location specific, so you need to let your insurers know you’ve moved as soon as possible.
• Revise your will and other legal papers to avoid longer probate and higher legal fees.
• Open your new bank account. Some banks will let you do this before you move; others require proof of address so check with the bank of your choice before you move.

Moving Pets

In most cases your cat or dog will be fine traveling in your car. Be sure to take along plenty of food and water as well as a leash for your pet when you stop along the way. Animals can get car sick, so be sure to take breaks and put down a blanket or sheet in the car, just in case.

If you’re shipping your pet by air, make sure someone is on the other end to receive your pet at the destination airport. A kennel can do this for you and keep your pet until you have completed your move.

You may need the following items to ship your pet by air:

• Health certificate. Obtain this from your veterinarian.
• Pet container. The airline might have a special container available or you can use your own as long as it complies with airline regulations.
• Tranquilizers. Your vet can provide tranquilizers to be given to your pet immediately before going to the airport.
• Something with your scent on it. Pets want to know you’re still going to be around and a piece of clothing with your scent on it can be reassuring.

Smaller Animals

Hamsters, birds and other small pets are fine in your car. Keep their cages covered and make sure the vehicle stays cool. Again, make sure you have enough water and food available.

Fish

Fish don’t travel well. Check with your local pet shop for recommendations on moving specific type of fish.