Moving Checklist

Posted by Shawna Ebersole | Categories: Home Buying Process, Home Selling Process

Well, I certainly am thankful to be having a couple of closings coming up in the next week.  In one of our closings we’re representing the Buyer and in the other one we’re representing the Seller.  But either way, both have a lot to be doing to get ready for the big move.

If you’re anticpating a move, these are some helpful suggestions that might make the transition a little smoother:

Before You Leave

Address Change

• Post Office:  Give forwarding address
• Charge Accounts, Credit Cards
• Subscription:  Notice requires several weeks

Insurance

• Notify company of new location for coverages:
• Life, Health, Fire and Auto

Utility Companies

• Gas, electric, water, sewer, cable, telephone, fuel, garbage
• Refunds on any deposits made

Bank

• Transfer funds, arrange check-cashing in new city
• Arrange credit reference

Pets

• Ask about regulations for licenses, vaccinations, tags, etc.

Delivery Companies

• Laundry, newspaper, change over of services

Medical, Dental, Prescription Histories

• Ask doctor or dentist for referrals; transfer prescriptions, eyeglasses, X-rays.  Obtain birth records, medical records, etc.

And Don’t Forget…

• Empty freezer; plan use of foods
• Defrost freezer and clean refrigerator
• Place charcoal to dispel odors
• Have appliances serviced for moving
• Clean rugs or clothing before moving; have them moving-wrapped
• Check with your Moving Counselor; insurance coverage, packing and unpacking labor, arrival day, various shipping papers, method and time of expected payment
• Plan for special care needs of infants and pets

On Moving Day

• Carry enough cash or traveler’s checks to cover the cost of moving services and expenses until you make banking connections in your new city
• Carry jewelry and documents yourself; or use registered mail
• Plan for transporting of pets; they are poor traveling companions if unhappy
• Let close friends or relatives know the route and schedule you will travel including overnight stops; use them as message headquarters
• Double check closets, drawers, shelves to be sure they are empty
• Leave old keys needed by new tenant or owner with Realtor or owner

At Your New Address

• Obtain certified check or cashier’s check necessary for closing on your new home
• Check on service of telephone, gas, electricity, water and garbage
• Check pilot light on stove, hot water heater and furnace
• Have appliances checked
• Ask letter carrier for mail he may be holding for your arrival
• Have new address recorded on driver’s license
• Visit city offices and register for voting
• Register car within 5 days after arrival in state or a penalty may have to be paid when getting new license plates
• Obtain car inspection sticker (where applicable) and transfer motor club membership
• Apply for state driver’s license
• Register children in school
• Arrange for medical services; Doctor, Dentist, Veterinarian, etc.

Hope these help…Good Luck!

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, November 12th, 2008 at 11:11 am and is filed under Home Buying Process, Home Selling Process. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

1. Scenic City Scoop - Chattanooga Tennessee Real Estate Blog said at December 5th, 2008 at 9:31 am

   Great Article and wonderful advice for both people moving away and arriving in a new town. Thank you for sharing this information. David

2. Shawna said at December 5th, 2008 at 12:32 pm

   Hi David,

   Thanks so much for the comments and for visiting the site. I love your site, by the way….it was one of the ones we checked out when we were first developing ours.

   Have a great weekend and blog on!
   Shawna

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