So – you’ve sold your home. You found and closed on a great new home. You thought buying and selling a home was stressful? Let’s talk about moving into your new home now!

Yeah, moving is stressful. But if you use this moving checklist to plan a move, you’ll find that your upcoming move will go more smoothly, with fewer headaches and fewer forgotten items. Let’s get started planning your move!

Things To Do BEFORE Moving Day

Send Change of Address Information

• Post Office – provide them with Forwarding Address
• Charge Accounts/Credit Cards … remember the ones you auto-pay online
• Magazine Subscriptions – requires several weeks notice to make a change
• Friends and Relatives – most effective? Cards and emails

Banking and Insurance

• Moving to a new city? Arrange to have your funds transferred.
• For check-cashing in new city, establish credit references
• Notify insurance company of new location for coverages on all policies (Life, Health, Fire & Auto)

Utility Companies and Delivery Services

Notify gas, light, water, telephone, garbage and newspaper of last day (request refunds on any deposits made)

Medical, Dental, Prescription Histories

If you’re leaving town, ask your Doctor and Dentist for referrals

Transfer prescriptions, eyeglasses, X-rays and medical records

Useful Tips and Reminders

• Empty your freezer; plan how to use or discard that food
• Defrost freezer and clean refrigerator. Add charcoal to dispel odors
• Remember arrangements for TV and antenna
• Clean rugs or clothing before moving; have them “moving-wrapped”
• Check with your Moving Counselor regarding: insurance coverage, packing and unpacking labor, arrival day, various shipping papers, methods and time of expected payment.
• Ask about any new local regulations for pets: licenses, vaccinations, tags. etc.
• Remember to plan for special care needs of infants and pets

Things To Do ON, or SHORTLY AFTER Moving Day

Preparing to Leave your Old Address

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

Arriving at your New Address

• Obtain a certified check or cashiers check, if necessary, for closing your Real Estate Transaction
• Check on utilities: telephone, gas, electricity, water and garbage
• Check the pilot light on stove, hot water heater, and furnace
• Schedule a time to have your appliances checked
• Ask your mailman for any mail he may be holding for your arrival
• Have your new address recorded on everyone’s driver’s licenses
• Find out how you can register to vote
• Register your car within five days after arrival in another state or a penalty may have to be paid when getting new license plates
• Apply for your new state’s driver’s license
• Have you found a new place of worship?
• Get details on how to register your children in the new school
• Arrange for medical services: Doctor, Dentist, Veterinarian, etc.