It's Your Move

Moving is exciting, but it's also hectic. Making the arrangements, packing up, getting situated in your new home—they all take time and effort. The easiest way to assure a successful move is to plan it carefully. We've designed this section to help you do just that. This section not only helps you get organized, it also offers special moving tips.

You may want to refer to this section throughout the moving process. Bookmark this page now—it can keep things running smoothly.

There are many people and places that need to know you're moving. We've listed many of them, but you may want to add some of your own. Start contacting people early and you'll be less likely to forget anyone.

Mail delivery
Pick up a supply of change of address forms from the post office. Fill them out early; they won't become effective until the date you specify. There are certain people you should contact directly so that important information isn't delayed. They could include:

Employer, Department of Motor Vehicles, Draft Board, Social Security Office, Tax Assessors, Medical Insurer, Magazine Subscriptions

Most publications need six to eight weeks notice. Send them your present address label along with your new address; otherwise, you may have to pay postage for forwarding.

Credit Cards
As you pay your bills, look for the space for change of address. If they're contacted early enough, you won't face late charges or extra interest payments later.

Utilities
Arrange to have your utilities turned off at the end of your moving day—phone, electric, gas and cable. Check to see if you have any deposits owed to you. If you rent phone company equipment, make arrangements for its return.

Deliveries
Fuel oil, newspaper, milk, diapers, bread, and bottled water are some of the items people have delivered. Make sure you cancel them before you leave. Cancel fuel delivery extra early to avoid paying for a supply you may not use.

Services
Cable TV, water softener, lawn care and garbage collection. If you have arranged for any of these privately, cancel them before you leave. If they involve equipment, you may be able to save the charge for a pickup by returning them yourself.

Financial Institutions
Talk to your bank about closing accounts, transferring funds, and obtaining safety deposit box contents and credit information. Make sure to cancel any direct deposit or automatic payment arrangements on accounts you're closing.

School
Telephone your children's schools and find out how they handle record transfers. If your move is during the school year, those records could be vital.

Medical
Telephone your doctor, dentist and any other health care professionals you have visited. Find out if you can take your medical records with you or if they will be transferred directly to your new doctor. At the same time, you may want to renew any existing prescriptions or get referrals to health care providers in the area you're moving to.

Insurance
Let your agent know you're moving. Decide which coverage to keep and which to cancel. Since many homeowners' policies are paid ahead of time, you may be eligible for a refund. Make sure the company has your new address to expedite processing.

Civic/religious/charitable organizations
If you want to continue your involvement with certain groups, let them know where you're moving. They may have information on comparable organizations in your new community.

Pets
Contact your veterinarian concerning your pet's records. Now is also a good time to update vaccinations and discuss any concerns you may have about moving your pet.

Travel arrangements
If you'll be driving to your new home, you may want to make hotel reservations ahead of time. If you will be flying, make reservations early to be sure you get the flight and fares you want. This is especially important if you will be traveling with a pet, since there are often restrictions regarding if or when they can be accommodated. While you're making all your contacts, be sure to collect those things you may have left at friends, neighbors or local stores. Return borrowed items and retrieve ones you've loaned. Take books back to the library. And don't forget about clothes at the cleaner, tailors or on layaway, shoes from the cobbler, or items in storage. It's tough to get things back once you've reached your new home, so do it now.