General Moving Tips

• Organize a travel book to keep important moving-related information.
• Have a garage sale to free yourself of unwanted items. Consider donating what does not get sold.
• Keep a detailed log of moving expenses in your travel book. Some may be tax-deductible.
• Back-up computer files and keep them with your travel book.
• Keep a floor plan of the new house with you for reference while you pack and for moving day.
• Get the most out of your suitcases. Fill them with clothes or other items.
• Create an "Open First" box to open upon arrival. Things to pack in this one are medications, first-aid kit, toiletries, phone books, towels, pet food and supplies, flash lights, light bulbs, garbage bags, and any other necessities for the day of arrival. Pack this box last so it is easy to access.
• Keep tools for assembling beds/furniture with them or in another easily accessible place.
• Pack a special box for children to open upon arrival. Include such things as books, CD player and CD's, stuffed animals, a blanket, photos, etc.
• Set aside and label keys to give to the new homeowners.
• Make sure your moving date is convenient for you. However, it is beneficial to know that moving companies have a peak and off-peak season. Peak season is in the summertime, as well as the beginning and end of each month and the end of the year. Demand for movers and equipment is heavy around that time, so costs may be higher.

One month before moving, you should begin to make arrangements and organize your belongings

• Fill out two change of address forms: One for the IRS and the other for the Post Office
• Reserve a rental truck or make arrangements with a moving company. If necessary, make arrangements with airlines, hotels, car rental agencies, or buses as well.
• Obtain all medical records and x-rays. Ask doctors for referrals in your new area and to transfer any prescriptions. Keep these in your travel book.
• Transfer memberships to clubs, churches, or civic organizations. If memberships need to be canceled, see if fees can be partially refunded.
• Arrange for pet transportation. Check if your destination has any restrictions or requirements.
• If applicable, inquire into laws and regulations regarding home-based businesses, business licenses, professional tests, or any other special business needs you may require
• Make a detailed inventory of your belongings. If you can, take pictures or video tape electronics and valuables. Write down serial numbers of electronics and keep them in your travel book.
• Set up a bank account in your new city.
• Buy minimal groceries and use up what you have. This way there is less to pack and less food will spoil.
• Purchase moving supplies, such as tape, markers, scissors, moving pads, newspaper, plastic storage bins, and a hand truck. For moving clothes, you may want to use a wardrobe box, but free boxes can usually be obtained at supermarkets for most other things to be packed.

Two weeks before moving, begin to finalize arrangements:

• Contact your telephone, gas, cable/satellite, electric, water, and refuse companies to give them a specific date to discontinue service. Also notify lawn service, security, and cleaning services.
• Contact the same utilities in your new town to set up a specific start date.
• Close bank accounts and have funds wired to the new bank. Make sure there are no outstanding checks and that all automatic payments have been processed.
• Collect valuables from safe-deposit box.
• Register children in their new school and have their records transferred.
• Confirm travel arrangements.
• Make arrangements for new homeowner's insurance coverage.
• Pick up any items at the dry cleaners.
• If the move is into a new state, you will need to get new car insurance.
• Arrange for help with the move.
• In case you should need to be reached, give your travel schedule and route to a close friend or relative.
• If you are moving from an apartment, reserve an elevator.
• Have appliances serviced for the move.
• Clean clothing and rugs. Have them wrapped.
• Defrost refrigerator and freezer and place deodorizer inside both.

Moving day could be a hectic day. Here are some ideas to make it go as smoothly as possible:

• Carry travelers checks for easily available funds.
• Keep valuables with you.
• Check the inventory list if using a professional mover. Keep a copy of this list with your travel book. Make sure you go over and agree with the condition of terms.
• Lower the thermostat and turn off the water heater.
• Get the name of the truck driver and provide him with your contact information. Review both parties' directions to the new home.
• Do a final once-over of the whole house, including the attic, garage, yard, closets, and basement.
• Have the final payment and tip for the movers ready.

The big day is over. Now that you have arrived at your new home, it is time to get settled in:

• Check the condition of your items with those on the inventory list and make sure that everything has arrived safely.
• Contact local utility companies and verify start dates.
• Inform the post office that you have arrived.
• Shop around for new insurance policies.
• Create a list of emergency numbers in your new location and put it on your refrigerator.
• Locate hospitals, fire stations, police stations, and a veterinarian nearest your home.
• Renew your auto registration, tags, and driver's license.
• Revise your will and other legal papers. This will keep legal fees lower and probate shorter.
• Mail cards with your new address and phone number to friends and family.
• Mail thank you cards to those who helped you move.
• Change house locks.
• Change batteries in smoke detectors and plan a fire escape route.
• Register to vote.

Moving Pets

If you have any doubt or questions, ask your veterinarian about the best way to move your particular pet. It may be better to have the animal shipped by air depending on its particular size and temperament. Cats and dogs can be moved by car with you. It is very important to remember to bring food and water, a leash, and something to keep your car clean, such as newspaper or sheets. Animals require frequent stops, as they can get car sick. Always keep them in a pet carrier up front with you if possible. Verify ahead of time that the hotel you are staying at will allow pets. If your pet is being shipped by air, make arrangements to have someone there to watch your pet until you arrive. Kennels can provide this service and watch your pet until your move is complete, if need be. If your pet is being flown, you will need to provide certain accommodations to the airlines. These include a health certificate from your veterinarian, a pet container, and tranquilizers (if necessary). You may use your own container if it meets airline regulations or the airline will provide one for you. Your veterinarian can provide tranquilizers that can be given to your pet just as you are going to the airport. It is also helpful to place something with your scent on it into the carrier with your pet, such as a piece of clothing. This can be very comforting to your pet. Smaller animals, such as hamsters and birds, can easily be transported by car with you. Make sure there is plenty of food and water. Cover the cage with a cloth to keep the pet calm. Check with your local pet store for recommendations on moving fish. They can be very risky to move.

Moving Garden Plants

Research the climate and soils of your new home to make sure that your plants will be able to survive their new surroundings. Seeds can be transported safely if stored in an airtight container. Dig up bulbs and transport them during their dormant season. They should be packed in a mixture of vermiculite and loose, dry peat moss. If transporting plants, dig them up and follow instructions for house plant transportation below. Clean and disinfect sprinklers, hoes, and rakes. The blades of lawn mowers, clippers, and shears should be sharpened and then a coating of household or motor oil should be applied to protect parts.

Moving House Plants

Keep plants pruned; consult a florist or plant book if needed. A couple days before you move, place the plant in a black plastic bag with bug powder, a flea collar, or bug strip. Close the bag and leave the plant in a cool area overnight. This will rid it of any pests. To move the plants, place them in cardboard containers with damp newspaper or packing paper to hold them in place. The paper will cushion the leaves. Place a final layer of wet paper above them to keep them moist. Write "DO NOT LOAD" on the boxes so they are not packed into the moving van. When loading them into the car, close the boxes and punch air holes into them. During the drive, when you park the car, park in the shade if it is the summertime and in the sun if it is the wintertime. Once you reach your destination, make unpacking the plants a priority. Unpack from the bottom of the box so as not to damage the stems. Expose them to small amounts of light at first; then gradually acclimate them again to the sun. If you must leave your plants behind and you want to take cuttings, place them in a plastic bag with wet paper towels.