Moving requires extensive planning, teamwork and understanding. The experience does not have to be traumatic. It can be rewarding and meaningful. Here are some suggestions to help you organize for a smooth move. Read over the following sections to ensure your move is successful!

Plan Ahead- Before you leave your current residence, read over these planning tips.
Prior To Moving- A checklist to ensure you are well prepared to move into your new home.
Survival Checklist- Make sure you have these items handy when you move into your new residence.
On Your Moving Day- A sample task list on your moving day.

Plan Ahead

• Plan your travel itinerary. Make transportation and lodging reservations in advance.
• Send change of address to: - post office (give forwarding address) - Charge accounts and credit cards - subscriptions (change notice requires several weeks) - friends and relatives
• Contact gas, electric and telephone companies in new location to arrange for immediate service.
• Arrange insurance on the new home prior to the transfer of property.
• Arrange for your present bank to establish credit references for new bank accounts.
• Service appliances before moving.
• Clean rugs and have them wrapped.
• Discontinue deliveries, electricity, water, gas, newspapers and garbage collection, etc.
• Obtain copies or transfer your children's school records.
• Obtain records from doctors and dentists, including eyeglass prescriptions, dental X-rays and vaccinations.
• Cancel club memberships.
• Transfer car title registration, if necessary, as well as driver's license, city windshield sticker and motor club membership.
• Pay existing bills and cancel local charge accounts.
• Check on personal items that may be at the photo shop, bank safe deposit box, neighbor's house, on lay-a-way or in the repair shop (i.e. shoes, jewelry, small appliances or clothing).
• Arrange for transporting pets and obtain immunization records from the vet.
• Return all library books and anything borrowed from friends.
• Notify the religious leader of your church or synagogue.
• Carry traveler's checks for quick, available funds.
• Plan for special care and needs of infants.
• Arrange for transporting plants.
• Service the car for the trip.
• Disconnect the telephone.
• Review moving plans with your moving company representative including insurance for packing and unpacking, arrival date, payment agreement, shipping papers, etc.

Prior to Leaving

Address Change
Be sure to give your address to:

• Post office
• Charge accounts, credit cards
• Subscriptions
• Relatives and friends

Insurance
Notify your company of new location; life, auto, health, fire

Bank
Arrange for check cashing in new city; transfer accounts

Utility test Companies

• Get any refunds or deposits
• Arrange for final readings: gas, water, telephone, etc.

Church, Civic Organizations
Transfer memberships, get introductory letters

Schools
Arrange for copies of school records 

Medical, Dental, Prescription Histories

• Ask for referrals, transfer prescriptions, eyeglasses, x-rays, etc.
• Obtain medical records from the health care professionals

Pets
Get information on tags, licenses, etc.

At Home

• Clean out freezer
• Defrost freezer and refrigerator (use charcoal to absorb odor)
• Service appliances for moving
• Make arrangements for cable TV Clean clothing and rugs; have them moving-wrapped
• Plan with your mover: insurance coverage, packing and unpacking labor, arrival day, shipping papers, time and method of expected payment

On Moving Day

• Clearly mark boxes you will need immediately
• Carry ample cash or traveler's checks to cover expenses until new account is set up
• Transport jewelry, documents and other valuables yourself or use registered mail
• Plan for pet's travel and arrival at new area
• For emergency reasons, alert a close friend or relative of the route and schedule you will travel
• Re-check closets, drawers, etc. to make sure they are empty
• Leave keys and transmitters for new owners

Once You're At Your New Home

• Get certified check or cashiers check for closing
• Check on utility services
• Have new address recorded on driver's license
• Register children in school
• Arrange for medical services

Survival Checklist

Here are items you may need immediately upon arriving at your new home.

Cleaning:

• Soap powder
• Kitchen cleanser
• Dish towels
• Paper towels
• Dish cloth
• Steel wool pads
• Sponge
• Window cleaner
• Scrub brush
• Mop
• Broom
• Clean and air out your stove.
• Defrost refrigerator and freezer 24 hours before leaving.
• Place charcoal or baking soda inside refrigerator and freezer to dispel odors.
• Dispose of all open cans and jars which cannot be tightly sealed.
• Remember to pack your telephone directory for future reference.

Kitchen:

• Paper plates, cups, napkins
• Plastic knives, forks, spoons
• Plastic pitcher for drinks
• Small saucepan
• Serving spoons
• Tea kettle

Bathroom:

• Facial tissue
• Toilet tissue
• Bath towel
• Shower curtain
• Face cloth
• Bath soap
• First aid kit
• Aspirin
• Prescription medicine

Miscellaneous:

• Light bulbs
• Flashlight
• Hammer, screwdriver, pliers
• Aluminum foil
• Shelf paper
• Trash bags
• Twine
• Newspaper

Children:

• Coloring books and crayons
• Favorite toys
• Reading materials
• Puzzles
• Small surprise gift

Snacks:

• Easy-open cans of pudding
• Sandwich spreads
• Jars of cheese
• Packages of crackers
• Instant creamer, sugar, salt
• Dry soup mix
• Boxes of dry cereal, raisins
• Instant coffee, tea, chocolate
• Fresh fruit

On Your Moving Day

• Leave a copy of your travel itinerary with a friend or relative.
• Carry all currency, jewelry and personal papers (birth certificates, deeds and documents).
• Double check closets, drawers and shelves to be sure they are empty.
• Confirm hotel reservations.
• Leave all old keys needed by the tenant or owner with your sales associate.