Moving Checklist

Plan Ahead

q       Decide what to move and what not to move. Go through the entire household and either sell, discard or donate unneeded items.

q       Ask friends to return loaned items.

q       Collect any personal items that are at the dry cleaners, photo shop, and bank safety deposit box, on layaway or in the repair shop.

q       Get estimates from several moving companies or truck rental companies, depending on how you plan to make the move.

q       Plan your travel itinerary and make transportation and lodging reservations in advance. (Leave a copy with a friend or family.)

q       Obtain your children's school records to make for easier school transfer.

q       Measure doorways, hallways and elevators to ensure clearance for moving large furniture out of your old home and into your new apartment.

q       Draw up a floor plan of where your furniture should be placed. This will help to avoid confusion for you and your movers.

q       Record expenses incurred in searching for your new residence and save your moving expense receipts, if the move is employment-related they may be tax deductible.

Change Your Address

q       Notify the Post Office of your forwarding address.

q       Pick up change of address forms from the Post Office and mail to:

q       Charge Accounts

q       Magazine Subscriptions (usually require several weeks notice)

q       Brokerage Firm

q       Doctor(s) / Dentist

q       Health Club

q       Frequent flyer Clubs

q       Mail Order Clubs

q       Credit Cards

q       Employer (present & past)

q       Lawyer(s)

q       Bureau Of Motor Vehicles

q       Alumni/Professional Associations

q       Friends & Relatives

q       Anyone else who sends you mail

Transfer/Close Accounts/Services Etc.

q       Banks

q       Arrange to close or transfer your bank account(s) and funds, if appropriate.

q       Arrange cheque-cashing in new city.

q       Arrange credit references.

q       Insurance

q       Notify Life, Health, Fire & Auto insurer(s) of new location for coverage, or arrange for new policies.

q       Check your homeowner's insurance policy to ascertain if it covers your belongings while they are being moved. If need be purchase moving insurance. Your mover's liability for lost or damaged goods most likely will not equal their replacement cost.

q       Appraise valuable items, such as antiques, art pieces, etc. for the moving insurance.

q       Utility Companies

q       Inform the following service providers of your move:

q       Gas

q       Electricity

q       Water

q       Telephone

q       Fuel

q       Cable TV/Satellite

q       Garbage Collection

q       Get refunds on any deposits made.

q       Request perfect payment records from the utility companies to avoid paying deposits for new services.

q       Delivery Services

Arrange for changeover of services for:

q       Newspaper

q       Laundry

q       Medical, Dental Prescriptions, Histories

q       Ask Doctor(s) and Dentist(s) for referrals.

q       Arrange for transfer of all medical records, vaccinations, X-rays, needed prescriptions including eyeglasses etc.

q       Church, Clubs, Civic Organizations

q       Transfer memberships.

q       Get letters of introduction.

Don’t Forget To:

q       Pay existing bills and close out all local charge accounts.

q       Return all library books and movie rentals.

q       Confirm moving company or truck rental.

q       Confirm any travel plans and reservations.

q       Clean rugs and clothing before moving, and have them moving wrapped.

q       Plan for special needs of infants.

q       Save the phone book from your former city for tying up loose ends or for future correspondence.

q       Pack an arrival kit of necessities in case you arrive before the mover, including: cleaning supplies, bathroom supplies, medical supplies, personal articles, tools, clothes etc.

q       Plan for transporting plants and pets, which latter are poor traveling companions if unhappy.

q       Check with your attorney about your will if moving from another country or province.

q       Have a car serviced for the trip.

On Moving Day:

q       Carry enough cash or travelers checks to cover the cost of moving services and expenses until you make the necessary banking connections in your new city.

q       Carry travelers’ checks for quick available funds.

q       Carry all valuables, jewelry and important documents (birth certificates, passports, deeds etc.) yourself, or use registered mail.

q       Let close friends or relatives know route and schedule you will travel, including overnight stops.

q       Use a friend or relative as a message centre.

q       Double check closets, drawers, shelves etc. to be sure they are empty.

q       Leave all old keys needed by new tenant or owner with landlord or realtor.

q       Make sure moving driver has your new address and telephone number.

At Your New Address:

q       Arrange for service of telephone, gas, electricity, water, cable TV, garbage collection etc.

q       Ask mailman for mail he might be holding for your arrival.

q       Visit city offices and register for voting.

q       If arriving from out of province register your car and apply for driver's license.

q       Register your family in your new place of worship.

q       Register your children in school.

q       Arrange for medical services, such as Doctor, Dentist etc.