Moving Tips and Hints

One Month Before Moving

• Start cleaning out early. Sorting and discarding always takes longer than expected.
• Gather moving supplies, boxes, tape, and rope. You can get boxes for no charge at grocery stores or discount stores. Make truck rental reservations if you plan to move yourself, or call a moving company to make arrangements.
• Place legal, medical, and insurance records in a safe and accessible place.
• Provide your new address to:
  
  

  Friends and family members Banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions Charge card and credit card companies Doctors, dentists, and other service providers State and Federal Tax authorities and any other government agencies as needed IRS

• You can fill out a change of address online at www.usps.com.
• Save moving receipts (many moving expenses are tax deductible).
• If moving far away, make any necessary travel arrangements like airline, hotel, and rental car reservations. Or plan your travel route if driving.
• Make maps of your new neighborhood to familiarize yourself and your family with your new area.
• Plan your moving budget. Call your accountant to find out if any moving expenses are tax-deductible.

Two Weeks Before Moving

• Schedule APS Start/Stop Service online.
• Inform gas, water, cable, local and long distance telephone companies, and trash removal services of your move. Sign up for these services at your new address.
• Recruit moving-day help.
• Confirm travel reservations.
• Arrange to close or transfer your bank accounts, if appropriate.

The Day Before Moving

• Set aside moving materials like a tape measure, pocketknife, packing boxes, tape and markers.
• Pick up rental truck.
• Check oil and gas in your car.
• If traveling, make sure you have tickets, charge cards, and other essentials.

During the First Week After Moving

• Locate police and fire stations as well as hospitals and gas stations near your home.
• Call the Department of Sanitation in your new town to find out which day the trash is collected. Also ask whether your new community has recycling programs.
• Seek out new service providers such as a bank, cleaners, and veterinarian.
• Register to vote. Call your local board of elections for specific registration information. Ask them how to notify your previous voting district of your change of address.
• If you have moved into a different state, contact the Department of Motor Vehicle to exchange your driver's license.
• Call your Chamber of Commerce for helpful information on:
  
  

  Schools Cable service Cultural events and community activities Libraries and parks

• Povide your new doctor and dentist with your medical history. You may need to request your file from your previous doctor/dentist.
• Transfer insurance policies to an agent in your new community. You may also wish to make a detailed list of your belongings, their value, and your coverage.
• Moving can be stressful. Watch for effects on family members and pets so you can give comfort and a helping hand.