8 Weeks Pre-Move Check on Your Credit (Free Report) Moving is a good time to learn where you stand financially. Why not take advantage of our free credit report before you begin to plan your move. Figure out Move Method Time to think about how you're going to move. Are you doing it yourself? Or hiring a professional? Start familiarizing yourself with options and your budget. Use our free budget guidelines to help you in determining your move style. Research your New Community Start learning about your new community by surfing the web. You'll find access to everything from neighborhood maps to restaurant guides. And check out our city profile reports for free. Find a Roommate Need a roommate? Don't make one of your most important considerations wait until the last moment. Visit my Roommate Center for all of your roommate matching needs. Whether you're looking to rent out a room or move in with someone new, you'll find helpful articles and great resources to help make the transition easier. 7 Weeks Pre-Move Packing Materials Start organizing your possessions. Throw out all frayed towels and sheets that have gone gray. Rule of thumb: If Mom would faint at the condition of your bed and bath linens - feed them to the incinerator (or better yet, use them to wrap delicate items on your move day). Travel Arrangements If you are traveling a long distance during your move, make airline, car and hotel reservations. Pay close attention to flight schedules because you want to arrive at least six hours before your movers arrive. Research Storage Facilities Too much stuff for your new place? Consider a storage facility which you can search for using the free Storage Center. Start your research by comparing pricing and security levels. If you need frequent access to your possessions, be sure the facility can accommodate you. Shurgard, Inc. 6 Weeks Pre-Move Food and Cleaning Supplies Finish up or pack the remaining food in the pantry and freezer. Use cleaning supplies you have on hand and avoid shopping for household items. Health Insurance Call your health insurance provider to ensure that you'll still have medical coverage in your new town. If you have coverage, transfer the policy to your new address. Notify Doctor and Dentist Contact your doctor and dentist and inform them of your move. If you haven't selected a new doctor in your new town, request referrals from your current doctor. Once you have made your selection, arrange to have your medical records transferred. Note that most physicians require you to submit a signed letter before receiving records. Tax-deductible Moving Expenses Did you know that moving expenses are often tax deductible? You may be eligible to deduct transportation, travel, and lodging expenses for job-related moves. Begin to keep records of all move-related expenses and documents. Time to Appraise Valuables It’s time to have your valuables appraised if you plan on insuring them before your move. Traveling Overseas If you are traveling overseas, check local quarantine laws. You'll want to be prepared in advance of your move. Research international moves in International Moves pages. Update all Memberships Are you a member of a community organization or club? Now is the time to formally resign or transfer your membership. You may also want to nominate a replacement if you hold a position on the board. Assess the Accessibility of Your Home If you live in a remote location, on a hill, or have a steep driveway that may not accommodate a large moving truck, be sure to discuss this with the moving company when requesting a personalized price quote. Additional charges may apply if a smaller "shuttle" truck is needed to complete the delivery of your goods. 5 Weeks Pre-Move Get Homeowners Insurance When you purchased your new home, you most likely bought homeowners insurance as well. This doesn't mean that you're stuck with the same insurance provider for years. Be price conscious and shop around for the best rates. Get Renters Insurance Moving is a good time to consider renters insurance, so contact your insurance provider and request a price quote for your new home. In order to find a good rate, it's a wise idea to solicit quotes from several providers. You can also use the Yellow Pages to check on insurance companies. New Blinds and Decorating Think about decorating your new place. Will you need blinds? Also, if possible, take measurements of all the rooms in your new home and decide where you will place furniture. Remember, new furniture can take over six weeks for delivery, so place your order well in advance. Check out Yellow Pages to find stores near you. Order Long-Distance for Free It's not too early to think about ordering long-distance phone service for your new home. Use my free utility center to get turned on in advance of your move. Now is the perfect time to switch your plan and get free minutes! Order New Mailing Labels Order mailing address labels and stationery for your new home. You might want to consider ordering new bank checks as well. Packing Supplies It is time to purchase packing materials. This includes boxes, tape and padding. Some newer boxes created specifically for moving do not require tape. They are easy to use and sturdy. Plan Side Trips If you're driving to your new home and have some extra time, make a mini-vacation out of your trip. Plan to visit historical sites and national parks along the route. Tag Sale or Donate Possessions Start cleaning out your closets and bookcases. Donate or sell any clothing you have not worn in over two years. Sort through books and donate them to your local library or school, or sell to a used-book store. If you have a lot of good stuff and could use some extra cash, get planning on a tag sale. Yard Sale What a better way to get rid of old and tired possessions than a yard sale! Hold one in your neighborhood or exercise your technical know-how and hold a yard sale online. Take Advantage of your Empty Home Obtain a copy of your new floor plan, or create your own. Then start to plan where your furniture and possessions will live. Measure the rooms, doorways, and stairways to avoid surprises. And seize the opportunity to clean all the walls, floors, windows, cabinets and closets, while your home is still empty. Get 10% off Carpet Cleaning – Sears Carpet & Upholstery Care 4 Weeks Pre-Move Arrange for a Tune-Up If you're driving a long distance to your new home, give your car a tune-up beforehand. If you've been putting off a new tire purchase, now is the time to do it! Click Here to find your local Midas shop. GO Midas! Don't forget to Change Your Address (for free) Complete my Free change-of-address form. I'll notify the U. S. Post Office, organizations, magazines, catalogs and other mail senders of your new address - for FREE! Pack Seasonals and Unnecessary Items Pack all items that you will not need during the month prior to your move. This includes winter/summer clothing, sports equipment, books and linens. Pest-Proof your New Home Make sure your new home is pest-free before you move in! Ask the current residents if they've experienced pest problems, or talk with your soon-to-be neighbors about unwelcome intruders. You can also arrange for a visit by a local exterminator with me, or find pest-control products at your local hardware store. Arrange for Moving Help Friends can sometimes be scarce on moving day, so if they've mysteriously gone AWOL, you should consider hiring a professional or calling the local college for help. Need Temporary Housing? Temporary housing can bridge the gap between arrival in a new community and finding a permanent residence. Use my Temporary Housing Center to research your options. From short-term hotels to longer-term rental options, our free resources will help you find an appropriate residence within your budget guidelines. 3 Weeks Pre-Move Check on Plants and Arrange for Transportation Find new homes for plants; they may not do well in transit, especially on a long trip. Keep in mind that professional movers usually will not transport plants. Get Internet Service in Advance Make sure you have Internet service in your new home. Use my free Utility Center to get turned on in advance of your move. Make sure you're set with Prescriptions Call your pharmacist and get a recommendation for a pharmacy in your new town. Transfer your prescriptions to the new pharmacy. If you are at all worried about having access to required medication after your move, ask your doctor for an extra prescription. Pay unpaid Tickets and Taxes Call your local/state government to clear-up any unpaid taxes or parking tickets. Unpaid fees will undoubtedly find their way to your new house (and may even delay license renewal). Pest Control Make sure your new home is pest-free before you move in! Ask the current residents if they've experienced pest problems, or talk with your soon-to-be neighbors about unwelcome intruders. You can also arrange for a visit by a local exterminator or find pest-control products at your local hardware store. Set-up Utilities Contact utility companies and sign up for new service. Visit my free Utility Center to get turned on in advance. Service should begin the day BEFORE you move. These days you can even connect service on the Internet. Social Security Currently receiving Social Security Benefits? Change your address with the Social Security Administration (800) 325-0778. Be sure to have your Social Security Number handy when you call. Time for a New Mattress? It's time to start thinking about your mattress. How old is it? Lumpy? And if you've had it for some time, there's a chance that you could be sleeping with some uninvited micro-organisms. Visit the Yellow Pages for a mattress store near you. 2 Weeks Pre-Move You Can Take it With You A good rule of thumb: You can take appliances such as refrigerators, washers, dryers and microwaves with you. Custom-made appliances or cabinetry should be left behind. Drain Gas, Oil Etc. Remember to drain gasoline and oil from your lawnmower and other machinery. Get a new Bank Account Time to open a bank account in your new community. Note: Do not close your existing bank account until all outstanding checks have cleared. Inspect New Home Before moving day, try to visit your new home with your new landlord. You'll want to check for damages left by the previous tenants. You'll also want to arrange a time to pick up keys and have the home cleaned. List Light Fixtures to go with You Can you take your favorite light fixtures with you? No - and the chimney has to remain behind as well. But although light fixtures are expected to remain where they are, certain precious possessions such as your chandelier shouldn't stay unless the new owners requested the item as part of the sale. Maps Online Need some maps of your new community? Need to know the quickest route to your new home? Check out some of the many free map sites on the Internet. These sites are helpful and usually free. Packing Boxes When packing for the big day, don't forget to clearly label each box with the room in which they belong. This will help the move quicker and settling in that much easier. Quick List of Contractors Keep the Karma going: As a gesture to the people moving into your current home, leave names and numbers of all contractors, electricians, carpenters and plumbers who did work on your home in the past. The new owners will cherish the recommendations. Return Borrowed Items Return all library books, videos and any other borrowed or rented items. Throw out Wastes Dispose your household hazardous waste (cleaning fluids, lighter fluid, aerosols) before you move. Contact your Town Hall or Public Works department for the nearest location of hazardous waste disposal. You can also call 1-800-CLEANUP. Warranties Help out the people moving into your current home by leaving them a stack of warranties, instruction manuals, and receipts for appliances and electrical devices remaining in the home after you move. 1 Week Pre-Move Dry Cleaners Nobody wants to find out that their favorite shirt is back at the old dry cleaners, so remember to pick up all of your clothes before you move.. Make sure to Inspect New Home Before closing day, try to do a walk-through of your new home with your Real Estate Agent. You'll want to check for damages left by the previous owners. And you'll also want to make sure that the home is clean and empty. AmeriSpec Landlord Information Write down the name, address, and phone number of your current landlord/building manager for future reference. Most job and housing applications require this information at some point. Make Sure to ask for Appliance Manuals Don't forget to ask the previous tenant for any warranties and instruction manuals for appliances that will remain in your new home. Newspaper Subscription Don't forget to subscribe to the local newspaper(s) in your new community. Notify Friends Be creative when notifying friends and family of your move. Choose from a variety of Fun, Free and Funny Moving Greeting Cards. Pack Kitchenware Get a good start by packing up all of your possessions that won't be needed during the week of your move. This includes clothing, books, kitchenware and that favorite old t-shirt you've been saving "in case we decide to paint the living room." Trash Removal Make arrangements for final trash and recycling pickup. If you're leaving before the next pick-up date, ask neighbors if you can leave trash with them. You might also be able to drop off trash at the local dump. Week of Move Don't forget to mow lawn As an added gesture to the new tenants, mow your lawn before you leave. The new owners will be grateful. Inspect Old Home With Landlord Do a final inspection with your current landlord before you move out. Be sure to discuss any damages that may be deducted from your security deposit. If there is a dispute, remember that it's better to negotiate in person rather than over the phone. Check Under - and Above the Rug Review your new floor plan prior to moving in, because you may need a carpet cleaning. Two understandably overlooked areas can be floor and carpet sections once hidden by couches, beds etc., so be sure to assess your cleaning needs prior to your furniture delivery. And after your carpets and flooring are clean, tape your room titles to door frames to assist the movers with "what goes where." Get 10% off Carpet Cleaning – Sears Carpet & Upholstery Care Make Sure to Clean Appliances Before filling your new fridge with fresh food, be sure to empty, defrost and clean it. Make Sure to Clean the House Even if you're not personally a germophobe, take note of the Golden Rule of Moving: Leave your old home as clean as you would like to find your new one. Merry Maids Move Day Etiquette On moving day, be considerate of neighbors. Don't block driveways/sidewalks and don't leave trash or unwanted furniture behind. Mover Snacks The process of moving makes most mortals sweat profusely, so have plenty of snacks and refreshments available for everyone involved in your move. Even if you're paying for hired help, treat them as you would a helpful friend because the odds are good that they haven't dreamed about this day for as long as you have - and probably not at all. Pack Moving Day Items Prepare a special box marked "Move Day." In it, have the following: a telephone, light bulbs, tool kit, scissors, flashlight, large trash bags, paper towels, toilet paper, aspirin and fresh bed linens. Packing Materials Onhand Be sure to have tape, twine, padding and spare boxes available on moving day. It's also advisable to have a basic tool kit handy to disassemble bulky items. Make Your First Night Enjoyable You'll probably be tired from the move and will want to watch some TV with a hot pizza, so don't forget to turn on your Cable or Satellite for free in my Utilities Center. You can do this right now and check it off of your to-do list - and don't forget that you can also turn on and off your local, long distance, gas and electric as well. 1 Week Post-Move Call Landlord about Fireplace Usage Before using your fireplace, speak with your landlord to ensure that fire's are allowed in your building. A working fireplace doesn't always mean that you're allowed to use it. Consider cleaning it before use and if you need a sweeper, use the Yellow Pages to locate one in your area. Check on Return of Security Deposit Have you received your security deposit back from your landlord yet? If not, it might be smart to make a call to your landlord to ensure its arrival at your new address. Check on/Buy Smoke Alarm, Fire Extinguisher etc. Locate the police station, fire station and nearest hospital. Install a new smoke alarm, fire extinguisher and carbon monoxide monitor. Use the Yellow Pages to search for a hardware store in your area. You should also map out a safe escape route in case of fire. Paint Closets A fun first project for your new home is painting your closets. Give each closet a fresh coat of paint before settling in for good. Another quick-fix project is painting or wallpapering the bathroom. Window Fixtures One of the quickest ways to spruce up a new home is with window fixtures. Swing by your favorite decorating store and pick up some blinds and/or curtains. Explore Your New Neighborhood It's never too early to start exploring the new neighborhood. Assuming your car survived the move (if not, check out my Auto Center), invite the family for a tour of local landmarks. As you drive around town, jot down the location of parks, schools, museums and libraries. And shake off that post-move stress by locating the nearest convenience and hardware stores, video dealer, pharmacy and supermarket. 2 Weeks Post-Move Check on New Fireplace Cleaning Before using your fireplace, call a professional to do a thorough cleaning of the chimney. This is money well spent (and you can search the Yellow Pages for a sweeper in your area.) New Keys and Home Security You should have received all sets of keys to your new home. If you have any doubts, change the lock on the outside door. You can also install a second lock, such as a dead-bolt, if it makes you feel more secure. Brinks Home Security Recycling Make an effort to recycle in your new home! Call the local sanitation department for information about recycling in your community. Tax Forms Don't delay next year's tax forms. Call the Internal Revenue Service to change your address (800)829-3676. Ask for form 8822. You can also visit the IRS online at www.irs.gov. H&R BLOCK will take the stress out of this tax season. Use free tools,advice, forms or locate a tax advisor! Update Driver's License Visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and UPDATE your driver's license/ID. Many cities require proof of residence, so make sure that you have appropriate documents available. Voter Registration Visit or call your local town hall about changing your voter registration.