Steps to Moving Your Household

Moving is a major process for anyone, especially for children and pets. Here are a few easy steps to help simplify your move and relieve some stress.

Time to Prepare

  • Call schools and request that your children's records and transcripts be forwarded to the new school in time for their first day.
  • Call medical professionals and ask for referral physician in the area of your new home.
  • Close bank and all other local accounts or have them transferred to your new address.
  • Gather important personal documents in one place for transportation by you.
  • Coordinate your moving date with your employer.
  • Hire professional moving company or arrange for the move yourself.

Organize

  • Start by cleaning out closets, storage areas and the garage.
  • Get boxes, packing materials, and plastic wrap for your furniture from the moving company. If you are moving yourself, truck rental companies can usually supply these items.
  • Start packing. Separating your most fragile items first. Be sure to indicate the contents on each box.
  • Use up all perishable food, especially if your move is to a distant location.

The Details

  • Call utility companies, cable service, water provider and paper delivery services with closing date and final bill address.
  • Determine and set a turn on date for the same services in your new location.
  • Make travel reservations.
  • If you have pets, visit your veterinarian for final check-up, records and traveling tips.
  • Pay final bills.

Moving Day

  • Fill cooler with snacks and refreshments for the day.
  • Leave new forwarding address for the new owners so they can send you any mail you receive at your old address.
  • Empty and clean the refrigerator.
  • Do a final walk-through after all items have been removed to make sure nothing was left behind.
  • Place extra keys, garage door openers and manuals for home appliances on kitchen counter where the new owners will easily locate them.
  • And most important -enjoy your new home!

* Tip: Call your local Better Business Bureau to check on the status of the moving company you chose to hire. They can confirm the reliability and integrity of your moving company.