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All Relocation Articles | Relocation Considerations | Top Ten Relocation Headaches | Relocation Issues for Kids | Home Buyer Checklist | Select A Relo Professional | Planning the Move | After the Move

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Planning the Move

One Month Before Moving

• Obtain an IRS Change of Address form, call 1-800-829-1040.
• Gather moving supplies, boxes, tape, rope.
• If moving far away, make any necessary travel arrangements like airline, hotel, and rental car reservations, or plan your travel route if driving.
• Call a moving company or make truck rental reservations to move yourself.
• Finalize real estate and apartment rental needs.
• Place legal, medical, and insurance records in a safe and accessible place.
• Give your mailers your new address (using Address Change Notification Cards):
  • 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
• Save moving receipts (many moving expenses are tax deductible).
• Make maps of your new neighborhood to familiarize yourself and your family with your new area.
• Plan your moving budget

Two Weeks Before Moving

• Inform gas, electric, water, cable, local telephone and trash removal services of your move. Sign up for services at your new address.
• Get new cable service for your new home.
• Inform long distance phone company of your move. Sign up for long distance service at your new address.
• Recruit moving-day help.
• Confirm travel reservation.
• Arrange to close or transfer your bank account, if appropriate.

The Day Before Moving

• Set aside moving materials like a tape measure, pocket knife, 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.

Packing Tips

• Keep the following supplies and accessories on hand:
  • Boxes, all sizes
  • Bubble wrap or other cushioning material
  • Marking pens
  • Tape measure
  • Furniture pads or old blankets
  • Packing tape and scissors
  • Money and credit cards
• Label each box with the room in the new home to which it should be delivered.
• Number the boxes and keep a list of what is in each box.
• Clearly mark fragile items.
• Pack a bag of personal items you'll need during the move (change of clothes, toiletries, medicine, maps, food, and drinks). Keep it in an easy-to-find place when you pack.
• Keep a medical kit accessible.
• If you have children, pack a bag of games and activities for the trip.