Moving Tips

1. Give your forwarding address to the post office, usually two to four
    weeks ahead of the move.
2. Notify your credit card companies, magazine subscriptions, and bank of
    the change of address.
3. Develop a list of friends, relatives, and business colleagues who need to
    be notified of the move.
4. Arrange to have utilities disconnected at your old home and connected at
    your new one.
5. Cancel the newspaper.
6. Check insurance coverage for moved items. Usually movers only cover
    what they pack.
7. Clean out appliances and prepare them for moving, if applicable.
8. Note the weight of the goods you’ll have moved, since long-distance
    moves are usually billed according to weight. Watch for movers that use
    excessive padding to add weight.
9. Check with your condo or co-op about restrictions on using the elevator  
    or particular exits.
10. Have a “first open” box with the things you’ll need most—toilet paper,
     soap, trash bags, scissors, hammer, screwdriver, pencils and paper, cups and plates, water, snacks, and toothpaste.

Plus, if you’re moving out of town:
1. Get copies of medical and dental records and prescriptions for your
    family and your pets.
2. Get copies of children’s school records for transfer.
3. Ask friends for introductions to anyone they know in your new
    neighborhood.
4. Consider special car needs for pets when traveling.
5. Let a friend or relative know your route.
6. Carry traveler’s checks or an ATM card for ready cash until you can open
    a bank account.
7. Empty your safety deposit box.
8. Put plants in boxes with holes for air circulation if you’re moving in cold
    weather.