Moving Tips

One Month before Moving:

  • Gather moving supplies, boxes, tape, rope/string. (Old newspapers are always handy for wrapping breakable goods before boxing)
  • If moving far away, make any necessary travel arrangements like airline, hotel, and rental car reservations.
  • Select a removal company.
  • Finalize real estate and apartment rental needs.
  • Place legal, medical, and insurance records in a safe and accessible place.
  • Give the post office your new mailing address. You can also ask the post office to forward your mail to your address.
  • Give your mailers your new address.
  • Remember to notify all your friends and family of your new address.
  • Banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions must also be notified.
  • Charge card and credit card companies.
  • Doctors, dentists, and other service providers.
  • State and Federal Tax authorities and any other government agencies as needed.
  • 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, electrical, water, cable, telephone services of your move. Remember to sign up for services at your new address!
  • Recruit moving-day help.
  • Confirm travel reservation.
  • Arrange to close or transfer your bank account, if needed.

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.