Moving Checklist: 4 – 5 Weeks

Transfer utility service and establish new utility accounts. Find checklist here.

Find new medical professionals BEFORE you move – ask your health insurance agent for help.

Transfer prescriptions to a pharmacy near your new home.

Notify the U.S. Postal Service of your change of address either online or nearby Post Office.

Notify friends, family with change of address.

Handle change of address with governmental agencies: DMV, Social Security Administration, Veteran Affairs, Voter Registration, etc.

Contact your insurance agent(s) to let them know of pending address change for health, dental, vision, rental, property, fire, car, life and other insurances. Request a quote for rates in your new location and if you are moving out of state, do not assume that your various insurance policies will transfer to the new state. Check with your insurance agent and make certain that your insurance company actually underwrites in your new location.

Notify your bank, credit union, lenders, creditors and other financial institutions of your pending address change.

Licensing notify any certification boards related to your profession.

If you are leasing a car, recreational vehicle or equipment let the companies know that you will be moving and handle anything that is needed around that.

If you have a car, motorcycle, recreational vehicle, boat, etc. remember to make arrangements for transport. Talk with your mover to see what they can move and who they can recommend if they cannot move it for you.

If moving via employer, verify what expenses/responsibilities are theirs and yours.

Contact IRS and/or your accountant for information on tax-deductible moving expenses.

See which moving expenses are tax deductible. Complete this 9-minute online form.

The IRS Change of Address form (FORM 8822) can be found here.

If you have children, make sure you have the paperwork required by the new school or day care.

Sort through collections of books, magazines, music and media. This is the time to edit your collection and pass along or sell any that no longer make the grade.

Get updated appraisals on any antiques, jewelry and art of value.

Make plans to properly dispose of explosive, flammable, combustible items and hazardous items that are not allowed on a moving truck. Learn more here: 10 Things Your Should Not Move or Store

Start planning to move your appliances. If you are moving your refrigerator or electronics that have temperature restrictions and need of special packaging, start now so you know what it will take to care for these items properly.

Start a checklist of your most irreplaceable items – the things you want keep in your possession and carry with you when you move to your new home. Consider things like photos, valuables, jewelry, checks, cash, financial documents, passports, personal papers, bank records, medical documents, personal electronic devices (laptops, tablets, or cell phones), car and house keys. Begin to place these items in one spot so they are easy to find when it comes time to gather them on moving day.

Start making your “Open First Box” aka the “Last On–First Off” box.