MOVING CHECKLIST
What to do before you move...
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Two months before moving |
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Sort through your belongings to reduce the number of things to move. |
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Have a garage sale or donate items you no longer need. |
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Decide whether to move yourself or hire professionals. Make reservations with a moving company or truck rental company. Tip: Call three companies for estimates to compare. |
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Gather packing supplies: boxes, packing material, tape, felt markers and scissors. |
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If you're moving a long distance, make travel arrangements with the airline, hotel and rental car agency. If you're driving to your new home, get maps and plan your travel route. |
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Save all moving receipts. Some moving expenses are tax deductible. Check the current tax code for requirements. |
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Place your legal, medical, financial and insurance records in a safe and accessible place. |
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Purchase insurance coverage for valuables to be moved. |
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One month before moving |
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Start packing items that aren't regularly used, such as off-season clothes and decorations and items in storage areas (garage, attic and closets). |
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Make travel arrangements for your pets. |
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If you're driving, have your car tuned up. |
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Get medical records from your doctors, dentist, optometrist and veterinarian. |
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Send items (rugs, drapes, clothing, quilts, bedding) to the cleaners. |
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Back up important computer files to floppy disk. |
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Two weeks before moving |
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Contact your utility companies and notify them of your move. |
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Sign up for services at your new address. |
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Contact your long distance phone company and notify them of your move. |
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Call friends and family and recruit help for the moving day. |
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Confirm your travel reservations. |
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Arrange to close or transfer your bank account, if appropriate. Pick up items in your safety deposit box. |
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One week before moving |
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Pick up items from the cleaners, repair shops or friends. |
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Pack a survival kit of clothes, medicines, special foods, etc. to carry you through the day while you unpack. |
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Finish packing all boxes except what you'll need in the final week. |
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Inform the post office of your upcoming move. |
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Send change-of-address cards with your new address and phone number to: |
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Friends and family |
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Banks, insurance companies, credit card companies and other financial institutions |
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Magazines and newspapers |
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Doctors, lawyers, accountants, agents and other service providers |
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State and federal tax authorities and any other government agencies, as needed |
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Workplace, schools and alma maters |
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The day before |
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Set aside moving materials, such as tape measure, pocketknife and rope. |
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Pad corners and stairways of house. |
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Lay down old sheets in the entry and hallways to protect floor coverings. |
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Remove hanging fixtures. |
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If you are moving yourself, pick up the rental truck and a dolly to move heavy boxes. |
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If you are driving, check oil, tire pressure and gas in your car. |
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If you are flying, make sure you have tickets, charge cards and other essentials. |
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Moving Day |
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Carry with you: |
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The keys to your new home. |
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A map of your new town and directions to your home. |
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The telephone number of the moving company. |
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Cash or traveler's checks. |
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Documentation related to the sale of your home. |
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Your insurance policies and agent's phone number. |
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Your current address book or personal planner. |
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Prescription and non-prescription medicines. |
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Enough clothing to get by if the movers are late. |
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The telephone number of the moving company. |
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Cash or traveler's checks. |
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Any items of great personal value to you that are virtually irreplaceable. |
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Back-up copies of important computer files. |
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Sheets, towels and personal hygiene items for the first night in your new home. |
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Arrival Day |
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Show movers where to place furniture and boxes. |
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Check inventory to ensure that everything was delivered before signing delivery papers. Note any damages on the inventory sheet. |
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Unpack any valuable items, such as silver, art and jewelry, upon arrival. |
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Tom Kile
3440 Bell, Suite 100
Amarillo, TX 79109
Direct: (806) 678-1031
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