The Park at Copper Trail Moving Checklist

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Moving can be stressful. This checklist will help you remember important moving dates and deadlines to make your move as stress-free as possible.

Target Moving Date

Please enter your target moving date:
Month:		Day:		Year:

8 weeks before your move Date:

	Create a "Move File" to keep all receipts, estimates, documents, names of contacts, and other important information related to your move.
	Setup budget for moving expenses and start collecting estimates.
	Check with the IRS to see if you are eligible to deduct moving expenses from your next tax return at http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc455.html
	Notify the IRS to ensure that you receive any refunds or correspondence. While the IRS uses the Postal Service’s change of address files to update taxpayer addresses, notifying the IRS directly is still a good idea. Download an IRS Change of Address form (Form 8822).
	Investigate moving options. Check rates and availability. Get price quotes. If it's a company move, check with your employer to find out what moving expenses they cover. Don't forget to check the limits of insurance they offer, and if it covers replacement costs. Purchase additional insurance if necessary.
	Arrange for a storage facility if needed. Again, arrange for insurance.
	Arrange transportation of animals, plants, or automobiles, if needed.
	If moving far away, make necessary travel arrangements like airline, hotel, and rental car reservations.
	Start researching your new community. The Internet is a great resource for finding online chambers-of-commerce and community guides. Click here for The International Chamber of Commerce & City-State-Province Directory.
	Read up on moving tips and topics at on our home page.
	Start working your way through each room deciding what to discard.
	Set date and begin to organize garage sale or contact local charities who pick up and can reuse those items you plan to discard. Be sure to keep your receipts for any donations.

7 weeks before your move Date:

	Contact your insurance companies (property, medical, auto) to notify them of the move. Ask about coverage during the move and arrange insurance for your new home.
	Start pulling together medical and dental records - including prescriptions and shot records. Ask your existing doctors if they can refer you to a care provider in you are moving to a new city.
	Arrange to transfer your children's school records to new school district and/or daycare
	Contact health clubs and other organizations you have joined. Ask how to end, sell or transfer your memberships.
	Plan to use up or give away items that can't be shipped such as fresh or frozen food, bleach, and aerosol cleaners.
	Contact your bank and arrange transfer of your accounts; order checks with new address; clean out your safety deposit box.
	Organize all important documents in a fire-safe box. Some things your may want to include are school records, home purchase/sale papers, will, marriage/divorce papers, shot records, pet documents, financial records, stock certificates, social security cards, birth certificates and passports.
	Make a list of friends, relatives, and businesses who need to be notified of your move.
	Start collecting boxes and other packing supplies. Look at this Moving Box Calculator!

6 weeks before your move Date:

	Finalize arrangements with the van line or truck rental company you will use.
	Discuss schedules with real estate professionals and/or landlords.
	Make sure any of your professional licenses are valid in your new area.
	If you have pets, schedule a checkup for them. Get a copy of their records from the veterinarian.
	Make a list of things that are valuable or difficult to replace. Plan to ship these items by certified mail or carry them with you.

5 weeks before your move Date:

	File Change of Address. This is something your can do online. If you have any questions, check out the USPS Frequently Asked Questions about changing your address.
	Start pinpointing a "drop date" for your moving trailer. This is the day your receive your trailer and have it left for loading.
	Plan ahead for parking the trailer. If it is a large commercial trailer you'll need to allow for the amount of time it's there. Contact your property manager or local authorities to ensure you will be complying with any rules or restrictions.
	Don't forget to let your neighbors know when the trailer will be arriving, as well.

4 weeks before your move Date:

	Schedule disconnect, transfer, or connect dates with your utility companies, including phone, cable, and satellite providers. Plan on keeping current services through your move date and having new ones available prior to your move-in date.
	Cancel newspaper courier, lawn service, and trash pickup effective on your move date.
	Switch existing magazine subscriptions to new address.
	Have your vehicle(s) serviced.

3 weeks before your move Date:

	Make sure all library books have been returned and that all drycleaning items, and items out for repair have been returned.
	Decide if you will keep your plants or give them away. Remember plants cannot be loaded with your other household goods.
	Dispose of flammables, corrosives, and poisons.
	Confirm movers, truck rental reservations
	Start packing items you don't use very often.
	Plan ahead for special needs of children. Reserve babysitter for moving day, if necessary.

2 weeks before your move Date:

	If you are closing your existing checking account by your move-out day: Stop writing checks to that account. Confirm automatic withdrawals and deposits will cease by that date. Begin writing checks on your new account. Transfer your automatic withdrawals and deposits to your new checking account.
	If you are moving yourself, assemble packing materials - boxes, tape, labels, markers, stuffing, etc.
	Recruit some able-bodied friends to help if you aren't hiring professionals.
	Pack any important papers, records, and other valuables in a secure, clearly labeled package for easy retrieval. If mailing them to a new location, make copies beforehand, and use registered mail.
	Pick up any prescriptions or special medicines you or your family will need during the move, or arrange to transfer prescriptions to a new pharmacy.
	Arrange for carpet and drapery cleaning at your current address.
	Take inventory of your belongings before they are packed. You'll need this on moving day and in case you need to make an insurance claim. If possible, take pictures or walk through and videotape your home. Record serial numbers of electronic equipment.
	Start serious packing. Label all of your boxes. Especially, make sure you mark those boxes that contain items that you want to open first.
	If you have a lawnmower or any other power equipment, drain them of oil and gasoline. Moving companies will not move them if they are full.

1 week before your move Date:

	Gather and clean outdoor furniture.
	Schedule a carpet cleaning at your new address before your movers start bringing in furniture.
	Close out safe deposit box
	Confirm travel arrangements
	Confirm connect dates for utilities and telephone service in your new home.
	Retrieve items from your safety deposit box, if not already done.
	Get travelers checks for quick, available funds on long moves.
	Pack a suitcase of clothes for move.
	Set aside items you will keep with you and not in the moving van: cash, medicine, jewelry, vital files, tickets, etc.
	Return cable box, cable modem, DSL modem, if necessary.
	Confirm arrival time of movers/pick-up time of rental truck.

1-2 days before your move

	Empty, defrost, and clean your refrigerator and freezer at least 24 hours before moving day. Clean and prepare all appliances for loading.
	Pack a suitcase of clothes for move.
	Prepare specific directions to your new home for your drivers, including your travel itinerary and emergency numbers.
	If the home is going to be vacant when you leave, notify your insurance agent and police department that the home will be empty.
	Give a close friend or relative your travel route and schedule so you may be reached if needed.
	Have payment and snacks ready for movers
	Prepare food for moving day.

Moving Day Date:

	Remove bedding and towels. Pack in box that will be opened first.
	Disassemble beds
	Give movers a tour of the house when they arrive. Review details and verify delivery plans.
	Spend the entire day at home with the movers. You are ultimately responsible for how your goods are packed and loaded. Personally supervise.
	Load your goods in a pre-designated order, saving the "last load" for the rear of your shipment. This might include your vacuum cleaner or sheets.
	Set aside for special handling any valuables or family heirlooms (you may want to transport these yourself).
	Specify a "Do Not Move" area where you will place items that you do not want the movers to handle.
	Before the movers leave, take a final tour of your home checking cabinets, drawers, closets, the attic, the basement, outside storage areas, etc., to make sure nothing is left behind.
	Lock or secure all doors and windows.

After Your Move (1-30 days after move)

	Plan to be in your new home when the moving van arrives. Be prepared to pay the mover.
	Check moving inventory sheets while the movers are unloading to make sure all items are present.
	Direct movers where to place items.
	Make sure new utilities have been turned on.
	Obtain all numbers needed in emergencies, such as your doctor, the fire department, police, or ambulance.
	Introduce yourself to at least one new neighbor and get their name and phone number.
	Check with the post office to see if any mail is being held for you.
	Register and/or obtain appropriate licenses for you, your vehicles, and pets
	Register to vote.
	Check schedules for enrolling your children in school.
	Setup new safe deposit box.
	Go through your home and check all pipes and faucets. If necessary contact a professional to fix any problems.
	If needed, get a maintenance check on your heating and cooling systems.
	If you hook up your appliances, and they're not working right, have them serviced by a professional in your new area.
	Enjoy your new home!